"Overflowed stack-based buffer" error in login UI

Question

Windows (appears to have) force updated sometime today. I booted my computer up while out and about, and encountered a "stack overflow error" with explorer.EXE. 

I followed the following guide (https://www.google.com/amp/s/theitbros.com/how-to-fix-windows-10-flashing-screen/amp/) which appears to have caused the error to corrupt the logon UI, an obvious issue. I have tried many things, up to trying to reset windows, and even this fails. I am able to bring up the windows recovery menu with some finagling, however.

I am not able to run any programs on the computer itself due to the worsening of the issue. This also prevents starting in safe mode, at least in the conventional manner i tried.

I am stumped. Could someone assist me?

Answer 1

Hi Zeskorion. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

See fixes for the error here:

https://windowsreport.com/stack-based-buffer-ap...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/aoy...

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/69758...

2. Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/.

In the Scan Settings first set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Check for any remainders in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://community.box.com/t5/How-to-Guides-for-...

3)Then check for damaged System Files: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow...

If it cannot repair them see Step 10 here to continue: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

4. If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Account Details tab.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Did you not read my post? I am unable to run programs on the computer. The buffer overrun is affecting my logon UI. 

DISM fix is not working, as I cannot seem to get safe mode up ( trying again now)

I have no system restore point

My other computer's monitor is currently without a cable, though i could get it working with some difficulty.

However, i must thank you for the prompt response. But believe me, if a google search could fix my issue,  i'd not be here.

Answer 3

My apologies. I thought you were able to get into Windows. The fixes I gave are ones I have been giving for years for the issue. When you are in forums daily for 10 years you tend to see every possible issue and usually this one is still bootable.

Unplug power and remove battery, press and hold power button for 30 seconds to release all power from circuitry, plug back in and power up to see if any change.

I will give you steps to access the Repair Mode to try all repairs to get Windows started, and if not to do the automated Reset or the superior Clean Install after rescuing your files. I will be standing by to help as needed and will not let you fail.

1. Use whichever method works in this link to access Advanced Startup Options: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc.... Easiest may be to force shut down the PC (by holding in the power button) three separate times to trigger the Startup Options. If one of these methods work, then go to Step 3.
2. If none of the other methods work it may be necessary to Create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC following the steps in the middle of the downloads page here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m... Make sure to uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose only the licensed version.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, then on second screen choose Repair Your Computer. If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first. There is always a way to get the media booted and I will guide you until it does, even if necessary to reset the BIOS to defaults via several methods.

3. In the Advanced Troubleshooting options try to System Restore to a point before the problems began, try the new Uninstall Updates button, then Startup Repair, then if necessary from Startup Settings try to get into Safe Mode with Networking, or lastly Safe Mode.

If Startup Settings aren't available you can force Safe Mode from the Command Prompt following Step 5 here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf..., or using the command to unhide F8 Advanced Boot Options here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/22455-enabl... where you can also try the old reliable Last Known Good Configuration.

4. From Safe Mode w/Networking try all of the repairs I gave in my first post.
5. If Safe Mode doesn’t work or help stabilize things then return to Advanced Troubleshoot options. Next try Command Prompt to run through Windows 10 Install Integrity Checklist: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki... Step 10 repair commands including sfc /scannow, DISM, and follow this up with a full Disk Check: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri..., or return to Troubleshoot options to Reset Your Windows 10 PC.
6. Better yet use the same booted media to do the vastly superior Clean Install following the steps in this link to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
7. There is a step to Rescue Files from the booted media or Repair Mode Command Prompt first: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... Put the files into quarantine until they are scanned with Malwarebytes twice and come up clean.

These steps are excerpted from my tutorial that compiles everything possible for Troubleshooting Windows 10 Failure to Start: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... You can continue with the other steps there.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer There are links to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 4

I have extricated the battery and performed the prescribed hard reboot. This has not fixed the issue. I will continue with the next steps and post updates- I AM able to get the startup settings up with the triple reboot method.

Answer 5

Safe mode also fails to work. Moving to the next option.