Troubleshooting Guide for Windows 10 Boot Issues - Black Screen with Cursor
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| windows 10 would not boot black screen with cursor |
**Introduction:**
Encountering problems while booting Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially when facing a black screen with a cursor. This guide outlines the step-by-step process to diagnose and resolve issues at different phases of the boot sequence.
**BIOS Phase:**
When Windows 10 won't boot, start by disconnecting external peripherals and checking the hard disk drive light. A non-responsive NumLock key or a stuck BIOS phase could indicate a hardware problem.
**Boot Loader Phase:**
A black screen with a blinking cursor or various error codes may signal Boot Configuration Data (BCD) issues, corrupted files, or missing components. In such cases, use Windows installation media and try the following methods:
**Method 1: Startup Repair Tool**
Initiate the Startup Repair tool to automatically fix common problems and diagnose more complex ones. Check for improvements by restarting the PC.
**Method 2: Repair Boot Codes**
Fix Master Boot Record (MBR) or boot sector issues using commands like `BOOTREC /FIXMBR` and `BOOTREC /FIXBOOT`.
**Method 3: Fix BCD Errors**
Address BCD-related errors by scanning for installed systems, exporting BCD for backup, and rebuilding it using commands like `Bootrec /ScanOS` and `bootrec /rebuildbcd`.
**Method 4: Replace Bootmgr**
If previous methods fail, replace the Bootmgr file from the System Reserved partition.
**Method 5: Restore System Hive**
When the system registry hive can't load, restore it using Windows Recovery Environment or Emergency Repair Disk (ERD). Note that starting from Windows 10 version 1803, automatic backups to the RegBack folder are no longer performed.
**Kernel Phase:**
Stuck during the kernel phase manifests through various error messages or symptoms. Advanced troubleshooting options include:
**Scenario 1: Try Safe Mode or Last Known Good Configuration**
Attempt to start in Safe Mode or Last Known Good Configuration.
**Clean Boot:**
Isolate problematic services using System Configuration (msconfig). Test services one at a time and, if necessary, include system services. If the computer starts, disable faulty services.
**Driver Signature Enforcement:**
If the computer starts in Disable Driver Signature mode, troubleshoot drivers or files requiring signature enforcement.
**Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM):**
For domain controllers, try DSRM, especially when encountering Stop error "0xC00002E1" or "0xC00002E2."
**Advanced Troubleshooting for Stop Errors:**
Follow specific steps for error codes like INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE (STOP 0x7B). Filter drivers in Windows Recovery Environment and address problems caused by Windows updates.
**Memory Dump:**
Capture a memory dump to determine the root cause of Stop errors.
**File and Disk Checks:**
Check driver functionality, disable unnecessary drivers, run System File Checker (SFC) for system file corruption, and use the check disk command for disk issues.
**Registry and Hive Restoration:**
Address general registry corruption by restoring hives in Windows Recovery Environment.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve Windows 10 boot issues, especially when faced with a black screen and cursor.
