black screen problem on windows 7, vista and xp
DESCRIPTION
Test DocTRANSCRIPT
Home Products Buy Now
Downloads Malware Center Contact Support MyPrevx
NOV 27TH
Black Screen woes could affect millions on Windows 7, Vista and XP
Posted by: David Kennerley
Prevx offers a free fix for Windows Black Screen
Firstly, there appears to be many causes of the black screen issue. The symptoms are very distinctive and
troublesome. After starting your Windows 7, Vista, XP, NT, W2K, W2K3 or W2K8 PC or server the system appears
normal. However, after logging on there is no desktop, task bar, system tray or side bar. Instead you are left with a
totally black screen and a single My Computer Explorer window. Even this window might be minimized making it
hard to see.
If you have these symptoms you can safely try our free Black Screen Fix. It will fix the most common cause we have
seen of this issue. Running the fix program is easy under normal circumstances, simply download with your
browser using the link above and run the program. However, if you are trying to do this from the PC which has the
black screen it is a bit more tricky. In these circumstances follow the procedure below:
1) Restart your PC
2) Logon and wait for the black screen to appear
3) Make sure your PC should be able to connect to the internet (black screen does not appear to affect this)
4) Press the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys simultaneously
5) When prompted, Click Start Task Manager
6) In Task Manager Click on the Application Tab
7) Next Click New Task
8) Now enter the command:
"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" "http://info.prevx.com/download.asp?GRAB=BLACKSCREENFIX"
Note this command assumes that you are using internet explorer as your browser, if not substitute your browser
path and file details for those of iexplore.exe or use the Browser option of Task manager to locate it.
9) Click OK and your browser should start up and begin the download process
10) When prompted for the download Click run, the black screen fix program will download and run to
automatically fix the issue.
11) Now restart your PC and the black screen problem will hopefully be gone.
I must stress that this tool will not fix all black screen issues. There can be many causes. But if your black screen
woes began in the last 2 weeks after a Windows update or after running any security program (including Prevx) to
remove malware during this time then this fix will have a high probability of working.
If you Google Black Screen then you will find a whopping 80Million plus results, mostly dominated by people
searching for a fix to this problem. Thousands of users have resorted to reloading Windows as a last ditch effort to
fix the problem, avoid that at all cost. We hope we can help a good many of you avoid the need to reload.
By the way ‐ the cause of this recent crop of Black Screen appears to be a change in the Windows Operating
Systems lock down of registry keys. This change has the effect of invalidating several key registry entries if they are
updated without consideration of the new ACL rules being applied. For reference the rule change does not appear
to have been publicised adequately, if at all, with the recent Windows updates.
In researching this issue we have identified at least 10 different scenarios which will trigger the same black screen
conditions. These appear to have been around for years now. But our advice is try our tool first. If it works great. If
it doesn't you are no worse off.
Good luck.
Dave Kennerley
Prevx Support
Update: In response to requests for Patch details:
The conditions under which the actual black screen is triggered are spasmodic. Some test systems always trigger
the condition, others are less consistent. The windows patches which seem common to the issue arising are listed
below:
KB915597 and KB976098
When the issue occurs the WinLogon Shell entry for Explorer.Exe becomes invalidated. The entry exists perfectly in
the registry but is unusable/inaccessible and is therefore ignored by the OS resulting in the desktop and task bar
not being loaded. This entry is frequently the target of malware so tightening access to it is probably a good thing.
However, the black screen condition is the only sign of the problem, leaving non technical users with a major
challenge.
Hope this helps you.
Prevx Support
105 comments so far
1. Friend Boy on Nov 28 11:46
Thanks for fix. It is really annoying to see black screen (no desktop) usually after malware
removal. Your fix works for some of my clients computer today.
2. Friend Boy on Nov 28 11:53
Black screen (no desktop) is really annoying issue usually occurs after some malware removal.
Your fix works for some of my client's computers. Previously I have to dig into registry via task
manager to have some clue. Now it is easy to give a try to provided fix tool. Thanks for this fix.
3. Anonymous Coward on Nov 30 16:25
Hmmm 15 patches...so which one is the culprit? Do your readers a service and point out the
alleged patch at fault instead of pushing your magic executable.
4. corndog on Nov 30 17:26
This is all well and good, but it would be really nice to know exactly what patch from Microsoft
is causing this, so we can disable it in our WSUS servers before it renders thousands of
machines black.
