Recently I decided to build my first computer, a desktop. I have Windows 7 64-bit Home premium, and it works fine the first time I boot it up. However, once I download something that requires a restart or turn it off, the screen goes black when it starts back up. It does the whole "Windows is Starting" animation with the floating motes of light that become the Microsoft logo, an it starts pulsing, but after that it's black. If I type my password in the background comes up, but nothing else- no icons, no taskbar, even Ctrl+Alt+Del doesn't work. I end up restarting it in safe mode and restoring it to when it worked.
Ive also reinstalled the OS three times now, in case that matters. Any tech gurus know why it isn't working?
The first time it was drivers for my video card, the next was some ASUS software that came with the motherboard, and the last time was software for a wifi card.
The first time it was drivers for my video card, the next was some ASUS software that came with the motherboard, and the last time was software for a wifi card.
So it only happens after you install something/anything that requires a restart? Sounds like the Windows install is getting corrupted. It's possible that it is your BIOS, but I think that is doubtful considering the symptoms.
Firstly, what is your Windows install source? Did you purchase or pirate it? Be honest, as this is important. Second, if you are using a "legit" source for the install, you should test your RAM with something like Memtest86+ Third, make sure you are using the lately BIOS revision for your board. Fourth, you should confirm your BIOS settings regarding the hard drive are set properly, maybe try changing between different modes, SATA usually has several to choose from. You'll probably need to install from scratch when you change the modes.
So it only happens after you install something/anything that requires a restart? Sounds like the Windows install is getting corrupted. It's possible that it is your BIOS, but I think that is doubtful considering the symptoms.
Firstly, what is your Windows install source? Did you purchase or pirate it? Be honest, as this is important, we won't judge you. Second, if you are using a "legit" source for the install, you should test your RAM with something like Memtest86+ Third, make sure you are using the lately BIOS revision for your board. Fourth, you should confirm your BIOS settings regarding the hard drive are set properly, maybe try changing between different modes, SATA usually has several to choose from. You'll probably need to install from scratch when you change the modes.
Just whenever it is turned off and back on.
It isn't pirated, but it is OEM.
I can't download that- no Internet access until I download Netgear software which requires a restart.
How can I do that?
I can check that. Edit: do I want IDE RAID or AHCI? I only have 1 HD
So it only happens after you install something/anything that requires a restart? Sounds like the Windows install is getting corrupted. It's possible that it is your BIOS, but I think that is doubtful considering the symptoms.
Firstly, what is your Windows install source? Did you purchase or pirate it? Be honest, as this is important, we won't judge you. Second, if you are using a "legit" source for the install, you should test your RAM with something like Memtest86+ Third, make sure you are using the lately BIOS revision for your board. Fourth, you should confirm your BIOS settings regarding the hard drive are set properly, maybe try changing between different modes, SATA usually has several to choose from. You'll probably need to install from scratch when you change the modes.
Just whenever it is turned off and back on.
It isn't pirated, but it is OEM.
I can't download that- no Internet access until I download Netgear software which requires a restart.
How can I do that?
I can check that. Edit: do I want IDE RAID or AHCI? I only have 1 HD
Sure you can download it, use another computer.
Check your version during boot or in the BIOS yourself. Look it up.
IDE or AHCI is what you want. Try setting it to the mode that was not chosen by default and try another install.
Ive also reinstalled the OS three times now, in case that matters. Any tech gurus know why it isn't working?
There's something wrong with your bios.
Firstly, what is your Windows install source? Did you purchase or pirate it? Be honest, as this is important.
Second, if you are using a "legit" source for the install, you should test your RAM with something like Memtest86+
Third, make sure you are using the lately BIOS revision for your board.
Fourth, you should confirm your BIOS settings regarding the hard drive are set properly, maybe try changing between different modes, SATA usually has several to choose from. You'll probably need to install from scratch when you change the modes.
Just whenever it is turned off and back on.
It isn't pirated, but it is OEM.
I can't download that- no Internet access until I download Netgear software which requires a restart.
How can I do that?
I can check that. Edit: do I want IDE RAID or AHCI? I only have 1 HD
Sure you can download it, use another computer.
Check your version during boot or in the BIOS yourself. Look it up.
IDE or AHCI is what you want. Try setting it to the mode that was not chosen by default and try another install.