Can't reset Windows

Question

Problem Description

Since uninstalling Armory Crate, my PC has been experiencing frequent blue screen errors (BSOD), making the system unusable. The errors occur repeatedly, and I have tried several repair methods without success. The hardware components have been individually tested and show no defects. Additionally, every time I attempt to reset Windows, I encounter a blue screen, preventing me from performing a clean reset or reinstallation.

Hardware Configuration

• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore
• Graphics Card: ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 Gaming OC
• Processor: Intel Core i9-14900KS
• RAM: Corsair 8000 MT/s (CMP48GX5M2X8000C38) - 2x24GB
• Storage: 1 SSD T700 (2 TB) and 1 Samsung 990 Pro SSD (4 TB)

BSOD Errors

Here are some of the blue screen errors encountered:

• IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL
• HYPERVISOR ERROR
• KERNEL SECURITY CHECK FAILURE
• PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA
• AND MANY OTHERS THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER...

Additional Issues

• Every time I attempt to reset Windows, a blue screen occurs, preventing the reset process.
• Running the sfc /scannow command consistently reports corrupt files, but fails to repair them despite multiple attempts.

Problem Context

The BSODs seem to have started after uninstalling Armory Crate, but I cannot confirm with certainty if this is directly related. Despite multiple repair attempts (using command prompt, startup repair, memory tests, etc.), the issues persist, and I am blocked from resetting the system.

Answer 1

Thanks for the clarification.

Your minidump indicated that your current BIOS version was "0220". But from the screenshot you shared, it is updated.

The driver and BIOS update procedure was only to try to fix the blue screen problem and make your system stable. For the problem with corrupted files, another procedure is needed.

I suggest you perform an In-place Upgrade. This procedure reinstalls Windows, which helps to fix problems including corrupted files.

But don't worry. It's a simple procedure, and you have the option to keep files, settings, and apps. Therefore, all your data is kept.

(If you have a third-party antivirus installed, temporarily disable it during the entire procedure.)

Instructions below:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the link below;

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

2. Double-click the ISO to run;

(After running the ISO, you may need to double-click the "Setup" file to start the procedure.)

3. On the "Install Windows 11" screen, uncheck "I want to help make the installation of Windows better" and select "Change how Windows Setup download updates";
4. On the next screen, select "Not right now" and click "Next";
5. Accept the terms of use;
6. On the "Ready to install" screen, select "Choose what to keep" and select what you want to keep.

(In this step, select "Keep personal files and apps" so that all your data is kept.)

7. Click "Install" and wait for the procedure to finish. Your computer may restart several times.

If you get any errors, let me know. Click on the "Reply" button below my reply.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

Answer 2

"Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline."
That's very fast anyway thank you very much

Ok so here are the minidumps files, I think there is only 4 because i've reset the PC : Minidumps.zip
Thank you

Answer 3

Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline.

Thanks for the details.

Please share the minidump files.

These files are in "C:\Windows\Minidump".

(If you don't have a "Minidump" folder, check if it is in the plural "Minidumps".)

Copy any files you have to your desktop and store them in a ZIP file. Then, upload the ZIP file to the cloud (OneDrive), choose to share it, and get the link.

Post the link to the ZIP file here so I can have a look.

I await your reply. Click on the "Reply" button below my reply.

Answer 4

Hello David,

Thanks for responding fast. Yes I've reinstalled Armory Crate but there were still BSOD. After that, the situation changed because I managed to reset the PC with an Windows executable. But even after the reset I still had an CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT. So I tried to do DISM and SFC /SCANNOW command but when I do the SFC command, it says that:
Windows Resource Protection detected corrupted files and repaired them.

For online repairs, details are included in the CBS log file located at:

windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. Example: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. For offline repairs, details are included in the log file provided by the /OFFLOGFILE flag.

But it does that every time so I don't think that it repaired corrupt files.

Also my CPU is between 55 and 65 °C when idle but I don't think that is the problem. I've already done the memory test of Windows and there was no error. Same for SSDs. I use XMP 8200 so that might explain blue screen but not the corrupt files.

If you want I can send you minidumps of the BSOD but I dont' know how to do.

Thank you very much.

Answer 5

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Please clarify the following:

Have you tried reinstalling Armory Crate to see if your system becomes stable again?

Have you tried applying a restore point created before uninstalling Armory Crate?

Here's what I can do to help you:

1. I can analyze the minidumps created by the BSODs to try to find the cause of them.
2. I can share an alternative way to try to reset the system.

What do you prefer?

I await your reply. Click on the "Reply" button below my reply.