Windows fails to start following a system reset
Windows fails to start following a system reset
What devices are you using? What is their age? When did this issue begin? Various components can lead to BSOD errors. If the hardware is defective, a fresh installation won't fix it. I typically begin with RAM—install one stick at a time and attempt to boot, repeating until you locate the faulty module or progress to the next stage. This method relies on elimination.
Thanks for sharing your setup. Here are your specs summarized:
- 8GB DDR3 RAM (2x4GB) with an i7-4790 processor
- An MSI motherboard (model not specified)
- Zotac GTX 1060 graphics card
- 3GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Toshiba HD Corsair VS350 power supply
You’ve noticed the system boots without issues in both DIMM slots, but now it crashes after about an hour of inactivity and then restarts repeatedly.
It runs properly with one RAM stick but fails when using two. After running for an hour, it crashes and enters a repeating error state.
Yes, until yesterday inserting any RAM stick worked, then I'd power off and reinsert the second one, usually getting through without issues. However, repeatedly trying it only leads to reaching the 'finalising updates' or password screen, after which the blue screen appears. When attempting to type the password, the system freezes briefly before locking up.
Turn off dual mode in BIOS and remove XMP support. If XMP is off, attempt to reactivate it while keeping linked mode disabled. MSI BIOS offers this feature. Certain XMP profiles might use higher voltage settings, which could be the cause—either direction depends on your setup. Insert RAM into the slots mentioned in the manual (likely both black and leave the left blue empty).
Attempt to start the computer in safe mode, launch Device Manager, install all drivers, and verify BIOS updates to resolve compatibility problems. If this fails, it may indicate a hardware problem requiring further diagnostic checks across various system components.
There may be several factors involved, with some critical processes not starting or failing. The first step would be to update your BIOS, downloading the latest version from another machine or your own if possible. Try booting from a USB and flashing the BIOS carefully—turn off your PC during the update to avoid damaging the motherboard. If you manage to load the OS, enter safe mode and run Malwarebytes to check for anomalies. Make sure to update drivers and Windows as well. Since this issue often relates to RAM, use Memtest86.exe to scan your memory and inspect the drive for errors.
Use my suggested approach to tackle the issue. Updating drivers and BIOS isn't useful if the system runs fine already. However, installing a new motherboard and updating the BIOS might resolve RAM compatibility problems.