5. Robert on Nov 30 17:49
Can anyone be more specific as to the exact update which is believed to cause the problem?
6. Fred on Nov 30 18:31
Thank you Prevxx, very cool! Don't need it now but I have printed off your instructions if I or
someone else needs it.
7. Questioner on Nov 30 18:49
Any intention of revealing which updates are suspected to cause the issues so, y'know...I can
NOT install them kthxbye
8. Raul on Nov 30 20:09
Can you point to the bad patch in order to apply the remaining 14?
Thanks.
9. Judi on Nov 30 20:46
After updates , my machine rebooted and then stopped cold...it said ntoskrnl was missing. Last
known good was no help. With recovery console, I have replaced ntoskrnl, but upon the next
boot, it stopped at bootvid. Replaced that, then it stopped at kdcom.dll. Replacing that did not
help at all. I've tried to follow instructions for recovery console, but I've had no luck at all. I will
no longer be trusting of updates. I manage WSUS at work, and am not sure whether I can
approve these updates for a thousand machines! MS, we deserve better than this! I cannot get
my windows xp back. Linux is sounding much better to me every day that I fight with this! I did
not want to reinstall my apps. Many companies these days get their undies in a bunch if a
person has to reinstall several times. This will be the second time this year ‐ I had to do this in
January of this year..
10. Lars on Nov 30 21:16
I have not notised any problem, certainly no black screen...and I have installed all updates...but
I am using MS Security Essentials and it seems to work quitly in thew background and cause no
problem.
11. David on Nov 30 21:23
Should the fix still be run on a computer that is not showing this symptom as a preventive
measure or is this only for computers having this particular problem?
12. MowGreen on Nov 30 21:48
Since I've been assisting Users in the Windows Update newsgroup for at least the last 9 years,
can you specifically identify which update or updates is causing these KSODs ? I've not seen any
posts in that NG about this issue being *specifically* caused by any of November's updates.
Source, please.
13. Tom O on Nov 30 22:56
What specific patch is causing the issues?
14. Brian on Dec 1 1:00
The woman at Microsoft acted like I was the only one, to bad I did not find this before. I had it
dual booted with windows 7 rc so I got all my files back, but none of my backup discs worked
and I tried doing like the woman said and by trying to boot from the DVD so much it finally
broke the disc and when it starts to read disc just says error, I was assured vista ultimate would
be safe and all I wanted was to send my stuff in and get another 32 bit disc, since I am not using
the 64 bit DVD, anyway after so many emails no was basically the answer. That's great since it's
8 months old and after all that money and other problems I have to run windows 7 rc and I
downloaded ubuntu, I am so upset after that and all the other problems the os and ms has
given me. If you know what I can do now please let me know, I already installed windows 7 rc
over it, but in spring it will run out. Please help//[email protected] or the one above.
15. Paul M. Mrozinsky on Dec 1 1:21
Note this command assumes that you are using internet explorer as your browser, of not
substitute your browser path and file details for thos of iexplore.exe or use the Browser option
of Task manager to locate it.
Check Spelling.
16. max on Dec 1 4:45
i cant even get the task manager to come up with ctrl+alt+del !?!? on my vista home
premium.....any suggestions ???
17. doug b on Dec 1 5:03
This just happened to me yesterday! I reloaded XP and it fixed the problem, I wished I had seen
your posting first. No more Windows updates for me!
18. Triple Helix on Dec 1 6:06
Working great so far! I was wondering what the heck as going on!
Thanks Prevx Team!
Cheers,
TH
19. bruce on Dec 1 6:36
should we apply the fix if we have not had any black screen issues yet?
20. Dinh, Tran Duc on Dec 1 7:01
I followed your instructions but it's not solve black screen issue, my laptop is Dell Inspiron 6400,
I using windows 7 Ultimate, can you show me solution in this situation
21. JP on Dec 1 8:57
That fix didn't work in server 2003, any ideas, how to repair that ?
22. Jerry Sanders on Dec 1 9:30
It's easy to make mistakes ‐ like the spelling of adequately as adequatley in the blog above!
FAQ: Is a spelling mistake a bug in a piece of human code?
23. israel on Dec 1 9:56
I have a black screen problem, but my computer
can't connect any browser, and no window is available
a start point to download your patch.
