**SOLVED** Can only run in Safe Mode - any advice appreciated.

 
Hi guys
 
When I try to boot up my PC, I get an options screen telling me Windows didn't shut down properly and giving me the options of starting in either Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Network, Command Prompt, or Normal Mode.
 
If I start my PC in Normal mode, Windows seems to load OK and the desktop also loads as usual. However, I am unable to run any programs, access anything else or connect to the internet – basically, none of the PC’s functions are working. If I try to run the Task Manager, I get an error message. I cannot even use the Start Menu to turn off my PC – I have to hold down the on/off button on the case.
 
If I start in Safe/Network mode, Windows loads and most functions work and I can access the internet.
 
I’ve tried using System Restore in Safe Mode and although I get the dialogue saying my PC is being restored and then it shuts down, it automatically reloads in Normal Mode and just freezes again. When I open again in Safe Mode, the system restore hasn’t worked.
 
I've also tried using system restore and then hitting F8 as my PC reboots, and choosing Safe Mode. But once I load up system restore I get an error message saying my files have not been restored.
 
I'm the first to admit that I'm pretty green about this kind of stuff and I'm on the verge of just taking my computer down to PC World; I popped down there today and they said they could repair it for between £30 and £70, depending on the problem. Luckily, an old mate of mine works there as a 'Tech Guy' (although he wasn't in today) so I might be able to get him to look at it for a favour.
 
In any case, I'm currently running a full scan with MalwareBytes to see if something obvious is causing the problem.
 
I’d appreciate any advice if this rings any bells with anyone.
 
Thanks in advance
 
 
Specs:
- Dell Inspiron 531
- 2 x 500MB internal drives; 1TB external 'back-up' drive
- AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core Processor 6000+ 3.01 GHz
- 3 GB RAM
- Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit SP2
 
 

Man, that sucks, Steve. It's way over my head. Hopefully it's a relatively easy fix. Good luck with it.

 
Grant, I can't even remember if the Vista disc/s came with my PC - I'll have to start rummaging around in the attic to see if they're with the documentation.
 
Bob, thanks mate. I'm pretty good at knowing how to work a PC, just not very good at knowing how one works
 
 

Re-seat your memory Steve. Pull them out and put them back in.
If it starts back normally check to see if all the memory is being seen.

Have you tried logging in to a different account?

It's possible that your normal user account's registry got messed up.

Guitarhacker


Since you can boot in safe mode with network...that is good.

If malware and virus is behind this..... go to www.malwarebytes.org and download the free version of the program. Install it, run it, let it update, and then scan the computer.

I have used MWB successfully to remove viruses that other virus programs can not even see.

I can't guarantee that MWB will fix the problem but it's worth a shot, and the other day, while removing a virus from my wife's computer, MWB did say to boot to safe mode to do the download and scan.

It has found viruses in several of my computers.... nothing major, but annoying.

Yes I agree that it sounds like malware.  I've had the very same problem.  Malwarebytes is very good at this sort of thing.  Very important, If you already have malwarebytes on you pc, make sure you download the new updates.  I drove myself crazy one time trying to get rid of a malware and all the instructions I found on the internet said to use Malwarebytes.  But it just wasn't working until I thought to update it's definitions.  Then it got rid of the bugger with no problem.  New crap gets written everyday so you always want your updates current.

Very carefully remove the board out of the screen?








































sorry, couldn't resist :-)

alexoosthoek


Very carefully remove the board out of the screen?
sorry, couldn't resist :-)

LOL
 
 
I was going to use this one mate  
 
 

 
Thanks Russell - tried that, still no good though

Here's Steve putting his computer into "Safe Mode" ('cause who wants to be in "Unsafe Mode" anyway?).



(P.S., I think you might have a virus as well.  )

Bad sector in your HD?

 
Craig - that's hilarious
 
Thanks Miggy and Mark
 
 
Update - I've run a full scan with both Malwarbytes and an AV program Danny suggested. They both found plenty of crap (over 500 items) which has either been quarantined or removed.
 
The problem still exists though.
 
 
Jon - thanks again mate, I'm downloading it now (JB put me onto a solution that may involve some updated nVidea drivers).
 
 
 

I had this issue once, ended up re-formatting and re-installing OS.  At least you have access to your data.  My suggestion is to do a backup as soon as possible.  The data at this point is still available which could change while trying to repair. 

Back up first, then troubleshoot.  IMO

 
Beag - I can't restore at all mate. I get the dialogue in Safe Mode that my files are being restored but when my PC starts back up again (in Normal or 'forced' F8 Safe mode) everything is exactly as it was before.
 
Thanks Mark B - I use Acronis to back up everything once a week to an external HD so I know everything's safe. I also have all my Cakewalk stuff and my photographs saved on HD and DVD's.
 
Craig - I think that's where I'm heading
 
 

oh.  bummer.

sounds like time to back up all data and reinstall windows.