Windows Startup Repair Process

Introduction

Windows startup issues can be frustrating and potentially disruptive to productivity. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and repair common Windows startup problems.

Common Windows Startup Issues

• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) during startup
• Endless reboot loop
• Black screen with no Windows logo
• Startup freezing at Windows logo
• "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop
• Missing operating system error

Step-by-Step Startup Repair Process

1. Safe Mode Boot

1. Restart your computer
2. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo, press F8 repeatedly
3. Select "Safe Mode" from the Advanced Boot Options menu
4. If you can boot into Safe Mode, proceed with basic troubleshooting steps

2. System Restore

1. If Safe Mode is accessible, open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type rstrui.exe and press Enter
3. Follow the prompts to restore your system to a previous working state

3. Startup Repair Tool

1. Boot from a Windows installation media or recovery drive
2. Choose "Repair your computer"
3. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair"
4. Follow the on-screen instructions

4. Check and Fix Disk Errors

1. Boot into Safe Mode or use Windows installation media
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
3. Run chkdsk C: /f /r
4. Restart the computer and check if the issue is resolved

5. Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

1. Boot from Windows installation media
2. Open Command Prompt from the recovery environment
3. Run the following commands:
   • bootrec /rebuildbcd
   • bootrec /fixmbr
   • bootrec /fixboot
4. Restart the computer

6. Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection

1. Boot into Safe Mode
2. Open msconfig (type msconfig in the Run dialog)
3. Go to the Boot tab
4. Click "Advanced options"
5. Uncheck "Enable early launch anti-malware protection"
6. Apply changes and restart

7. Check for Hardware Issues

• Disconnect all non-essential peripherals
• Check RAM modules (try booting with one module at a time)
• Test the hard drive for failures
• Ensure all internal cables are properly connected

Advanced Troubleshooting

1. Analyze Crash Dumps

If you're experiencing BSODs, analyze the crash dumps using tools like WhoCrashed or BlueScreenView to identify the root cause.

2. Clean Boot

Perform a clean boot to identify if a third-party application or service is causing the startup issue. Follow Microsoft's guide on how to perform a clean boot in Windows.

3. Check for Malware

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run a full system scan using up-to-date antivirus software.

4. Update or Rollback Drivers

If the issue started after a recent hardware or driver change, try updating or rolling back the affected drivers.

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of the above steps resolve your Windows startup issue, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Consider the following situations:

• Hardware failure is suspected
• Data recovery is needed
• The issue persists across multiple repair attempts
• You're uncomfortable performing advanced troubleshooting steps

Preventive Measures

• Regularly update Windows and drivers
• Create and maintain system restore points
• Use reliable antivirus software
• Avoid making multiple system changes at once
• Create a recovery drive or system repair disc
• Regularly back up your important data