Windows, a series of computer operating systems, developed and marketed by Microsoft is all time favorite of consumers across the world. However, the brand name Microsoft is not enough to make its products beyond the reach of troubles. With this, I want to remind of the errors and the issues you have been facing at different point of times while using Windows based computers. Just remember every single moment when you had to call a technician to fix the issues on your computer. Windows startup issues also fall under the same category of problems that needs to call a professional to fix them.
The operating system is the collection of millions of small and large programs containing multiple loops to carry out different tasks, where each loop in the programs must execute flawlessly to let the operating system boot efficiently. For instance, in case a loop fails to run properly, there might be operating systems startup issues causing system boot failure.
Know How You Can Fix Windows Startup Issues Causing Boot Failure
System Boot Failure – Introduction to the Problem
Windows system boot failure is a common problem that most often encounters. This might be due to virus infections, boot file corruption, hardware issues, or alike. In the case of virus infections, the most likely error thrown is “Operating system not found”, which can be repaired easily with a Windows boot disc. Simply boot from the Windows install disc and run Windows startup repair program to fix the issue.
On the other hand, there might be some different errors thrown at the startup. However, it is tough for followers to figure out what the error is thrown states. Once he can figure out the issue, he can take a corrective step to fixing it.
Causes of Startup Issues
When it comes to fixing this problem on your own, you must first figure out what the causes responsible for the issues are. To help you make out the issues and find fixes for them, I have mentioned some common causes of Windows startup issues in the section below:
Corruption in BCD Settings
This might be due to virus or malware infections in the boot loader or the process called booting chain, which causes corruption in the boot loader settings and leads to an endless loop of startup repair. Since the virus/malware attacks and blocks the repair process, you fail to fix the issue even after running the Windows startup repair program through the system boot disc. The same issue also appears due to corruption in the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) settings.
Corruption in Boot Partition
While installing Windows 7 or a later version of Windows operating system, you must have seen 100MB NTFS partition reserved for both BCD settings and core boot loader. In an inconsistent state like improper shutdown, power failure, hardware or failure causing boot failure, or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) while the system is in a state of writing some applications, your computer may get its boot volume corrupt. Consequently, the system falls into an endless loop of a restart.
Blue Screen of Death on Boot/Reboot
Blue Screen of Death (generally named as BSOD) has been a common issue in some earlier versions of Windows operating systems, which indeed might be due to a random cause (i.e. some issues lead to BSOD in Windows). However, the newer Windows OS versions are configured to put this error out of sight of the consumers, though they still occur and cause a silent system reboot. The error prompts you to go for a repair using Windows startup disc.
Fix Startup Issues on Windows
To fix the startup issues on Windows-based computers, you may try more than a single method. However, you might get confused over choosing one out of the ones you can follow up. See the methods that are efficient in this regard:
The command-line Utility Chkdsk
The Chkdsk is a command-line utility, added to Windows operating system, and is primarily used to inspect issues in the file systems of the hard drive or any of the partitions. With Chkdsk utility, you can sometimes fix the issues in the file system if found. See how you can use Chkdsk utility and fix problems in the file system:
Note: You must have Windows startup disc to run chkdsk and fix the issues
- Insert Windows startup disc and restart your computer
- Boot from the Windows boot disc inserted and click “Repair your computer” option
(It will take a while to scan your computer for Windows installation.)
- In System Recovery Options dialog, select the OS that needs repair and click Next button
- Choose Command Prompt amongst the recovery tools
- In Command Prompt, execute the chkdsk C: /f command
Running the chkdsk C: /f command in Command Prompt performs a check on the startup partition (i.e. Local Disk (c:)) on your computer for all corrupt, deleted, and invalid system files. In case you fail to fix the startup issues with this process, I suggest professional tools to fix Windows startup issues and to avoid further issues like data loss.