Stop Code PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED can't boot to safemode...

Question

My PC began giving me this stop code out of nowhere. I had not installed any hardware or software in months, I use this PC daily and it's completely up to date. I cannot preform startup repair, nor can I boot into safemode (I am presented with the same stop code). I cannot uninstall any updates (I'm given the error "we ran into a problem and won't be able to uninstall the latest quality update of Windows."). One thing to note is that before this happened, the first time I booted, it successfully booted to my desktop but windows explorer repeatedly crashed over and over. I had to use task manager to restart my PC which lead me here. I've reseated the RAM and unplugged all unnecessary peripherals.

Answer 1

Hi Miles. I'm Greg, ten time MVP award winner, let's work together to get this fixed.

You haven't said if Windows will start. If not let me know and I'll give you steps to fix it from WinRE Repair Mode or bootable media.

1. To troubleshoot a blue screen crash, download, install and run BluescreenView from NirSoft here: https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view....
   Report back the reported cause for further steps to fix it.
2. Update your drivers from the PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.
3. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

4. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1809 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...
5. Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:
   https://www.wikihow.com/Test-PC-RAM-with-MemTest86

Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is properly spec'd and configured, what upgrade options exist for first quality RAM: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

6. Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:
   https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...
   https://mashtips.com/ssd-health-test-and-perfor...

Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

Follow this up with a full Disk Check from the Command Prompt in Repair Mode or from bootable media: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri... if necessary from the Command Prompt at boot: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

7. Stress test the rest of your hardware:
   https://techguided.com/best-tools-to-stress-tes...

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But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions. Please report back results for all steps given so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

______________________________________________

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

Greg,

No, this machine no longer boots to desktop normally or in safe mode.

Answer 3

OK, Miles:

Use whichever method works in this link to get into Repair Mode so you can do the necessary repairs or do a Reset:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

Easiest is to force shutdown by holding in the power button. Do this twice. The third time you power on it should start into Repair Mode. Once in the Repair Mode try the numbered steps below.

It may be necessary to create bootable media on another PC to access Advanced Startup Options to try repairs, a Reset or do the Clean install. The bootable media has it's own set of files so that repairs or Reset might work better, doesn't require a password, and you'll have it to if necessary do the vastly superior Clean Install.

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

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

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.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then:

1. Try a System Restore, working backward.
2. If that fails try Uninstall Updates as far back as necessary to see if this was caused by an Update. If Steps 1 or 2 get it started then immediately check Windows Update for Updates and hide them using this tool: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...
3. Open the Command Prompt to:

a) run System File Checker: https://www.wintips.org/how-to-run-sfc-offline-...

and DISM: https://www.ubackup.com/windows-10/dism-offline...

b) run a full Disk Check: https://www.windowsdigitals.com/how-to-run-chkd...

c) trigger Safe Mode with Networking (for internet) or Safe Mode following Option 3 here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf... to roll back Updates & Drivers in Windows Update History, update your drivers from the PC/Motherboard manufacturer's website and diagnose further with these steps: https://www.howtogeek.com/164876/how-to-use-saf...

d) Try to enable the built-in elevated Admin account from Option Five here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2969-enable...

Boot into this emergency Admin account (leaving password box blank) to create a new Local Admin account:

https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c...

Sign into the new Account, make sure it works correctly, if so move your files over via C:\Users, when ready delete the old account and change the new one to your MS Account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a MS Account instead.

4. If those fail then go back to Troubleshoot Options to do a Reset.
5. If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof. Everything needed to Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
6. If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using these methods: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Your files should be backed up at all times if you value them at all. In the Clean Install tutorial in Step 5 I give the best methods to back up.

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 4

Hi Greg. I have the same issue exactly like Miles.

Issue description:

I was playing a game while windows update is running, suddenly the game froze, the whole system froze, i manually did restart ( case restart button). And this happened:

No thing seems to be working with me, i also tried to install windows through a usb, the usb is booting but it shows me the same thing: your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.

I know you did already mentioned all methods above, i will try your solutions later, but what came in my mind and wanted to Consult you about it is:

When windows fail do resolve the problem it shows me 2 options, Shutdown and advanced options.

Can i open cmd from advanced options and format the C partition ? So i can install windows through usb without problems, because like i mentioned before, the usb is booting but The BSOD is showing up everytime.

Thank you.