This wikiHow teaches you how to fix Windows 7 that causes a black error screen to appear after logging in. This type of error is known as a "Black Screen of Death" ("KSOD" or "BlSod").
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Run the Process Explorer
Step 1. Start Windows, log in and wait for the black error screen to appear
In some cases, it is necessary to force the execution of the Windows Explorer process which will then allow you to scan the system for malware and viruses, and then eliminate them solving the problem.
Step 2. Press the key combination Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Esc
The "Task Manager" window will appear.
If you are unable to open the "Task Manager" window, try to perform a system restore
Step 3. Click on the File menu
Step 4. Click on the New Activity item
Step 5. Type explorer.exe command and press Enter key
In many cases, the Windows interface will be loaded into memory and displayed on the screen within seconds.
If after several minutes the Windows GUI still hasn't appeared on the screen, try disabling the video card drivers
Step 6. Launch your internet browser
If you have successfully accessed the Windows interface, you will be able to scan your system for the cause of the problem. The fastest way to do this is to use a free program called Malwarebytes.
Step 7. Visit the malwarebytes.org website
Step 8. Click the Free Download button
The free version of Malwarebytes is equipped with all the features needed to solve the problem discussed in the article.
Step 9. After the download is complete, run the installation file
Step 10. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Malwarebytes
To perform the installation, you can use the default settings that will be provided to you by the wizard.
Step 11. After the installation is complete, launch the Malwarebytes program
Normally, it should start automatically when the installation is complete, but if not, you can run it manually using the shortcut that appeared on your desktop or in the "Start" menu.
Step 12. Click the Check for Updates button
Checking for and installing new updates may take several minutes.
Step 13. Click the Scan Now button
Step 14. Wait for the system scan to finish
The time required for this step to complete should be approximately 30 minutes.
Step 15. Click the Quarantine button if a virus or malware is found
In this way, all potentially harmful files will be isolated and the problem that generates the black screen of error should be resolved.
If the scan found viruses or malware, restart your system and run a new scan after quarantining all infected files
Method 2 of 3: Disable the Video Card Drivers
Step 1. Restart your computer
The cause of the problem could be video card drivers that adversely interfere with the Windows startup procedure. Deleting them will allow Windows to load normally, which will in turn allow you to download and install the latest updated driver version.
Step 2. Press function key F8 repeatedly
The Windows Advanced Boot Options menu will appear. If Windows starts loading, you'll need to restart your computer and try again.
Step 3. Select the Safe Mode option and press the Enter key
The operating system will load in safe mode. In this mode, Windows should load correctly even when the black error screen normally appears.
If Windows doesn't start in safe mode, try running a system restore
Step 4. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + R when Windows has completed the boot phase in Safe Mode
Step 5. Type the devmgmt.msc command and press the Enter key
Step 6. Expand the Display Adapters section
Step 7. Select with the right mouse button the first element of the appeared list
There may be several video cards inside the computer. In this scenario, there will be multiple entries in the "Display adapters" section.
Step 8. Click the Uninstall button
Step 9. Select the Delete the driver software for this device check button and click the OK button
Step 10. Repeat the uninstallation procedure for all other items listed in the Display Adapters section
Step 11. Restart your computer and wait for the operating system to load normally
If the video card drivers were the cause of the problem, Windows should start correctly. The only drawback is that the graphic resolution of the screen will be lower than what you normally use.
Step 12. Install the latest version of the video card drivers if Windows has booted normally without problems
If uninstalling the old drivers solved the problem, you will need to install the latest version of the graphics card drivers available to restore the correct functioning of the device:
- Launch your internet browser.
- Visit the card manufacturer's official website and access the driver download page. You can use one of the following links: Intel, AMD or NVIDIA. If you're not sure which video card is installed on your computer, try using the auto-detect feature on each manufacturer's website.
- Automatically scan your system from the video card manufacturer page you have selected, then install the drivers that will be offered to you.
Method 3 of 3: Perform the Installation Repair
Step 1. Restart your computer
This automatic Windows procedure is intended to reinstall the files essential for the proper startup of the operating system. That way, the problem should be solved.
Step 2. Press function key F8 repeatedly
The Windows Advanced Boot Options menu will appear. If the Windows loading screen appears, you will need to restart your computer and try again.
If you are unable to access the indicated menu, you can boot your computer using the Windows 7 installation DVD or USB installation drive, and then choose the "Repair Computer" option from the menu that appears
Step 3. Select the Repair Computer option and press the Enter key
Step 4. Select the keyboard layout
By default, the correct language should already be selected.
Step 5. Select the user account you want to login with
By logging in as a system administrator, you will be able to open a "Command Prompt" window and take advantage of other recovery options.
Step 6. Click on the Startup Repair option
Step 7. Wait while the recovery procedure scans your computer
Step 8. Follow all on-screen instructions to resolve any problems that have been found
Depending on the problems that will be detected by the recovery procedure, you will have several options. In many cases, the reset procedure will be able to fix the problem without you having to intervene. In this scenario, the system will restart one or more times.
If the procedure detects the need to perform an operating system restore, click on the "Restore" button and select the most recent restore point you have available
Step 9. Try to log in to Windows
After the recovery process is complete, try restarting your computer and logging into Windows.