I have only the mouse cursor working on my black screen
tried right mouse click to get a drop down menu ‐ got ‐nothing!
can I use my recovery console with your ".exe" patch from
a floppy disk to fix my registry?
how is it done?
24. JohnnyB on Dec 1 10:18
Could this problem be part of an anti‐Google ploy by MS?
I have two computers, and both have been affected by the Windows update. The laptop runs
McAfee, and the desktop runs NOD 32, Spyware Doctor (from Google) and Spybot S&D.
After the update, the McAfee was severely corrupted (took 4 hours w/ a McAfee tech to clean
and re‐install) but no black screen. The laptop DID display a message at one point saying Google
Desktop was unable to load.
The Desktop has the black screen. First System Restore failed, and then after a spyware
scan/cleaning by Spyware doctor (from Google) it went to black screen on the next reboot.
Also, is there a way to run the fix if Task Manager won't open on the affected computer?
25. Kay on Dec 1 10:59
This happened to me yesterday. Trouble started after downloading and installing updates on
Thursday last week. Contacted MS but so far no help from them. I'm not able to use the fix
because all my directories are empty : ) I have not reinstalled Windows, but still it seems that
my C disk is empty. Ideas to what I can do before reinstalling Windows? I tried running fixshell
from DOS but that doesn't work. Thanks
26. Jackie T on Dec 1 11:24
Works perfectlyish ‐ after running it, I now can't seem to get access to my VPN ‐ help!
27. Stephenmorphey on Dec 1 12:16
Thanks for the useful information. I have had the same problem and no resolution to it. So
finally tried the net and found your blog. Thanks for providing the patch.
28. jamesm on Dec 1 12:52
Thank you!
My Windows XP Pro install was just getting stuck on the boot screen and not even getting to
desktop. Would be ok in Safe Mode, but not a normal boot. Ran this in safe mode and all OK
now.
Thanks again!
29. roddyp on Dec 1 13:09
Not sure if this is related, but since the weekend, my Vista system has had problems with
credentials:
Skype auto login failed ‐ password needed reentering
Outlook can't access mail servers ‐ again, rejected credentials
Remote desktop session credentials need reentering each time
Previously, all this worked seamlessly...
30. Roderz on Dec 1 13:43
Had this happen on XP but BEFORE login,
and pressing CTRL, ALT and DEL did nothing, only thing that got a response was pressing shit
key 5 times (activates 'sticky keys') could hear the beep but even then did not display anything
;‐(
Had to reinstall.
31. Thomas Allen on Dec 1 13:52
Downloaded the fix and put it on a USB flash drive (also dropped it on a server share), just in
case. We have about 30 Windows machines in our office, but have had no black screen issues,
so far.
Thanks for the fix.
32. Chris Dugan on Dec 1 14:11
Hi,
Do you have any more info to share on which update caused the problem and which registry
keys are affected and how?
Thanks,
Chris
33. Karen Sweeney on Dec 1 14:43
Thanks for the free fix, don't need it at the moment, anyone know what the offending file is
from Microsoft? KB????? I've had probs with their updates before, by a process of
eliminatination rejected one of their optional downloads for my wireless adapter, after
installing I couldn't access the net. NIce huh? Anyway be warned don't install microsoft updates
automatically, best to get them and wait a couple of days to see if there's an alert like this one!
Does anyone think that a flash drive with the fix on it would trigger the dialogue box during a
black screen event to open the folder and view files??? I've got the fix in mine at the ready just
in case :) PS, the anti google ploy...perhaps yes because the only way I could get online during
my previous problem was by using IE8 instead, a new release from Mozilla later solved the
block.
34. zz on Dec 1 15:13
Thanks, your utility finally fixed this problem that I've had for over 1.5 years now on my work
laptop ‐‐ that noone could assist with. In the past I'd start explorer via task manager everytime.
If you dont mind ‐‐ can you share the details of what exactly this .exe does?
35. spiceuser on Dec 1 15:19
Thanks for your help with working through this. Haven't seen it yet but "situational awareness"
is never a bad thing.
36. Tony on Dec 1 15:23
Are there any flags that can be set to run this silently so it can be dispatched remotely via
PSEXEC?
37. Abhinav on Dec 1 15:27
Spyware Doctor is not from Google but PC Tools...
38. PatchManager on Dec 1 15:34
Could you please specify which updates caused the corruption?
