Win 10 woes

[Max]

My Win 10 install was the free download...don't have a boot disk.

It won't boot to desktop. I get the 4 pane Win logo and revolving round balls followed by the intro music...then I'm staring at a dark screen. This is on a rarely used laptop but the updates are current.

What do I do? I very much need file access as I'm selling/buying a home and moving. My desktop is in storage . Can you run Win 10 in Safe Mode w/networking?   

[Mar]

Molecularsecretion says there are two options for booting Opaquedows 10 into safe mode: choosing an option in the settings menu (while the system is running), or pressing some buttons at the sign in screen.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12376/windows-10-start-your-pc-in-safe-mode

This says you can try F8 or Shift+F8 as it starts, but no guarantees (number 4).

http://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10

[Bizman]

So many questions...

To start from the bottom: Yes, you can run W10 in Safe Mode with Networking.

The trick is how to get there. Since Win8 they've removed the F8 for startup options. Read on!

When you start your system and see the 4 pane window and the revolving balls, shut your system down by pressing the start button for at least 4 seconds. Repeat. On the third run you should see a message saying they're trying to fix the start issues. You'll then see a Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. From there on it's quite straightforward.

From the Troubleshoot options you'll also find System Restore, which may allow you to roll back the latest update.

It might also be a matter of too high a refresh rate, in which case you might want to start in Low Resolution Video mode. When there, you can set the resolution to the default in the Display Settings (right click on Desktop). Go to Advanced Display settings, set the resolution, continue to Display Adapter Properties and select the 60 Hz option for the default resolution. If something higher is on by default, that's the issue. I've noticed that especially with Nvidia video cards using a VGA connector. With the correct resolution and refresh rate combination you can then reboot to normal Windows.

Hope that helps.

[Mar]

Awesome info.

[Skuzzy]

Hehehe, don't forget to stand on your head, spin around 3 times yelling "Microsoft is good!" while having "Ballroom Blitz" blaring in the background.  The vibrations help Windows 10 realize something is amiss!

Seriously, thanks for helping out guys.  I was running out of steam typing it up.

[Bizman]

--- I was running out of steam typing it up.

There's a reason for you running out of steam: You most likely can't have a beer while typing, at least not when you're in the office. 

[Skuzzy]

It is Friday and that Belgian ale is calling me.

[Max]

Bozeman I'll give your suggestion a shot in the morning. Thanks for the help.

[Max]

I ran 2 system restore points (5/18 & 5/4) Both resulted in system restore error messages.

This is an ASUS Republic of Gamers laptop with dedicated Radeon card...don't think hi refresh is the issue.

Would plugging the power connector into the laptop that was already plugged into an electrical outlet somehow fry the HD? Would system restore even run if HD was corrupt?

Any other options? Thanks 

[Max]

The plot thickens. My attemp to run Safe Mode with networking resulted in Machine Check Exception error. Data collection in progress now but it's showing (0% complete) for 10 minutes

[Skuzzy]

The only thing I know to do with that ASUS laptop is to contact ASUS and see about shipping it back so they can load the OS again.  Had to do that our ROG once.

I will never buy another laptop from anyone who does not supply software to reinstall the operating system.

[Bizman]

Don't they have the software on the hard disk? https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1013065/

[Max]

I'm guessing my HD is FUBAR. Tried a reinstall of OS, wiping all data files. 4 hours later I'm staring at the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION error message.

After I get settled from my move, I'll try a fresh install of Win 7 if the HD allows. If not, I guess I'm looking at a replacement HD. Probably doesn't 't make sense for a 7 yr old machine that rarely gets used.

[Bizman]

7 years? That's a good service time for a hdd.

If your laptop came with Win7 preinstalled, it should have the license sticker at the bottom. Also, since you've had 10 installed and activated, your laptop has been identified by Microsoft. So, in either case you can download the installation media from Microsoft fully legally.

Win7: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7, license code needed.
Win10:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10, no license code needed. If it doesn't activate, a call to Microsoft should help.

[Max]

Cool ---- thanks