How to Reboot a Crashed Windows Computer

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: December 30, 2022

A computer crashing can mean several things. It may indicate a serious hardware or software problem, or could just be the result of running an unstable program. Either way, diagnosing your PC and finding out the source of the crash goes a long way in helping you repair your PC. This article will teach you how to reboot a Windows computer that has crashed.

1

Find out the source of the problem.

1
Try to figure out what caused the crash. This can sometimes be found by running windows in safe mode then opening Windows Log Files, or if there's a blue screen, you can see the problem written after the memory index (like: ffff01230x230) . To open Windows Logs, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Performance and Maintenance, then click Administrative Tools.
- Double-click Computer Management.
2
Check and reconnect hardware cables. In some cases, computer failure is the result of inadequate power supply or an electrical short-circuit.
- Restart your computer then double check the connections.
- Reconnect all cords and wires, and try to restart the computer.

2

Undo recent software changes.

Minor hardware driver errors or other software bugs may also contribute to a computer crash. This can be done from "Add/Remove Programs" under Control Panel. You can also Do a System Restore, which can automatically restore programs, drivers, and other system software to a previous, stable state without deleting any user files or other important data.

3

Try Last Known Good Configuration.

Windows has an option that includes several fail-safe menus for repairing boot problems. Access Last Known Good Configuration and other options by pressing F8 before reaching the log on screen.

4

Boot into Safe Mode.

Windows has a Safe Mode option that allows the computer to run in a limited state. Access Safe Mode and other options by pressing F8 before reaching the log on screen.

5

Use the rescue or recovery disk.

Boot the PC using a repair CD or Operating System installation disc. Most operating system installation discs are bootable (or, have an OS of their own), allowing one to start their computer via the CD/DVD. Oftentimes, these discs can fix problems that are preventing the PC from starting correctly. They can also be used to access System Restore and other helpful features. This is only recommended if you know what you are doing.

6

Check if you have a recovery partition.

Some computers have a recovery partition. The way to access it varies between computers. Your best guess would be Alt-F10 pressed repeatedly right after pressing the power button to turn it on. Be warned, however, that re-installing the Operating System will result in a total loss of any documents or other data stored on the computer.

7

Get help.

If you can't fix the problem, call tech support. If all else fails, take the computer to a computer technician or repairman.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I manually solve the error "operating system not found" with a blank screen?

Community Answer

If no operating system is found, you should get a new operating system by downloading it and flashing it on a USB key or a disc (if the problematic computer has a disc drive), and after flashing it starting the broken computer and clicking on the correct button which will open the boot menu (the buttons can usually be found on the starting screen of the computer). From the boot menu choose the USB drive. The operating system setup will guide you from there.
Question

My laptop crashing after plugging in a power cord. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try deleting the file 'system 32' (c:\windows\System32), as this is what is causing the problem, and it will be fixed.
Question

What could be the problem if my laptop shuts down automatically when I have been using it continuously for a while?

Community Answer

If you don't have your laptop plugged in, it could have run out of battery power; the battery gauge is not always accurate. Your laptop could also have gotten overheated. Wait a few minutes, make sure it is plugged in, then turn it back on again.

Warnings

Do not try to manually repair it if you have little to no knowledge of computer hardware/software.

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Make regular backups of your data. Things can go wrong easily, especially when using system repair or re-installation discs.

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Remove power cords before attempting to open up your computer to ensure that no electricity is circulating through it.

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Use an anti-static wrist strap to keep you from shorting out components.

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