I manage updates for our organization, and I want to decline them in WSUS without having to
decline installation of the whole month's worth of updates and patches just to catch it.
‐Thanks!
39. Slip on Dec 1 16:09
I never allow auto update for this reason. Give updates some time before applying them.
40. JG007 on Dec 1 16:11
Great that this issue hasbeen identified and a company is providing a fix but it is important top
realise that it is still a pretty small percentage of users that 'may' have this issue, I hacve 2x
Windows 7 and 1x XP machine at hoem and I always install windows updates immediately and
have not been affected by this issue and have only once had even a minor issue with windows
update that was resolved by roling back the network driver that was updated.
People realy need to understand that they should not simply decide not to install any MS
updates ever because of this as this is leaving their system open to atacks which could cause
them much more of a problem than this.
I would also say that it is pretty embarasing if anybody spoke to any real tech guys who could
not help with this issue as the first thing I would try doing is starting explorer from task
manager which as far as I can tell would work fine. also sorry but I really don't think it is
possible to break a dvd by trying to read it too many times unless you have a slightly dodgy dvd
drive, correct me if I am wrong..
41. wouter on Dec 1 16:14
you can also just typ explorer.exe as a new task if you enterd the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys
simultaneously. you will have to do it every time that you start up your pc
greatz wouter
42. Dustin on Dec 1 16:17
Will this fix work if control alt delete doesn't work? I have a KSOD also but when windows 7
boots it only shows the mouse cursor and black screen. I can't access anything.
43. LarryH on Dec 1 16:42
I think I have been seeing this behavior sporadically for the past several months. For my
machine, this usually happens the first time a user logs in to our XP Home machine after a cold
boot. I get the user's background wallpaper but no other desktop elements and no Explorer
window. What I have done in these cases is bring up the Task Manager and log off by clicking
the "New Task" button and entering the command "shutdown ‐l". I then log in again and I get
my desktop and startup apps as expected.
44. Daniel on Dec 1 16:48
Is it possible that this could affect your machine /before/ login? I updated Windows, and now
my computer will not boot. Disks and fans spin, but I can't even get to my BIOS. I was assuming
this was a bad mobo issue, but now I'm wondering...
45. eduardo on Dec 1 17:29
as Dustin says above ... in my case I just get a black screen and the mouse cursor, cant access
anything ... any help in this case?
46. Justin on Dec 1 17:33
If the program is on a flash drive, assuming your OS still recognizes it when you plug it in, you
should be able to launch it as a new task from task manager, as described above. Just instead of
running IE, you run the app on the flash drive.....
47. Chris Aldridge on Dec 1 17:42
My BSOD has shown up in the VISTA envirionment. I end up with a completely black screen and
only a mouse cursor showing. I'm on a Dell Inspiron 1545 and I can get into the preboot
sequence with F2 and look at things with F12. I've no idea how to acces the internet from here.
Ctl‐alt‐del doesen't seem to get me anything.
If I download the patch to flash drive, is there way to access and run it from there?
48. Don on Dec 1 18:23
What nobody is telling you is that this only happens when you use 3rd party software that tries
to manage or manipulate Windows normal procedures. Mal‐ware protection software is a
prime candidate for doing this. Unfortunately there is no governance on software quality
assurance so, software vendors are free to do as they please and then point the finger the
other way when things don't go write.
Best advice, to avoid such troubles, do your homework and use good software. You get what
you pay for and software is no different.
IT Engineer ‐ of 18 yrs
49. Kenneth on Dec 1 18:41
I tried to run the command from the task manager and nothing happened. It seemed to access
the Iexplorer but would not launch it. Needless to say that i was unable to connect to the web
and download the file. I tried to run IE8.0 from the task manager alone by typing c:\program
files\internet explorer\iexplorer.exe but nothing happened on the screen either.
any other alternate procedures would be appreciated.
50. Susan on Dec 1 18:47
915597 defender updates? 976098 And a time zone update? Can you specifically detail where
these two patches have been changing permissions?
I have deployed these on servers and workstations with no issues.
51. justPaulo on Dec 1 18:53
Time to change operating system.
52. Clint on Dec 1 18:53
Often this issue is just a corrupt user profile. If you create a new user profile, transfer the old
profiles data into the new profile and restart, you will be sweet. Just don't copy the NTUSER.dat
file.
53. Ben on Dec 1 19:00
Do you have a version that can be executed with no user interaction? I couldn't figure out any
sort of /silent sort of command line switch myself.
