What can I do if Windows won’t boot due to memory issues?

If Windows won’t boot due to memory issues, there are several troubleshooting steps that you can take in order to try and get your computer running properly again.

1. Run a Memory Test

The first step is to run a memory test. This is typically done by pressing a key as soon as you switch on the computer to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup menu. Look for a setting such as “memory test” or “POST test” and select it. If your computer does not have this option, restart it and look for a key (typically F2, F12, Delete, Escape, or a combination of keys) at the bottom of the screen that can be used to access the setup menu.

Allow the memory test to complete, and reboot your computer if no errors are reported. If errors are reported, it may indicate that one or more of your RAM modules are faulty or not seated correctly in their slots. Try reseating them (i.e. unplugging them and re-inserting) and run the memory test again. If the error persists, it is likely that the RAM module(s) need to be replaced.

2. Check your Hard Drive

The next step is to check your hard drive for errors. One way to do this is by booting from a Windows installation disc and selecting the “Repair your computer” option. If your computer does not have a Windows installation disc, you can make a bootable USB drive using any operating system. Once you have created the bootable USB drive, plug it into your computer and restart it. You should then be able to select “Repair your computer” once you access the setup menu.

From the “Repair your computer” menu, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Command Prompt”. Type the following command: chkdsk /f and press Enter. You may be asked to schedule a scan the next time you restart your computer; if so, type Y and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, and reboot your computer if no errors are reported. If errors are reported, it is likely that either your hard drive is failing or your operating system installation is corrupted. If it is the latter, you may need to reinstall your operating system.

3. Check For Viruses or Malware

If both your memory test and hard drive scan pass without errors, the next step is to check for viruses or malware. If you do not have antivirus software installed on your computer, you can download a free version such as AVG Free or Avast Free. Install the software and run a full scan of your system to identify any potential threats. If any malicious software is found, remove it and then check your computer’s performance.

4. Check For Software Conflicts

If all of the above steps have passed without any issues, it is possible that your computer is suffering from a software conflict. To diagnose and resolve this, you can use the Windows System Configuration tool, which allows you to temporarily disable certain programs and services in order to determine which ones are causing conflicts with the operating system.

To access the System Configuration tool, type “msconfig” into the Start menu search box and select the System Configuration tool from the list of results. In the System Configuration window, select the “Services” tab and ensure that the “Hide All Microsoft Services” option is checked. Now, you can start disabling programs one by one. Select each entry in the list and click “Disable”. Then, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved. If it is, then you can use the System Configuration tool to enable the programs one by one until you identify which program is causing the conflict.

5. Restore Your System to a Previous State

If none of the above steps have helped, then it may be necessary to restore your system to a previously stored restore point. To do this, type “system restore” into the Start menu search box and select the System Restore tool from the list of results.

In the System Restore window, select “Choose a different restore point” and click “Next”. You can then select a restore point from the list of available points. Once you have selected the restore point, click “Next” and allow the process to complete. When the restoration process is finished, your computer should restart and be back to the state it was in when you created the restore point.

If none of the above steps has solved the problem, then you may need to consider replacing some hardware components. For example, if a memory test has revealed a faulty RAM module, then this needs to be replaced. If a hard drive scan has revealed errors, then it is likely that the hard drive needs to be replaced. If all else fails, then it may be necessary to perform a complete re-installation of the operating system.