Random Black SOD's

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Occasionally after my PC boots and I log in, the PC hangs at the green screen prior to the desktop and then goes black.  The mouse works and I can bring up the screen where I can open up task manager (TM).  When I open TM, only 6 processes are running including Explorer.exe.  I have done some reading on this and almost all say it is because Explorer.exe is not running, but it is so that is NOT the problem.

This started in mid/later February.  The last time I did WU was 1/25 so I am guessing that a WU is not causing this.

I have done a number of things to try and remedy this:

Deleted video driver and let Windows reinstall

Set start up programs to delayed start.

Disabled unnecessary check for updates in TM.

Ran CHKDSK, but have not read the CBS log.  Got the usual CHKDSK found errors, but could not repair them.  In past instances these have all been due to my deletion of unnecessary Windows multimedia files that are part of the standard Windows OS install ie: sample music and pictures.

When this happens and I am in TM, the shut down and restart buttons only leave the system hanging at logging off.  I have to hold down the power button to shut down.  A  reboot in most cases works and my PC then runs normally.

Here are my start up programs:

EMET

Zone alarm, was installed 2/10 and is the latest install

Kaspersky free and secure connect

Sandboxie control

Intel rapid storage

The AV and firewall have all been set to delayed start up.

Thanks for any suggestions

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Fire up Windows in “safe mode”. Press F8 lots as soon as you turn the machine on.
If you can do this, create a new profile to test, then reboot and login to the new profile.

cheers, Paul

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You could run “sfc /scannow” (without the quotes) in an elevated command prompt to check the system files.  The CHDSK errors raise the possibility of a failing hard drive.

Win 10 home - 22H2
Attitude is a choice...Choose wisely

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I might have run the scannow, cannot remember.  Kept getting error volume in use.  Was about 3 weeks ago when all this started happening.  I ran the one that generates the CBS log.  I will try the new profile trick.

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Larry B wrote:

Ran CHKDSK, but have not read the CBS log.  Got the usual CHKDSK found errors, but could not repair them.  In past instances these have all been due to my deletion of unnecessary Windows multimedia files that are part of the standard Windows OS install ie: sample music and pictures.

CHKDSK has nothing to do with file deletion… CHKSDK checks HD hardware, not software.
You should run SFC /scannow /f /r from Safe Mode.

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Larry B wrote:

Got the usual CHKDSK found errors, but could not repair them.

That points to a failing hard disk.
What errors did it report?

cheers, Paul

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[Alex5723]

Larry B wrote:

Got the usual CHKDSK found errors, but could not repair them.

The first thing you should so before anything else is to make a full image backup of your system to an external HD…
The best next thing is to replace your HD with a SSD drive (M.2 NVMe is up to 6-10x times faster then a 2.5″ SATA III SSD drive).

• This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by Alex5723.

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Something I forgot to mention.  This is a laptop and has a failed battery.  I looked into replacing it and found the directions online.  I am supposed to disengage 3 very small tabs which I cannot tell which way to push them.  I did get them all to loosen once and then the keyboard is supposed to lift off, but t still seemed very tight and I was afraid of bending the thin metal.  Right after the Dell logo, I have to press the F1 key and then the PC will boot.  Perhaps I am not getting enough power to the HD on some occasions.  Battery monitor says 4% not charging.

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