Windows update causes no-boot, sys restore causes 0x8000ffff

[BottleRocket]

I've searched for this and understand the 0x8000ffff is a common problem with an unknown cause.

I just built a brand new PC with the hardware in my profile. I installed all the drivers for the mobo and gpu and had windows update run. I only installed the critical updates. It required a restart and now it will not boot. It will boot fine in safe mode but I cannot run the Windows Fix It installer in safe mode. I tried to repair windows with and without the DVD and it couldn't auto fix it. I tried restore and no matter what restore point I used it would give me the 0x8000fff error. However when I did reboot into safe mode after that it said that it restored to a previous state so I rebooted in normal mode now and it booted up. I ran the Fix It installer and then re-tried the updates. Same problem, computer boots to the Starting Windows screen with the "fireflies" and the flag animation and then I get nothing. No BSOD, no display, nothing. Just a blank screen. Any suggestions?

 

[Northernsoul55]

Hi,

Please follow this tutorial, hopefully you can get the computer booted:

:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219533-troubleshooting-windows-7-failure-boot.html

If it boots in safe-mode then drivers/software are the more likely cause.

cheers

Dave