[lsantil]

My Dell Latitude D630 running Windows Vista has been bluescreening near the start of the boot process ever since I applied Windows updates not long ago.  The exact error varies depending on whether I boot normally or boot to Safe Mode or launch Startup Repair.  One typical error is

“PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA”,  although I have also seen "DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL”.  I also sometime get a simple “STOP c000021a (Fatal System Error)”.

 

When I try to perform a System Restore to a point before the Windows updates were applied, I get the message “System Restore failed due to an unspecified error”.

 

Sometimes the system will run chkdsk, and the messages seem to indicate that it is finding and correcting some errors.  But nothing is different afterwards and the system continues to bluescreen.

 

You guys were awesome a couple of years ago when I had a nasty ransomware infection on a Dell desktop, and I’m hoping that you can lead me out of the darkness again this time!

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Zip up any .recent .dmp files in C:\Windows\minidump and upload the zip file here so I can look at the dumps.

[Ztruker]

Zip up any .recent .dmp files in C:\Windows\minidump and upload the zip file here so I can look at the dumps.

[lsantil]

Thanks so much for your response.

 

Unfortunately my system is crashing so early in the boot process that I cannot search for files or examine folder contents (let alone zip and send files).

 

Anything I can do given these circumstances?

[lsantil]

...just a heads-up that I am unexpectedly being called out of town for a couple of days and will be unable to communicate.

 

Be back Saturday.

 

Thanks very much, Lou 

[Ztruker]

I would suggest you backup your data before doing anything else. That way if something goes wrong when you are trying to repair the OS, you won't lose the data:

See here: Emergency Kit - save your files from a dead OS - Windows 7 Help Forums

Do you have a Vista install DVD you can use to attempt repairs after you backup your data? If not, post here and ask Peter (Ex_Brit) to send you the link to the versions of Vista you need, 32 or 64 bit. Include your E-mail address mucked up, like   abc at  xyz DOT com  then edit your post and remove it as soon as you receive the link.

The ISO Peter provides has both SP1 and SP2 applied.

Pick up the Tutorial: How to Download a Vista ISO and Create an Installation DVD or USB here:

STEP THREE
To Create Vista Installation DVD or USB Flash Drive with ISO File

During the install, when asked for the key, don't enter it. You will then be given a menu where you can chose the version you want to install.

Activate once the install is completed.
 

[lsantil]

Thanks very much for the guidance.

 

I will work on this and keep you advised of my status.

 

Lou

[lsantil]

Ztruker… thanks for all your help with this.  I got an .iso file from Peter like you suggested (very helpful and nice person) but unfortunately when I try to boot from the disc that I burned my system just bluescreens right after the message “windows is loading files” (PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA).

 

I actually did some digging on my own and went down a couple of different paths trying to solve my issues.  But no matter what I try to do (boot to Safe Mode, system restore, etc.) it always ends with a BSOD.  I’m guessing that my issue is ultimately hardware-related (?).  But at any rate, the unit is over 7 years old and I think I’m probably going to re-purpose it as a doorstop and move on.

 

Thanks very much again for all your help.

 

Lou

[Ztruker]

One last thing you could try,.

 

Remove half the memory then try to boot the disc. If no go, swap the removed and installed ram and try again.

If it works, replace the bad ram.