54. Nigel Holder on Dec 1 19:13
CTRL ALT DEL ‐ task mgr ‐ start new prog ‐ type "explorer" then do a system restore to a date
when all was OK. Then ignore all security updates until Microsoft fixes the problem....
55. chad on Dec 1 19:33
Ive had a problem since installing win 7 in october, whenever the computer goes into sleep or
hibernate, upon waking up starts normal then I get a black screen with a white underscore
flashing in the top left. A full restart prompts me that windows didnt shut down and if I want to
restore windows. This happens every time, will this fix that problem?
56. Doug on Dec 1 19:36
It's been about 2 weeks that I've had this problem on Vista 64: Explorer.exe (taskbar doesn't
respond) the mouse moves and vmware seems to continue but I can't seem to switch windows,
nothing responds. Can't bring up the start menu or task manager. I have to hit the reset button
and reboot. The system works fine for a while then I can't tell what it is but then it stops
responding, explorer, etc.... The mouse always works. I'm in the crazy cycle. ctl‐alt‐del doesn't
work.
I can triple boot this system (q6600 w/8gb & 2TB disk) and the other OS's don't seem to do this
hanging thing and like I said it seems to be 2 weeks old.
I see KB915597 and KB976098 installed can I remove them?
57. Mene on Dec 1 20:21
On my system, I've just seen that the KB976098 update is already installed (from 11/25/09).
Windows waited for me to authorize downloading and installing the other one (KB915597) but I
fortunately didn't. Maybe the problem is with the second update only?
Version: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Thank you for the solution,
Mene.
58. Michael Clark on Dec 1 20:33
This all seems very vague ‐ what are the 10 scenarios that cause this? Is it a series of occurances
that trigger this? Is it a combination of software and patches that cause this? Can we have some
specifics?
59. Tom Hoffman on Dec 1 20:45
Thanks for this ‐ was ready to replace everything from Inverter board to Mother board from all
the blogs I've read. Mine went BLACK 3 days ago ‐ & it was after Microsoft did an auto
downlaod (which I turned off immediatly afterward as I was very busy on the pc that day).
I hope Microsoft will release a new download to fix this ‐ though my pc's auto downlaod is now
turned off. CNTL ALT DELETE yeild a black screen ‐ but I will try the fix above somehow.
Thanks
60. SeanR on Dec 1 21:02
I do not get task manager.
I copied the fixtool to the machine via a network share and I am attempting to launch via
Sysinternals PSExec however as the tool pops up a GUI I cannot actually make the tool run.
Any chance of a command line 'yes' switch to avoid the GUI?
61. Lynn on Dec 1 21:56
Sure wish I'd seen this before I lost everything via reload. Smart enough to back‐up, but hadn't
done it in awhile. Now I have to remember and redo everything I've done in the last month.
Just admit your mistake... Then fix it ! Thanx Microsoft :‐(
62. JotaSolano on Dec 1 22:10
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I've been having this problem for the past 4 MONTHS or so... i was
getting used to opening the tasks administrator and runing explorer.exe lol... i don't know what
triggered this problem but again... thanks a lot! btw... im using Vista :S lol
63. Lars Cook on Dec 1 22:17
I have just checked update history andf the files appear. I do not have the problem at the
moment. Should I uninstall all updates from the month of November?
64. john bradley on Dec 1 22:33
this happened to my daughters lap top, thought she caught a virus. i brought the lap to my
repair man and he said there was a file missing and found a virus. he reloaded the missing file
from ms and removed the so called virus and everything is fine.
should i down load this on my pc's and laptops even tough i'm not having a problem.
thanks
65. owen on Dec 1 22:43
I got a black screen and it also said in the lower right hand corner that the version of windows I
had was not genuine fixed by putting the product code back in.
66. Simon Waddington on Dec 1 22:54
I was one of the many who phoned up Microsoft last week in the hope of sorting the problem.
I'd explained that I'd tried every restore including updating Win7 over Win7, in situ from the
install disc. I also explained that the boot process appeared to be hanging and that killing &
restarting explorer.exe from the task manager didn't help. MS customer support told me that
they would escalate my query and perhaps phone me the next day. Well, I've learned my lesson
at last. I've started backing up the entire system, with Windows 7 backup and also Acronis 2010
Home. If it ever happens again, then at least I'll be able to differentiate between a software
problem (restoring from the backup fixes the problem) or a hardware problem (restoring from
backup makes no difference)
67. Nigel on Dec 1 23:13
I'd be suspicious of the latest Windows Defender update. Anyone remember the last disaster
Microsoft had with that, with machines failing to recognise USB devices after the update ? I've
only had the black screen problem after the Windows Defender update, so I've done a System
Restore and have hidden the update reminder.
