Device malfunctioned
Device malfunctioned
My partner has a computer he's owned for a long time, but hasn’t used it. I’ve been trying to get it working for hours, and all I see is a Windows logo image and a spinning circle that won't stop.
I don’t know what kind of computer it is, but it says “Cooler Master” and “Cyber Power PC” on the front. There’s also a clear window on the side of the computer case, and inside a box that reads “MSI GTX 960.” I'm not sure how to make it work if it won’t even start.
According to most MSI systems, pressing the “delete” key repeatedly during startup is the primary method to access the BIOS. Alternatively, F2 can be used. As soon as you power on your computer, start pressing “delete” continuously until the system transitions from the MSI logo to a BIOS interface displaying extensive details and various options. Specifically, examine the initial screen for a simplified access key; this may indicate the processor and memory capacity.
Awright, so....with it turning on and spinning a Windows logo is typically a sign that something is wrong on the OS level. It may or may not exist at the hardware level. IE Windows is likely messed up, not the computer.
Will the computer power down and back up? If so when you power it up do you get a "splash screen" before the Windows flag comes up and the spinning wheel?
If it shows splash screen try hitting either F2 or Delete (sometimes the correct button will show on that splash screen) just as soon as you see activity and boot to BIOS. There should be a screen there that will show information about the system.
If this is on Windows 10 then you should be able to just download the installer onto USB and re-install Windows. If it's an older OS it can get a bit more tricky....
See what you can do about BIOS first. Tell us any info you see there, or post a pic.
After I deactivated and reactivated it, the display showed "MSI" prominently followed immediately by the loading screen. I attempted to use the F2 key and the delete key repeatedly, but neither action produced any result. I admit I’m quite inept with these types of issues; I can't even figure out how to upload an image on this platform 🤯
Research indicates that the “delete” key is typically the primary method for accessing the BIOS setup in most MSI systems—approximately 90% of them. Alternatively, pressing “F2” repeatedly during startup will usually transition you from the MSI logo screen to the BIOS interface, presenting a wealth of details including various sections and configurations. Initially, check for a simplified mode key on the first screen; this should display your processor details, available memory, and possibly drive information. Successfully entering the BIOS suggests that the hardware is functioning adequately from a recognition standpoint.
Subsequently, consider attempting to initiate safe mode. You’ll need to consult resources specific to your MSI motherboard model for instructions on how to do this. If you’re observant enough, the initial screen during startup should indicate whether it successfully loads in safe mode. If so, you can then attempt “startup repair” to see if it automatically resolves any issues.
If safe mode fails or repair is unsuccessful, a viable option is to download and generate a Windows 10 installation disc. Be aware that utilizing this process will erase all data from your drive. If you previously hadn't installed Windows 10, a product key will be necessary. However, if you already possessed Windows 10, it should activate automatically during the installation sequence.