Windows Startup Error

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About Windows Loading Errors

Errors that occur on Windows startup can have different symptoms and are often caused by missing or corrupted system files, incompatible hardware drivers or page file problems. Find out how you can quickly fix Windows startup errors and prevent them from happening in the future.

If you get a system error at startup but still can use your computer after that, please proceed to the information below. If your computer automatically restarts then you need to take the following steps first.

Boot into Safe Mode by repeatedly tapping the F8 key after turning on your PC until the Windows Advanced Boot Options Menu appears. Use the arrow keys to choose "Safe mode" and press Enter. When your computer boots, right click on the "My Computer" icon and select Properties. Click "Advanced system settings" and navigate to the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button in the "Startup and Recovery" section. Uncheck the "Automatically restart" setting in the System Failure section.

Now your computer will not automatically restart when a Windows startup error occurs, and will give you a code instead which will provide more information about the nature of the problem.

How to Fix Windows Startup Errors

Here's a quick guide on how to fix errors that occur when loading your Windows operating system:

  • Run Windows Update: Windows patches, and especially Service Packs, can solve hundreds of various problems. If you haven't updated your Windows in a while, perhaps there's a new patch available that will fix the errors you keep getting.

  • Run the System File Checker: this highly useful tool verifies the crucial Windows system files and fixes any corrupted ones. To run, simply click Start > Run and enter "sfc /scannow" (no quotes). Wait until the verification is complete and insert the Windows installation CD or DVD if replacement of any files is necessary.

  • Repair the Windows installation: this should be your last resort since it will reset some of your personalized settings and you will have to reinstall the device drivers. Use it if you cannot boot into the OS and perform the steps above. To repair your Windows installation you have to boot from the Windows installation CD or DVD and use "Startup repair" (Vista) or select your Windows XP installation from the list and press "R".

  • Use an error fixer program: such software can scan your computer for thousands of known problems and repair them automatically. In most cases, you should be able to repair Windows startup errors this way as well. Not only that, this software will also speed up your computer and make it more stable. From my experience, the best program for the job is ErrorFix (read more about it below).

Quick Fix for Windows Startup Crash

If you have a Windows startup problem, try running ErrorFix. It's great software that can fix lots of different errors and increase your PC's boot speed with one click. ErrorFix supports Windows XP, Vista and Win 7.

Windows startup problem fixer

ErrorFix takes care of:

  • Windows startup problems
  • PC System Failures
  • Freezes and Crashes
  • EXE and DLL Errors
  • Slow Performance
  • Runtime Errors
  • Registry Problems
  • Memory Errors
  • Windows BSOD screens

Click here to download ErrorFix for free!

More Free Resources for Your PC

If you keep your PC at optimal condition you will be less likely to experience Windows boot errors and other problems. Here are some simple tips to keep your computer stable and error-free:

  • Protect your computer: a combination of a firewall, an antivirus and a spyware remover will protect you against the majority of online threats, malware and hackers. ZoneAlarm is considered a pretty good firewall; and you might want to look at PC Tools or Kaspersky an antivirus solution.

  • Clean the clutter: if you regularly install and uninstall various applications and games your registry will quickly become cluttered and the hard drives fragmented. A great all-in-one solution to optimize your PC and boost it's performance is TuneUp Utilities.

  • Keep it up to date: don't forget to use Windows Update from time to time and install any important patches. Update your hardware drivers too (you can automate the process using a program like DriverRobot).
These simple tips should help your PC run at it's best!

Comments

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  • Reply
    ThatsWhatSheSaid Mar 11, 2010 @ 10:59 am | delete
    You mention Kaspersky but its crap. Slow and cluttered. I use comodo antivirus+firewall, both are free no complaints here ^^

by

MichaelJones

If you suddenly start getting a Windows startup error, don't panic. Every Windows OS has a System File Checker which can fix corrupted system files.

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