Stuck in Restart Loop

[dreaded89]

Hi All,

So, my computer is stuck in a restart loop. every now and then I see a screen with option to start windows normally or safe mode, but it loops faster then I can hit enter.

being a comp guy and knowing enough about comps, tried to load Windows 7 install disk as well as Ubuntu Live Disk.. No luck, loops before they can load.

Tried disconnecting everything except CPU, Graphic Card, HDD(3 different), and RAM (1 and all sticks).. No luck there either.

Any thoughts on cause of this. fyi. my first inclination was MOBO was fried; so since it was under warranty, I was able to RMA it and get it repaired, but that did not help.

Comp Specs:
Win 7 Ultimate x64
Nvidia GTX480
G.Skill RAM: F3-12800CL6T-6GBPI
Core i7
MOBO: Asus Rampage 3 extreme.

btw, I have rset bios 100s of time and no luck there either...
Let met know if more info is needed.

 

[marsmimar]

Hello dreaded and welcome to Seven Forums. Sorry to hear you're having these issues.

See if this tutorial will help.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/139576-startup-repair-infinite-loop-recovery.html

I have to repeat the warning containing in the tutorial:

   Warning

The instructions presented withing this tutorial must be followed correctly, or you can damage your Windows 7 installation even further. This tutorial is designed to help recover from a bad registry that is causing the startup repair loop. You should note that there may still be some issues remaining that cannot be fixed by manually restoring the registry.

 

[dreaded89]

Hi Marsmimar,

Thanks for quick reply.

unfortunately, the tutorial does not help. I cant even get into Advance Boot Options (F8).

Any other thoughts!!!

 

[writhziden]

To get into the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html, you will first need to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc — MAXIMUMpcguides – Windows 7 tips, tricks, help, and how-to guides

 

[Rough]

Hi Marsmimar,

Thanks for quick reply.

unfortunately, the tutorial does not help. I cant even get into Advance Boot Options (F8).

Any other thoughts!!!

You should try to enable USB keyboard input in BIOS. I hope this helps.

 

[dreaded89]

Nope, No luck after creating the Recovery disk.
I see the screen which say something like "Press Any key to load from CD" for less then a sec, before it loops again.

this is a fairly up to date MOBO which supports USB Keyboard by default. I know the keyboard input is getting through as when I see "start windows Normally" option I am able to hit it but it restarts right after.
(btw. page which the above option appears for very short time as well when not booting form CD.)

Any other ideas.

 

[dreaded89]

New Details; working but not the way it should be.

Clarify a bit, I have a Core i7 980x.

I seem to be able to load up fine with 3 cores enabled. if I enable 4 or more cores, I go into loop again.
Any thoughts?

 

[writhziden]

I would guess either bad CPU, bad PSU, or bad Windows 7 system files. With three cores enabled, run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html up to three times to fix all errors. Post back if it continues to show errors after a fourth run or if the first run comes back with no integrity violations.

 

[dreaded89]

Attached is the CBS log file.

Seems like there was something that could not be repaired.

All is see is msconfig being corrupt, but to my knowledge it should not cause this...

Thanks

 

[writhziden]

The boot section of msconfig actually controls how many processors Windows sees. If msconfig is corrupt, this may be why disabling a core in the BIOS allows you to boot into Windows. Suggest a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html to resolve the issue.

 

[dreaded89]

Done.
End up going a clean install.

Issue still remains.

 

[writhziden]

Sorry to hear that. You could try the steps I laid out for a user with a similar problem and see if they help before doing the clean install.
post #25 of BSOD Cold Boot 0x000000124

 

[dreaded89]

Hi,

So tried a lot of things including clean install windows. Problem still exist.

Some discovery:
When I go into Bios and make it so that only 3 of the 6 cores are enabled, I am able to load to windows, but when I enable 4+ cores the system goes into restart loop.

The loop is odd because I can stay in the bios a long as I want, but if I want to load OS, Live CD or anything they will not load.

Sometime I am able to see some sort of loading screen weather it be Windows logo or Live Disk loading data, but it will loop withing sec or 2 after those process.

Any Thoughts.

 

[writhziden]

Have you taken out the CPU to see if there are any bent pins where it interfaces with the motherboard? Also, check for any signs on the motherboard that it is not interfacing correctly. Make sure to Avoid Static Damage to Your PC when checking the CPU since it takes less voltage than you would feel through static shock to damage it.