- Accessing the Advanced Boot Options Menu
- Research Blue Screens or Auto Restarting
- Fix 'No Video' Problems
- Revert to the 'Last Known Good' Configuration / Go Back in Time with System Restore
- Detect and Fix Drive Errors with Check Disk / Run Startup Repair to Enable Booting
- Perform a System File Check (SFC) / Scan for Viruses and Infections
- Upgrade the BIOS / Run Memory and Hard Drive Diagnostics
Perform a System File Check (SFC)
If Windows won't load or is unstable, the system files might have some problems. You can run the System File Check (SFC) tool to scan for and fix any detected issues. This step usually takes 15[nd]30 minutes.
- On the Advanced Boot Options menu, select Repair Your Computer; then open a command prompt window from the main menu. Enter the following command:
- If you're running via the Windows System Repair Disc instead of the Repair Your Computer option, you may have to add the following instructions to the command as well:
sfc /scannow
/offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows
Scan for Viruses and Infections
Some booting and crashing issues are caused by viruses and other malware infections. You may want to run virus scans to help eliminate this type of cause.
If you can get into Windows, download and run the free Malwarebytes, or use your favorite antivirus scanner.
If Windows won't start, bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu and select Safe Mode with Networking. Still won't work? Consider downloading and using a bootable rescue disc, such as from Kaspersky or BitDefender.