F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Encounter problems with the computer freezing or crashing on Windows, including activation issues.

Encounter problems with the computer freezing or crashing on Windows, including activation issues.

Encounter problems with the computer freezing or crashing on Windows, including activation issues.

C
CommunTATR
Junior Member
42
08-15-2021, 02:12 AM
#1
Hello, I'm really struggling and need guidance. I started building my PC but faced a lot of problems. After the first install, I encountered BSODs due to Windows validation. I was advised to upgrade to Windows 10, which I did. Later, games would crash on launch and trigger error codes that blocked activation. I tried swapping RAM slots and re-seating the GPU, but it didn't help. A fresh installation was suggested, but it caused more trouble—losing my activation and no way to reactivate. I contacted Microsoft, but they seemed unresponsive. Some issues include freezing on startup menus, MSI Pro Z690 AORUS Elite 3060, and a few other components. I've spent over 1,800 dollars and still can't get it working properly. I'm feeling overwhelmed and just need someone to understand what I'm going through. Please help me, I really appreciate it.
C
CommunTATR
08-15-2021, 02:12 AM #1

Hello, I'm really struggling and need guidance. I started building my PC but faced a lot of problems. After the first install, I encountered BSODs due to Windows validation. I was advised to upgrade to Windows 10, which I did. Later, games would crash on launch and trigger error codes that blocked activation. I tried swapping RAM slots and re-seating the GPU, but it didn't help. A fresh installation was suggested, but it caused more trouble—losing my activation and no way to reactivate. I contacted Microsoft, but they seemed unresponsive. Some issues include freezing on startup menus, MSI Pro Z690 AORUS Elite 3060, and a few other components. I've spent over 1,800 dollars and still can't get it working properly. I'm feeling overwhelmed and just need someone to understand what I'm going through. Please help me, I really appreciate it.

D
Dab_PvP_Boy
Junior Member
37
08-15-2021, 10:05 AM
#2
Windows activation doesn't directly lead to BSODs. Once installed and activated properly, a digital link exists between your machine and the Windows version stored on Microsoft's servers. This connection doesn't need a key after initial setup. As long as your hardware hasn't changed much since activation—like a motherboard or CPU change will prompt re-activation—you can reinstall the same Windows version repeatedly on that device. Regarding your Windows 10 purchase, here are some basic troubleshooting tips: Connect only the necessary hardware to boot into Windows, ensure the OS is up to date, turn off third-party applications that start with Windows (such as RGB or customization tools), then restart the system after applying all updates. After that, check temperatures and voltages using tools like HWInfo64, stress-test the CPU with Prime95, monitor GPU performance with Unigene's Heaven, and run tests in a loop for at least half an hour to let temperatures stabilize. Avoid changing components simultaneously unless needed, as this can obscure the problem. If you still face BSODs or crashes despite a fresh install with only essential drivers (chipset, storage, GPU), it likely points to hardware issues—possibly outdated BIOS, chipset problems, storage or network driver conflicts. Refrain from updating the BIOS just because a newer version exists; verify what changes are made before proceeding. Also, confirm CPU mounting pressure is stable, RAM slots are secure, and all cables are properly connected. Test with one RAM stick at a time in each slot to rule out faulty memory or connectors. Consider using memtest64 for RAM verification. Don't overclock the system until it runs smoothly at default settings. There are many additional testing methods you can explore as you continue refining your approach. This list is just a starting point, not complete.
D
Dab_PvP_Boy
08-15-2021, 10:05 AM #2

Windows activation doesn't directly lead to BSODs. Once installed and activated properly, a digital link exists between your machine and the Windows version stored on Microsoft's servers. This connection doesn't need a key after initial setup. As long as your hardware hasn't changed much since activation—like a motherboard or CPU change will prompt re-activation—you can reinstall the same Windows version repeatedly on that device. Regarding your Windows 10 purchase, here are some basic troubleshooting tips: Connect only the necessary hardware to boot into Windows, ensure the OS is up to date, turn off third-party applications that start with Windows (such as RGB or customization tools), then restart the system after applying all updates. After that, check temperatures and voltages using tools like HWInfo64, stress-test the CPU with Prime95, monitor GPU performance with Unigene's Heaven, and run tests in a loop for at least half an hour to let temperatures stabilize. Avoid changing components simultaneously unless needed, as this can obscure the problem. If you still face BSODs or crashes despite a fresh install with only essential drivers (chipset, storage, GPU), it likely points to hardware issues—possibly outdated BIOS, chipset problems, storage or network driver conflicts. Refrain from updating the BIOS just because a newer version exists; verify what changes are made before proceeding. Also, confirm CPU mounting pressure is stable, RAM slots are secure, and all cables are properly connected. Test with one RAM stick at a time in each slot to rule out faulty memory or connectors. Consider using memtest64 for RAM verification. Don't overclock the system until it runs smoothly at default settings. There are many additional testing methods you can explore as you continue refining your approach. This list is just a starting point, not complete.

S
saukeuchiuchi
Senior Member
621
08-16-2021, 06:12 PM
#3
Thtats a lot ot unpack, for starters i bought windows from clicking activate windows which took me to a windows web page, from there it opened Microsoft store, thats where i bought it. i only have basic hardware (keyboard/Mouse) and i guess the z63 pump i will follow up with doing the tests with HWinfo64/prime95 and etc ... since i was only using the cmd prompts per windows troubelshootign steps :S. I currently i only have geforce and nzxt cam installed, but did a safe boot with nzxt disabled. i will look again into the bios version/settings since everyone i've talked too has advised me to do the update anyways to the latest. cpu mount is ok, not too tight just a little over hand tight, where its firm but not too tight currently i am only using default settings with xmp and cpu oc off from msi's bios Yes, Ram is in correct slots, labeled on MOBO as "first" All Cables to MY knowledge are correct Fans and pumps are running now i did not change cpu/gpu nor ram, all the same components that i used when i activated windows where used, and after the attempt to boot with one stick and swap places, the activation error started to happen. so yes i have tried the 1 stick boot and swapped them to try the other Thank you for taking your time in trying to help, i will follow up after i run the tests
S
saukeuchiuchi
08-16-2021, 06:12 PM #3

Thtats a lot ot unpack, for starters i bought windows from clicking activate windows which took me to a windows web page, from there it opened Microsoft store, thats where i bought it. i only have basic hardware (keyboard/Mouse) and i guess the z63 pump i will follow up with doing the tests with HWinfo64/prime95 and etc ... since i was only using the cmd prompts per windows troubelshootign steps :S. I currently i only have geforce and nzxt cam installed, but did a safe boot with nzxt disabled. i will look again into the bios version/settings since everyone i've talked too has advised me to do the update anyways to the latest. cpu mount is ok, not too tight just a little over hand tight, where its firm but not too tight currently i am only using default settings with xmp and cpu oc off from msi's bios Yes, Ram is in correct slots, labeled on MOBO as "first" All Cables to MY knowledge are correct Fans and pumps are running now i did not change cpu/gpu nor ram, all the same components that i used when i activated windows where used, and after the attempt to boot with one stick and swap places, the activation error started to happen. so yes i have tried the 1 stick boot and swapped them to try the other Thank you for taking your time in trying to help, i will follow up after i run the tests