68. Darrell on Dec 2 0:12
I have more than 700 machines in my group. All XP Pro SP3.
I have seen this issue maybe a dozen times since these patches came out. Every machine it
happened on had a bug of some sort.
I've had to reimage one machine.
PC‐Tech 40 years experience.
If you're going to own a Windows PC you better have your installation disks handy or an image
backup and a Good Bart‐PE CD/USB ThumbDrive.
69. Charles on Dec 2 0:40
Glad to find this article since it disappeared from MSNBC's website in a matter of hours of my
reading it! Searches only produced the updated article that shifted responsibility away from
Microsoft.
70. fusseltier on Dec 2 0:55
of course microsoft denies it.
several years ago i allowed an update and then i lost all internet connections.
luckily when i called microsoft then, they told me how to fix it and for free.
but recently i installed sp2 in my xp pro and then i couldnt burn cd's anymore, i could only burn
dvd's.
they wanted me to pay. but i was lucky, i found a firmware update for my dvd drive and that
fixed it.
automatic update is not a good thing. i would like to turn off updates on my pc but then my
norton always is red and says i have one problem needing fixed and that is to turn on my
updates.
so i have to live with the annoying update notifictactions and that icon in my system tray.
71. Norval on Dec 2 1:01
I too had the Black Screen issues but I used the Backup and Restore on my PC via safe mode
which in turn throw off some previous programs I had up and running correctly.
This article came to my attention to late but I did notice Windows patch KB976098 had
download on my machine. So I ran your program. Thanks for helping us all.
72. Dave on Dec 2 1:32
I installed win 7, then had to format. After installation was complete, i dont even get a logon
screen, just a black screen with a mouse cursor. I then try to run it in safe mode, and then get a
screen saying that windows is being configured for first time use, then a popup box comes up
and says that windows cannot finish installaiton in safe mode, and restarts, then i get back to
the black screen. Any ideas?
73. Robert on Dec 2 3:40
Thank you so much!!! This worked!!!! Thank you!!!
74. voodkokk on Dec 2 3:56
Had a neighbor with same prob, could boot into safe mode however in normal mode screen
black no task bar and had her do system restore to a few days before and she was back in
business. System Restore only takes a few minutes and alot better than loading from scratch.
75. Adam on Dec 2 9:30
Have been running Vista premium on a new dektop(Acer) with no problems but now have discs
for upgrade to Win7, should I disable updates until MS gives new patches?
76. Giorgio Bruzzone on Dec 2 9:55
Hi,
I have a Black Screen similar problem on my Vista desktop at home but it is a bit different
because, after authentication, the black screen appears (totally black with the white arrow of
my mouse only visible and responding when moving the mouse). I am able to launch the task
manager with CTRL ALT DEL, but, if I don't do anything, after about 5 minutes , the desktop
appears and the PC starts to work correctly. What I did before having this problem was to
download the last version of Windows Messenger for my daughter. Do you think your
fixShell.exe is suitable also for my problem? If I try to install it , do you you think the fix can
cause damages?
Thank you
Regards
Giorgio Bruzzone
77. J on Dec 2 10:38
Turns out its nothing to do with the updates after all. Thats funny.
78. T on Dec 2 11:27
I have not experienced this problem yet, but for those who do ‐ are you not able to launch
explorer.exe via Task manager to bring windows ui back?
1) Press the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys simultaneously
2) When prompted, Click Start Task Manager
3) In Task Manager Click on the Application Tab
4) Next Click New Task: explorer.exe
79. Michael Millard on Dec 2 11:36
I've only seen the Black Screen of Death on my Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate based Dell
XPS M1210 Laptop following an update to the video drivers. It only occurred when I came out
of "sleep" and required a restart to successfully bring it up. I backed them out returning to the
original drivers and haven't seen the Black Screen of Death since. I have kept up to date with all
of Microsoft's latest monthly updates.
80. Harry on Dec 2 11:59
I had problems four weeks ago and I just deleted the last update KB976098.
