Neverending loop of booting after reset

NewMem · 18 Feb 2019

Disclaimer: I'm not sure if it's linked to the problem, but I reset my laptop because of various BSODs I got while using it. I tried to fix these issues, but after updating drivers, scanning, reapiring and so on, just new problems popped up and I was so frustrated, I decided to reset my laptop, but it didn't help eventually.

So I did a factory reset to my laptop, but to my surprise I couldn't create an account nor log in to only one available account which was "other user" - tried to log in with microsoft account, but couldn't.
> I've read that I should try to create an account on administrator account, so I got into safe mode and logged in, but got black screen with pop-up error 'C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop location is not available',

> then I've rebooted my laptop and while trying to get into that administrator account again I got a warning, it was sth like "hard error" and then my admistrator account has become disabled

> I've tried to restore the image - couldn't because there was apparently no administrator account (or so the laptop said)

-then I've tried to repair my laptop and got a message that it can take more than an hour, after that my laptop couldn't boot, still showing lenovo logo, then black screen, then windows logo with "wait" underneath it, then black screen again. These four images on the neverending loop.

I have no clue what to do now, so if someone could please guide me, I would highly appreciate it

axe0 · 20 Feb 2019

Diagnostic Test

RAM TEST

Run MemTest86+ to analyse your RAM. MemTest86+ - Test RAM - Windows 10 Forums

Note

MemTest86+ needs to be run for at least 8 complete passes for conclusive results. Set it running before you go to bed and leave it overnight. We're looking for zero errors here. Even a single error will indicate RAM failure.

Make a photo of the result and post it.

Addition:
If errors show up you can stop the test, remove all sticks but 1 and test this single stick in each slot for 8 passes or until errors show, switch sticks and repeat.
If errors show up and you see them a lot later, no problem, the errors don't affect the test.

NewMem · 20 Feb 2019

Before restarting my laptop, I've done memory test with Memory Diagnostic Tool and it showed no errors, but I guess it might have been an insufficient test.

Anyway, I've also contacted lenovo and posted a thread on Microsoft Community and they suggested me to do a clean install, so I'll do one and see if this will help.

If this clean install's gonna help, I'll close the thread, if not, I'll run the MemTest as you suggested. Thank you for assistance.

NewMem · 20 Feb 2019

So I've tried to do a clean install to my laptop from flash drive, but I got a memory management BSOD while on step "Installing Windows" - "Getting files ready for installation". After that laptop rebooted and showed a black screen with info "an operating system wasn't found. try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system", which is weird as I had an OS on flash drive.

NewMem · 20 Feb 2019

I've run a MemTest for nearly 3 hours. Guess I don't need those 8 full passes to indicate some serious problems with my RAM - approx. 1,5 mln errors by now. Here's the photo you've asked for:

Attachment 225043

Not sure if checking every RAM stick one by one is the best option for me as I still have my laptop under warranty and I never disassembled my laptops before, so I'm a bit afraid I might mess something up and lose this warranty. Maybe sending it to lenovo service is a good choice as I know now it's rather not related to some OS/software, but it's probably because of some faulty elements.

axe0 · 20 Feb 2019

If you still have warranty, use it to get the memory replaced.

axe0 · 20 Feb 2019

Also, just to clarify a little on why I did not suggest a clean install.

You have basically tried to reset your laptop through many ways. Parts of your description already hinted me that something non-software related was going on which was "So I did a factory reset to my laptop, but to my surprise I couldn't create an account nor log in to only one available account".
A few options crossed my mind, either the 'image' the factory reset used to get your Windows back to the beginning was a little bit corrupted or something (which I've never seen before) or hardware is playing up. I already aimed for hardware, because you have to be very unlucky to experience something I've never seen in years.

What pretty much confirmed my suspicion
"then I've tried to repair my laptop and got a message that it can take more than an hour, after that my laptop couldn't boot, still showing lenovo logo, then black screen, then windows logo with "wait" underneath it, then black screen again."
This is commonly caused by a failing hard drive, but more commonly bad memory.

Since I had pretty much already a confirmation, and if hardware really is the cause then anything related to software would've been useless to attempt since it just gets you further from the point where you want to be as the faulty parts will mess up anything you would try.

I also apologize, I just realized I should have posted this much earlier.

NewMem · 21 Feb 2019

Yeah, I'll do that.

Should have checked this MemTest months ago when first BSOD occured while playing. Seriously, this was more efficient than most of the suggestions I got from Microsoft Community advisors or people running blogs about BSODs, so massive thank you.

NewMem · 21 Feb 2019

Just saw the second response of yours.

I actually was frustrated with those BSODs for some time now. It first happened while I played a game last year, then I got issues with Google Chrome, its extensions and notorious "aw, snaps". I was running in circles with these BSODs, cause at first they happened only once a month and every single one of them had different description like kernel one, memory management, page fault in non page area etc., so it was hard to check if I've already fixed it or not by running multiple scans, repairs, updating drivers and so on.
I've asked on Microsoft Community and searched some blogs, but it got me nowhere near the solution. I thought maybe a restart will help as someone adviced a clean boot (and I thought that restart will be even better) - the rest you know as I described it in the first post which starts this thread.

Thank you for the clarification, much appreciated. I like to know what's going on with my laptop and never in my life encountered so many problems with one. This MemTest was a great suggestion. And come on, you don't need to apologize. You helped a lot!