How to fix Windows Server 2019 cannot enter Safe Mode + Black Screen

Question

My company's server just upgraded from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2019, it is an in-place upgrade. Somehow, a few days later the server cannot operate, either in normal way or safe mode. When we tried to log in safe mode, it has shown an error message "LogonUI.exe - System Error"

Answer 1

Hello

The “LogonUI.exe - System Error, Unknown Hard Error” message usually indicates a problem with the system files.

Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:

Run Automatic/Startup Repair: You can use the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD to run Automatic/Startup Repair. Here’s how:

Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD and restart your server.

When prompted to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD, press any key to continue.

Select your language preferences, and click Next.

Click “Repair your computer” at the bottom left corner of the screen.

In the next window, select “Troubleshoot” to access various repair options.

From the Troubleshoot menu, you can choose options like “Startup Repair” to automatically fix startup issues.

 

System Restore: If you have a restore point, you can try to restore your system to a previous point.

 

Command Prompt: You can manually repair your system using command line tools. Here’s how:

Restart your server and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. The key to access these settings varies depending on your server manufacturer (common keys are F2, F10, Del, Esc).

In the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the Boot or Boot Order section. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Once your server restarts, it should boot from the USB drive.

On the Windows Setup screen, select your language preferences, then click Next.

Click on “Repair your computer” at the bottom left corner of the screen.

In the next window, select “Troubleshoot” to access various repair options.

From the Troubleshoot menu, select “Command Prompt” to manually repair your system using command line tools.

 

If none of these methods work, it might be necessary to reinstall Windows, but this will erase all data on the server.