Start Up Problems With Vista
At some point during the time that you use Windows Vista, you may experience start-up problems. It's common to think that the computer is irretrievably damaged when these problems occur. However, most start-up problems are caused by software rather than hardware. With just a few routine troubleshooting steps, you can usually fix the problem.
Other People Are Reading
-
Types
-
There are many different start-up problems that Windows Vista can experience. When you boot your computer, Windows may be very slow to start up, or it may crash at start-up. In other cases, it may fail to boot the operating system altogether. You might receive error messages or blue screens at start-up, or certain start-up applications might fail to load. Windows Vista may be able to start in Safe mode, but not in normal mode.
Causes
-
The causes of Windows Vista start-up problems vary. You might be experiencing a hardware problem. However, missing and corrupt files and drivers can mimic failing hardware. Problems with memory and CPU system resources are often to blame for start-up that is painfully slow. You can use the tools on Microsoft's website and in Windows Vista to find what is really causing the start-up problem.
-
Online Solutions
-
If you can get Windows Vista to start, navigate to the Windows Update website to download critical updates. This site has important updates for drivers and system files that may solve your problem. Next, visit the Windows Upgrade Advisor. This website can tell you if your computer has fallen beneath the system requirements for running Windows Vista. See Resources below for the links.
Vista Tools
-
To troubleshoot start-up problems using Windows Vista tools, click "Start," right-click "Computer" and select "Properties." Select the "Windows Experience Index" link. Click "Advanced Tools." Browse the event log and the Reliability and Performance Monitor to see what warnings and errors your computer has experienced recently and to monitor your system resources. You can also use the System Configuration utility to enter Safe mode. Click "Start" and type "msconfig" in the search bar. Click the link that appears under "Programs" in the Start menu. Click the "Boot" tab. Check the box beside "Safe Boot." Select "Minimal" to load only essential drivers and programs at start-up. Select "Alternate Shell" to start Windows Vista with a command prompt window. Select "Active Directory Repair" to start Windows with the Active Directory and critical system services. Select "Network" to start in Safe mode with network support. When Safe mode starts, click "Start," "Help and Support" and then "Troubleshooting Tools."
Considerations
-
If these troubleshooting methods don't solve your problem, or if your computer will not start Windows Vista, start the computer in Safe mode. Remove all discs from the computer, restart it and press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the logo comes up before you can press F8, you must restart your computer again. If possible, shut down or restart from the log-on screen. If the computer won't shut down normally, press and hold the power button until it turns off. After pressing F8, select "Safe Mode" from the "Advanced Boot Options" screen. Also, if you have a Windows Vista installation disc, you can use it to start Windows Vista and repair your operating system.
-
