Windows only starts in safe mode

Sntnl · 15 Apr 2018

Yesterday my pc restarted without prompt or warning and since then it won't load past the blue window and spinning circle. It eventually blue screens stating a page file unknown location error.
It will start in safe mode so I've been able to check the drivers are up to date, increase the page file size, run a scannow and chkdsk /f /r (7hrs) and finally tried a system restore. The restore failed since as soon as it restarts it gets to the blue window and gets the same error.
I saw one article state it could be the RAM but if it's visible and intact in safe mode could that still be an issue?

I'm at a loss what else to try, I can't even think what caused it at this stage. My last option is to get a new hdd and get a fresh windows install, although I can't afford that just yet. So if anyone has any ideas in the meantime I'd greatly appreciate it.

Caledon Ken · 15 Apr 2018

Hi Sntnl. Welcome to The TenForums @Sntnl

First I would run the internal memory diagnostics.

https://www.howtogeek.com/260813/how...-for-problems/

I assume this restart was Windows update. Did you see the standard screens about update and not to power down?

If so you could try uninstalling the updates that were recently introduce. I would do it disconnected from the Internet so it just doesn't re-install.

Failing this I would follow the instructions in the BSOD section of forum. These people can decode the info and give you an informed opinion.

https://www.tenforums.com/bsod-crashes-debugging/

If you need to add something and someone hasn't picked up thread edit your original post. Follow the instructions. They need the info.

You might also want to see yourself if there is a pattern, at least a BSOD code using Nirsoft's tool.

https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html

Ken

Sntnl · 15 Apr 2018

Thank you very much. I will look into all these options although it updated a few days ago and there were no prompts about it this time.