The dreaded blue STOP error screen is preventing Windows from starting...

Snake · Wed 10/02/2010 21:37:21

(Posting from Knoppix Live CD)

So around 2:30 this afternoon, Windows had an update. After installing, it wanted me to restart and so I did.

Now I'm getting this blue screen:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent
damage to your computer.

It this is the first time you've seen this Stop error screen, restart your
computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check to be sure you have adequate disk space. If a driver is identified in
the Stop message, disable the driver or check with the manufacturer for
driver updates. Try changing video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates. Disable BIOS memory
options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use Safe Mode to remove
or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced
Startup Options, and the select Safe Mode.

Technical information:

STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC0000005, 0x8050ED93, 0xF8ACE3B8, 0xF8ACE0B4)

I've googled until I can't google anymore and nothing seems to help. I've looked all through this site but it keeps assuming that I can access Windows through what ever process, like Safe Mode.

I cannot access Windows what-so-ever. Not through Safe Mode, Normally or Last Safe configuration. Every option leads me to this blue screen.

The last time this happened (about a month or less ago) it actually gave me a messege, the one that went something like: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL_TO. So I was able to fix it, but this time I cannot. A couple years ago we got this same problem and had to bring the computer it to get it fixed. We figured they would have to format and reinstall Windows, but they didn't. I'd rather not have to bring this back and get it fixed again. I would like to do it myself with your help.

Please help!

GarageGothic · Wed 10/02/2010 22:11:51

What Windows version are we talking about? Also, have you tried a repair install from the Windows CD (if you have the disk available)?

Snake · Wed 10/02/2010 22:36:18

I knew I would forget to mention something. It's Windows XP Home Edition.

No, I'm not sure I have the correct Windows disk. There might be one hanging around. If I find one I will try it ASAP. One of the sites I found DID mention the Windows CD, so hopefully maybe that'll help if I find it.

Thanks for reminding me, GG.

Wyz · Thu 11/02/2010 00:18:46

I noticed a similar error on my cousins laptop when he asked me to take a look at it. Back then I was able to fix it by changing a setting in the BIOS. Before I'll get into the technical details could you tell me what brand the computer is? It might be a similar problem, otherwise some core system files have become corrupted and you'd have to reinstall windows.

Snake · Thu 11/02/2010 00:32:29

Wyz, it is a Dell Dimension 2400.

RickJ · Thu 11/02/2010 01:08:44

If it get's down to reinstalling windows you avoid formatting the disk; I think you can just delete the windows folder and then reinstall. I'm running XP under Linux/Virtualbox and I turned off that automatic update shite because I don't trust M$. Since I use firefox on the Linux side the machine is not as vulnerable as a naked XP machine. Though I suppose some would say that I'm being naive and lucky.

Snake · Thu 11/02/2010 19:05:19

Well, apparently the disc I do have is for a Dell Dimension 2300. I guess I'm out of options. The Knoppix Live CD will suffice for the time being, I suppose, which isn't an entirely bad thing. I like it so far. It's different. After I make sure my songs are %100 backed up and safe I would like to format that old HDD and install Linux on it.

xenogia · Thu 11/02/2010 23:03:44

Snake,

Check out this link. Your not the only one affected by this issue.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9155419/Windows_patch_cripples_XP_with_blue_screen_users_claim

Snake · Fri 12/02/2010 01:50:02

WOW.

Thank you, Xenogia. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one this happened to...with the same update

Maybe Microsoft will send out some sort of fix...

...or maybe not.

xenogia · Fri 12/02/2010 02:00:11

No problems Snake,

I saw the article and the first person I thought of was you.. lol.. all you need is a win xp cd to do recovery mode to fix it most likely. Now all you need to do is find that disc.

HammerBlade · Fri 12/02/2010 02:18:02

You know...I couldn't resist.

xenogia · Fri 12/02/2010 02:20:08

I would just say linux.. lol

abstauber · Fri 12/02/2010 11:15:10

Hey Snake,
this seems to be the solution to your trouble:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/thread/73cea559-ebbd-4274-96bc-e292b69f2fd1

And btw. even though I like Linux and used it as my primary desktop long time ago (2006?) - save yourself some trouble and do not switch

Even though everything's possible with Linux it takes a lot of time to get things going. If you like spending time with your OS, Linux is a great choice and a nice hobby.
Some dialogs I had with my girlfriend:
1) Can I print a photo? Sure, give me 2 hours (Ubuntu + Hp 990cxi, more than 72 dpi)
2) Where are the photos? Err.. seems like DigiKam stopped working. I'll try to get F-Spot running - 2 hours of rebuilding the library... computers suck.
3) I need to scan something? Sure, give me 2 more hours (finding drivers and then keep on finding better drivers)

So again, if you like to stay the OS out of your way, get a mac. If you don't mind messing with it every now and then, get Windows - and if you like how things are working and configure every piece of hardware.. Linux is your choice

Don't get me wrong - office tasks and surfing the web are great. But other than that it sucks as desktop.

Snake · Fri 12/02/2010 18:40:16

Abstauber, thank you a million for finding that article on uninstalling the update! We got an XP disc and I was able to uninstall it from the repair and recovery section.

Thanks everyone for you help and support!

Now to install Linux on my old HDD

RickJ · Fri 12/02/2010 19:02:10

And here is some more new about those wascally wascals at micwosoft ...
http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/000681.html

It's just a thought but perhaps we are better of taking our chances with hackers in the wild rather than paranoid microsoftees.

Wyz · Fri 12/02/2010 19:48:54

The blue screen I described is unrelated, but...
ah! it could be reversed, glad to hear that for you

LRH · Fri 12/02/2010 19:49:39

Quote from: RickJ on Fri 12/02/2010 19:02:10
And here is some more new about those wascally wascals at micwosoft ...
http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/000681.html

It's just a thought but perhaps we are better of taking our chances with hackers in the wild rather than paranoid microsoftees.

Perhaps if microsoft didn't treat all of its customers like thieves they would be a little more well liked...

Snake · Fri 12/02/2010 21:29:21

Wow. Again. I knew Microsoft was bad, but...

Does anyone know if this update affected Vista? My mother-in-law has a vista machine and she's now worried that the update that she delayed, afterwords shutting off the machine (to visit with us here for the weekend), is going to result in what ours did.

LRH · Fri 12/02/2010 22:56:27

I don't think Vista is under the same iron fist, no. I could be wrong though.

RickJ · Sat 13/02/2010 02:37:29

Quote
I don't think Vista is under the same iron fist, no. I could be wrong though
[/quot]
As I said before KKKWho Owns Your PC? New Anti-Piracy Windows 7 Update "Phones Home" to Microsoft Every 90 Days[/url]. Are you just being naive or sarcastic?