Everything seems tickityboo so far.
It may not work for everyone.
81. wINcHUMP on Dec 2 12:17
I had this problem on my Win XP HP desktop system and rebooted in safe mode, completed the
reboot and then restarted in normal mode. No other action was required and when I
completed the normal restart, the Windows Update shield in the icon tray told me that an
automatic windows security update had been installed and that required a reboot of my PC.
Everything seems to work fine now, no doubt this issue was caused by Microsoft.
82. john on Dec 2 12:49
My Dell PC at home freezes up but does not show the black screen. I have to do a system
restore in safe mode to un‐do the Microsoft fixes. It's been like this for 2 months.
83. Ianto on Dec 2 12:54
Same problem as listed before but no answer (unless i'm missed that post out), i haev the black
screen with only a cursor (which is responsive) but ctrl‐alt‐del does nothing! what can i do?
84. Abuelo on Dec 2 12:59
I had several issues with Vista crashing, bombed by malware, lost IP address in router, deleted
restore points, the list was endless. After re‐installing Vista 3 times I had had enough. 30 years
of MS and now, since March this year, I finally have peace.......
I use Linux... safe, free and extremely useable. Not to mention the increased fun element.
It's been 5 weeks and already Windows 7 is being attacked, or badly written, who knows the
truth, and millions of innocent users inconvenienced, there's only one answer.
Make the change, it's worth it.
The only time it breaks is if I break it.
85. Harry Paphitis on Dec 2 13:02
The last update is the problem.A friend of me had a same problem on Windows XP Home.
The last update is the problem.A friend of mine had the same problem on Windows XP Home.
Black screen and a few minutes later a message NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing or corrupt.
First I tried to boot on safe mode, but was unsuccessful. I then tried to do system restore from
the Windows CD but the system couldn't recognize windows (C:\WINDOWS) I don't know
why..''still trying to find out''. I then tried this on another PC using Windows Vista with the same
problem I fixed it by typing expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32 to overwrite the
existing file.
Finally on Windows XP I fixed it by restoring the System to a few days prior (Last Known Good
Configuration).Once that was done everything was Ok.
Hope this helps, good luck.
Harry
86. Candace Chandler on Dec 2 14:41
I had the black screen problem before on my HP with Vista, then had Windows 7 installed and
all was good for a couple weeks, now black screen every time I turn it on‐ no cursor, no nothing
! just the whirring of the computer . Cannot do anything with it. Unplugging it and removing the
battery and holding down the power key for 20 secs before plugging in power cord and opening
the screen all the way used to work but now does not. This is crummy‐ laptop is only 15 months
old!
87. Harry Paphitis on Dec 2 17:04
When you boot press F8 then, restore the System to last know configuration
Try to see if your latest update is KB915597 or KB976098.If you still have problems, remove
your latest update and wait the newest...
88. John Richards on Dec 2 17:18
Prevx, this blog post needs to be updated so reflect that your analysis was wrong WRT MS
patches being involved with this problem. You've retracted your statements blaming the MS
patches in another post, but this one remains incorrect and inaccurate...
89. reg on Dec 2 18:09
My Vista based laptop starts up fine, then goes to BLACK SCREEN before it gets chance to offer
the login. Can only progress further when start up in SAFE MODE.
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!!
90. Allan on Dec 2 18:22
I have KB976098 installed, and have NOT had the black‐screen issue ... perhaps, it is just the
other KP or only when they are combined, that they cause problems?
91. cw on Dec 2 18:38
I have turned off updates but hot blackscreen yesterday..??
Never had this before.
Also crashes games with strange symbols om the screen,like you get when the graphics card
gets overheated..
very strange
92. cbemerine on Dec 2 21:11
You could turn off updates mid way through Win 2000, however the setting was ignored by
Microsoft and the updates continued anyway. From that day forward, you have no guarantee
that turning auto‐updates off would actually, turn the dang things off.
And many will reply, you never want to turn auto update off, sorry, WRONG. When you are
dealing with hundreds and thousands of desktops from a support prospective, to roll out
ANYTHING without sufficient testing FIRST is a crap shoot and equivalent to playing Russian
Roulette. As many are learning the hard way now with the BSODs. (Black/Blue, end result is the
same)
Either you control your IT infrastructure or you do not. Leaving Auto anything on means you are
relinquish control to others. Heard of mitigating risk?
