Steps to take when Windows refuses to start

The dreaded “Windows screen goes black with just a cursor.” Example 1: Blue Screen of Death illustration for INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE.
Example 2: I provoked this issue, typically displaying “Windows failed to initiate correctly.”
Example 3: Here is the main menu of the Windows Recovery Environment. Next, we’ll proceed to the Troubleshoot option.
Example 4: Advanced choices become visible when you pick the Troubleshoot feature in Example 3. Notice that the initial entry is labeled Startup Repair. Example 5: If Startup Repair is unsuccessful (a common occurrence), it provides an appropriate report.
Example 6: Shown from left to right: EFI, system/boot, and recovery sections for C: (from DiskMgmt.msc).
Example 6: Shown from left to right: EFI, system/boot, and recovery sections for C: (from DiskMgmt.msc).
Example 6: Shown from left to right: EFI, system/boot, and recovery sections for C: (from DiskMgmt.msc).
Example 7: When executed independently (top left), BCDedit exhibits all current boot sections, boot loader, boot manager, and recovery details.
Example 7: When executed independently (top left), BCDedit showcases all active boot sections, boot loader, boot manager, and recovery details.
Example 7: When executed independently (top left), BCDedit displays all active boot sections, boot loader, boot manager, and recovery details.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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