Older refreshed desktop fails to update and causes black screens for me
Older refreshed desktop fails to update and causes black screens for me
Hi, friends!
I took away the Haswell-based computer from my son, who was using it for gaming. The machine has a 4770K Haswell processor, which suggests it's fairly old. It went into repair mode and we replaced it with a new gaming PC a few years ago. Now I need a computer for office work and decided to upgrade the Haswell. I reinstalled Windows 10 clean and added drivers from the Asus website. It started working fine for a day, then it turned black. I tried several recovery methods and thought I might have uninstalled some updates, which helped it turn on again. My son mentioned he needed to install a graphics card driver. I probably forgot about that. The machine had a mid-grade AMD graphics card from 5 to 7 years ago, which was around $400 back then. He can provide the model number. While he was installing a driver from the AMD site, the computer went black again and I couldn’t get it back up. I’m really worried about it continuing to fail. I could reinstall Windows 10, but then I’d have to search for drivers again and deal with updates or graphics card issues—this isn’t my time. What might be causing this? Could it be a SATA 3 SSD problem? Should I consider buying a better SSD? Thanks for your help.
When sharing a troubleshooting thread, it's important to provide complete system details. List the specifications as follows:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Please include the age of the PSU along with its make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this time.
I can reinstall Win 10 again, but then I would need to search for all drivers once more—especially if it fails, or if I encounter issues with Windows updates or graphics card drivers. That would take too much time.
Ideally, you should create a bootable USB installer for the OS and disconnect all drives except the one you want to install, using offline mode. During this process, install all required drivers in an elevated command, such as right-clicking the installer and selecting Run as Administrator.
It’s likely that the PSU isn’t providing enough power to your system, which could cause the GPU to fail and display a black screen. Alternatively, it might be that the OS is attempting to install the wrong drivers. You might try entering Safe Mode and using GPU-Z. Share a screenshot of what you see with this tool.
Thank you for your reply.
Graphic Card:
ASUS ROG STRIX AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT Overclocked 8G GDDR6 HDMI DisplayPort Gaming Graphics Card
CPU: 4770K
CPU cooler: Stock
Motherboard:
ASUS Z87-PRO (V EDITION) LGA 1150 Intel Z87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Ram:
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-14900CL10D-16GBXL
SSD/HDD:
Intel 240GB 530 Series SATA 5.25-Inch Solid State Drive
PSU: Can't find it, but it was 3rd party- not Corsair or EVGA- something less expansive but should be 800W, minimum 650.
OS: Win 10 Pro
I downloaded installer from Microsoft via USB, so it must be early version of Win 10 Pro, or what ever they have latest available to download. The drivers were installed in Online mode as I re-downloaded them from Asus for specific motherboard. Their drivers accurate. I did not use Run as Admin. With Asus, it has Asus installer exe file, I have been using those on all my builds (8 builds experience).
The computer worked for at least 5-6 years. Then it had very dramatic issues- we had to rebuild in in a new case- it was acting like there was shortage between motherboard and case- we could not figure out, so when we took everything out of the case, it started working again, and we reinstalled it in a new case- it worked another year or two. I remember all the green lights on motherboard turning red (LEDs by memory, I think). The memory was tried back then one at a time, and I think we added extra sticks and had 24Gb. I am not near that computer- I took it to the office. It had strange behavior- we ended up diagnosing it with case shortage issue. So it worked after rebuild.
I was not able to boot in "Safe mode with networking". Thank you.
This might be anything, so I would remove the GPU since the 4770K does have an integrated graphics unit.
Check the Intel specs here: https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...r-...tions.html
If you haven’t done it recently, change the motherboard battery right away. That small battery often causes more problems than people think.
When the battery is dead and your clock is off on Windows, the system gets confused and issues arise.
I’d try using a temporary power supply to see how it goes.
You might need to reinstall Windows, but do it without connecting to the internet. The same applies to motherboard drivers—get them, then reinstall offline as an administrator.
It could also be a faulty memory stick. Start with one and, if it doesn’t work, boot from another. Once you’re sure, try the AMD GPU again using the temporary power supply.
Have you cleaned and replaced the CPU? Just asking.
Thank you for your responses. My concern is about time management. I have a lot going on and no budget available. I am launching a new medical business, currently without patients and funds to purchase new PCs. This is why I am trying to rely on existing resources.
Where can I find a battery? Is it available on Amazon? Would I need to remove the motherboard from the chassis? Do I need a loaner PSU from another computer, or should I buy a new one?
I believe I have two 16 GB memory modules and two 8 GB. Should this be a problem?
No, I don’t think so. I have another build from around the same time with an Ivy Bridge 3770K that overheats. I reinstalled Windows because it was stuck in repair mode, and overheating was detected afterward. Someone here mentioned that these CPUs can dry out after ten years and might cause this issue. So perhaps you are onto something with re-pasting, but it sounds like a time-consuming and complex process. I did purchase new paste.
Also, why is the installation unplugged? I can install Windows without a plug in, but drivers require downloading during installation. Are these files from the Asus website? Are you suggesting they change when I’m online? Thank you again.
Hi, friends!
I followed everything you didn't suggest—just refreshed the computer with "keep personal files." It still started up in a black screen. The graphics card is functional because I can see the Asus logo during restart or boot, then it waits a while before going black.
I managed to boot into Safe Mode without networking. What should I do next? Does this give any clues? Safe mode without networking means no downloads.
Also, I'm curious—did the refresh remove all the drivers from the Asus site that I had installed? Thanks a lot.
It doesn't necessarily indicate that the GPU is functioning properly. Many faulty GPUs can trigger BIOS issues, and a fresh Windows installation usually restores the desktop. When you attempt to load the GPU drivers, problems typically arise. This could mean black screens, lines appearing across the screen, or distorted images on the monitor.
I’m unsure how to assist you directly unless you’ve tried removing the AMD RX 5700 XT GPU and relying on the motherboard’s built-in graphics. Your CPU includes an integrated graphics solution.
Specific GPU details:
- Intel® HD Graphics 4600
- Graphics Base Frequency: 350 MHz
- Max Dynamic Frequency: 1.25 GHz
- Video Memory: 2 GB
- Output Ports: eDP, DP, HDMI, DVI, VGA
- Resolution (HDMI): 4096x2304 @ 24Hz
- Resolution (DP): 3840x2160 @ 60Hz
- Resolution (eDP): 3840x2160 @ 60Hz
- Resolution (VGA): 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
- Supported DirectX: 11.2/12
- Supported OpenGL: 4.3
- Intel® Quick Sync Video: Yes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D Technology: Yes
- Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI): Yes
- Intel® Clear Video HD Technology: Yes
Supported Displays: 3
Good news! Your response was appreciated. The positive update is that System Restore successfully reversed the update: Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable. Before that, it was returning to a Windows Module installer checkpoint, and after that point it booted again. I attempted to remove the graphics card, but due to missing tools and power disconnection, it didn’t even reach BIOS—so I reconnected it. I have Adrenaline installed (legacy version) and believe I uninstalled some AMD software. How can I stop this C++ from reinstalling? Should I install AMD? Also, how did the restore points work after a refresh? Did my drivers remain intact? Thank you.
The confusion seems to stem from the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable package. It's unclear if your .NET versions are current, but checking for updates in Windows might resolve the problem. There may be missing components, and there are many questions involved. If you're just starting up, try accessing the Start menu, right-clicking, going to Settings, selecting System, then moving to About to check the details. The latest supported version is Windows 10 22H2.