I would suggest to all that is unwise under any circumstances.
Since you can not turn auto updates OFF, reinstalling does little or no good, as the bloat, junk,
extra unneeded software & drivers, gets put back on at the very next update.
No one should be surprised that the days of BSODs have returned.
You want to remove unproductive down time from your life, you MUST control your IT
infrastructure 100%. Nothing must get rolled out or updated without testing FIRST. How much
are the BSODs costing you and your company in productivity and lost opportunity cost?
If the operating system will NOT let you control it 100%, you need to move to an operating
system that will or such is your life, forever. Even when they fix the reasons for this, something
else will happen to cause other outages and lost productivity.
Its not a matter of if, only when...
93. Boris on Dec 3 1:31
Thanks, your tools is excellent. My problem the black screen is over
94. Veronica Cannon on Dec 3 2:10
You guys so rock. This fix is great and helped us repair a customer's laptop. Thank you!
95. Jonathan Caners on Dec 3 6:23
I had trouble installing this under a regular login, but was able to install it via safe mode with
networking. Worked great. Thanks!
96. Tézaln Flón on Dec 3 12:43
That's why I only install updates a couple years after they have existed. (I installed SP2 for XP a
couple of months ago). That tactic has kept my system running smoothly. Also, I quadruple‐
boot (Debian 4.0r5, Ubuntu 8.07, Fedora 1, Windows XPP) so that if three die my system is still
bootable in emergencies.
97. Stephen on Dec 3 15:15
I have both updates installed on my computer but up to now no black screen. May be it only
effects certain computer manufacturers. My OS is Vista Home Premium 32 bit,my PC is an
Advent T9307.
98. fertone on Dec 3 17:41
i got a blackscreen while installation WIN7 64 Ultimate.
Ist at the point, before windows schow the key window.
...before it turns black and all fans drives loud!
any help 4 this?
its an 9500GT Nvidia GPU!
99. Patrick on Dec 3 19:28
same problem, black screen ! safe mode or ctrl‐alt‐canc don´t work (also 5 times shift). But i
noticed that the folder:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32
doesn´t exist anymore, could be the source of our problem?
100. steve on Dec 3 21:01
I have received KB915597(Definition 1.71.471.0) this very evening and have not yet allowed it
to update. KB976098 was installed 25.11.09 on both Sony Vaio/Vista and Apple Mac with boot
camp Vista with no problems so far. Now then; do I or don't I? I don't allow them to auto
update,ever,as its good to be able to exercise SOME sort of control. They may only be home use
laptops but we NEED them 24/7! Think I may wait at least until after Christmas and will follow
the thread closely.... Thanks for your efforts,guys.It is some reassurance in an uncertain
universe....
101. elhombrenuclear on Dec 3 21:53
you can try this too:
ctrl+alt+del then task manager,new task/ explore.exe and the desktop will appaer again.
clic on an empty space on the desktop,properties,desktop and make a choice for a sreen,clic ok.
this way your desktop will be the way you want it
no more black screen
102. elhombrenuclear on Dec 3 21:56
and yes,I have both updates and no problem on my MPC motherboard machine pc
windows xp pro sp3 completly updated
103. Felix Stephorst on Dec 4 16:36
@ elhombrenuclear:
I think it's explorer.exe instead of explore.exe
;‐)
__________
Der_Profi
104. Anna on Dec 4 16:42
I have both updates, running on Vista. I have had no Black Screen incidents so far, fingers
crossed, but I have noticed that since installing KB915597, which is a definitions update for
Windows Defender, I keep getting warnings that Defender is turned off. Sometimes, when I
then open it, it is clearly running OK and other times it is off although this never shows in
Security Centre. I also noticed that when I went to Update History the update is there but when
I go to Installed Updates, to uninstall it, is missing? This often happens after it has done a scan.
If I do find it is it safe to uninstall?
I am no geek more a silver surfer so any ideas about this problem in plain English, please.
105. Giannis on Dec 6 10:56
Thanks for the fix. It was annoying that every time i had to press Ctrl+Alt+Del task manager and
start a new task :explorer.exe.... I followed your instructions and now everything works
PERFECT!!!
Leave a reply Name (required)
Email (required, but will not be shown)
Comment:
Submit Comment
Blog Home
Monthly Archives
December 2009
November 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
January 2009
Yearly Archives
2008