My PC is acting very strange

[DR M]

Crystal, this is bad.

Just to check the disk (this doesn't need restart, so there will be no problem), please do the following:

• Download CrystalDiskInfo from here and save it to your Desktop.
• Run the installer to install the program.
• When finished, open the installed program by double clicking on it.
• If everything is working properly, you should see the status “Good“ displayed. Other statuses you might see include “Bad” (which usually indicates a drive that’s dead or near death), “Caution” (which indicates a drive that you should most likely be thinking about backing up and replacing), and “Unknown” (which just means that information could not be obtained).
• Take a screenshot of what you see.

 

[crystald3w]

Here you go.

 

[DR M]

Crystal,

Two things I would like to check:

1. Device Manager

Right click on the Start button, choose Device Manager and check if there are yellow triangles/warnings beside any item. If yes, report back with a screenshot.


2. Autoruns

I would like to see if I miss something from the Start-up process.

• Please download AutoRuns and save it to your desktop.
• Right click on the folder then select Extract all...
• Verify Show extracted files when complete is checked then click Extract.
• Right click on autoruns64.exe (not autorunsc64.exe) and select Run as administrator.
• Wait until the lower left hand corner of the window shows Ready.
• Hit the Ctrl + S key at the same time.
• Save the file to your Desktop using the default File name.
• Please zip and attach the file here.

 

[crystald3w]

Hello,

Everything seems fine in the Device Manager, however i have trouble opening AutoRuns. I have redownloaded several times, even restarted my PC and still the same error.

 

[DR M]

Crystal, at what step do you get the above message?

EDIT: Since you are using WinRar for a zip file, please make sure that the ZIP file extension is ticked in the WinRAR integration panel.

See here: Extract ZIP file

 

[xrobwx71]

If this will help, I've uploaded the 64bit executable for Autoruns on my Google drive, no need to unzip, simply download and run.

Autoruns64.exe

 

[DR M]

Hi, Crystal.

Do you still need assistance?

 

[crystald3w]

Hello DR M,

I tried to download "Autoruns64" the other day, but my PC kept corrupting the file which it does to most other files too and i kind of gave up after countless restarts with no luck. Figured i'd give my PC a little break to function properly again. I will try again in a bit and update you. And please note that i will surely let you guys know when to close this long and frustrating thread. And again i apologize for my late responses. Update coming up.

 

[crystald3w]

Update: still no luck.

 

[DR M]

In that case, Crystal, I have no other suggestions for you to try in order to fix the issues of your computer.

It is time for a clean install of the operating system.


1. Prepare a bootable USB drive with Windows 10

These links will guide you how to do it:

Create installation media for Windows
Download Windows 10


2. Make your computer boot from USB drive

You have to change boot order, so when the time comes, the computer will boot from the USB drive, installing Windows from scratch.

This link maybe helpful: How to Change Computer BIOS Settings


3. Reinstall Windows 10

Insert the USB drive to the computer and restart.

Follow the instructions here: How to: Perform a Clean Install or Reinstall of Windows 10
Perform a Clean Install on an Empty Hard Disk/SSD or Reinstall by Booting from Install Media (DVD or USB Thumb Drive)


Let is know if you have any question about the procedure.

 

[crystald3w]

Hello DR M!

Before i proceed with the clean installation of Windows...is there a way i can check my hard drive's condition? I've been told that its damaged or isnt functioning well. Please advise and thank you.

 

[DR M]

Hi, Crystal.

We tried to check the disk here, but after the restart your computer forgot the command.

After that, we checked the disk with CrystalDiskInfo and the result is good for your disk.

Who told you that the disk is damaged?

 

[crystald3w]

Hi,

A good friend of mine who built my PC told me it could be my hard drive malfunctioning because its been a few times now when my PC suddenly goes black with "disk boot error". My fix was to turn it off/on from the switch. Hasnt happened recently, last time i got it was probably 2 weeks ago. And also the picture i attached was from opening Chrome, the error seems to change everytime. Now it just looks like a virus lol.

Anyway, i will proceed with the clean installation, and will post an update if i have succeeded or failed.

Thank you so much.

PS. I would just like to point out that the link in your first line above as quoted: "We tried to check the disk here, but after the restart your computer forgot the command." directs to a different website

 

[crystald3w]

Update:

I cannot prepare a bootable USB drive on my PC.

Screenshot #1 - First attempt
Screenshot #2 - Second attempt

Any suggestion?

 

[xrobwx71]

Can you borrow, visit a friend and use their PC to create the USB bootable media?

 

[DR M]

Hi, Crystal.

I've been away for a while, so sorry for the late response.

I will ask from an Administrator to correct the wrong link I provide above.

As for the USB drive, yes, please use a different computer so we can ensure that it will be healthy and not corrupted in any way.

 

[x BlueRobot]

I will ask from an Administrator to correct the wrong link I provide above.

What's the correct URL?

 

[DR M]

What's the correct URL?

I corrected it in my reply above.

This is the correct link. Please correct it in Crystal's reply.

Thanks.

 

[crystald3w]

Hello,

I currently dont have a computer i can borrow for now but soon yes, i will do it asap.

As for the picture i attached, any idea whats causing it? It shows up randomly and fixable by shutting down from the switch.

 

[plodr]

Some causes of the error Disk Boot Failure include a damaged hard drive, incorrect BIOS boot order, a corrupted OS, and faulty data cables. Also if a CD/DVD is left in the optical drive. I suppose a non-bootable USB stick left in a port could also cause that error.

I haven't read through all 8 pages of the thread but I think your hard drive was tested and found to be okay. I'd tend to lean towards a corrupt OS and that's why a clean install was suggested by DR M after repeated attempts to fix the OS hasn't resulted in success.