Now I’m no rookie, but I’m no guru either, but this problem will stomp even pc veterans. What is wrong: computer goes straight into BSOD before loading windows. What caused it: I went to "start" >> "run" >> "msconfig" then "safeboot" now it goes straight to the BSOD and its says video driver failed to initialize. What’s funny is that I can run other software programs just fine (like windows repair/recovery software) and the video is just fine. I’ve even ran Ubuntu over it just to see if the video works and it does. But this is the kicker, Dell wont even help because the laptops’s out of warranty as of two years ago, I know I can do a fresh install, but I’m trying to save all my pics, music, movies etc…So my question is this: how do you return it to normal mode if you can’t boot windows, what boot software can I obtain to troubleshoot/repair from outside windows, or how to get into Windows period, I can handle it from there, just gotta get in.
P.S. BSOD=blue screen of death (if you didn’t know that then maybe this question isn’t for you to try and answer…but go for it anyhow 😉
Thanx Kobra, but I know the ram is good. Steve, I thought of fixmbr, but I was afraid of the warning it gives me about partitions may not being accessable later. However i did mention the error message on bsod(video driver failed to initialize.) DJ maxx I recall seeing that option before, but neve had a chance to use it. I have a "Super XP" disk so I’m pretty sure I can copy, but if I use Steve’s method and it does render my partitions useless, can I still install windows as you’ve indicated to retrieve my data, then format and install once I’m finished? (and Steve when I start to run fixmbr, it does say: "This computer appears to have a non-standard or invalid mbr" so you may be onto something. I’m just being so cautions, because this isnt my computer, I’m fixing it for a friend, otherwise I’d just play around with everything.
Tagged with: blue screen of death • boot software • bsod • dell • dj • error message • fixmbr • guru • kicker • laptops • loading windows • mbr • music • recovery software • software programs • video driver • video works • warranty • windows repair
Filed under: Windows Repair Software
Could be a problem with device drivers, hardware or software. This problem can be solved by uninstalling new software, updating device drivers and making minor configuration changes . From http://fixit.in/bluescreenofdeath.html . You can also run a free registry scan using utilities from http://re7.info
I would say that it is probably the ram PCB’s causing memory errors. Try removing the RAM and installing some that you know for a fact works consistently. I specialize in hardware, not so much software. So this is the extent of my applicable knowledge.
Run Windows Repair again
When you get to the Command Prompt
Run Fixmbr
Your master boot record could be corrupt which can sometimes cause a BSOD at bootup. You didn’t give exactly what the BSOD stated so I can’t really tell you about it.
If you boot from your windows cd, start going through the install process. That is, the first question it asks is if you want to install windows. Choose it. The next screen asks on which hard drive you want to install it on. There is an option there to repair windows. That is, install ONLY the windows folder on the C drive and the mbr. All of your user profiles will still be there. It might act funky, but at least you can burn your data to a cd. THEN you can do a fresh install. BE CAREFUL that you don’t choose the wrong option. You only want to install Windows, not format and install. The wording can be tricky. In situations like this I use my $20 usb hard drive adapter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156102), take the hard drive out, hook it up to another computer and copy everything over using the free program "Karen’s Replicator". You need Karen’s Replicator or similar program because most of the time Windows will not allow you to copy profiles to another computer that doesn’t have permissions to see it. Especially if your files are set to private. I cannot be sure if the Windows CD that comes with your laptop will allow you to do that, but it’s worth a try. It is common for distributors to modify windows install cds in that way. Good luck.