Windows 11 BSOD loop after Driver Booster update – system unrecoverable, files at risk

Question

After using IObit Driver Booster on Windows 11, my HP laptop entered a continuous BSOD/crash loop and no longer boots. It seems like one of the main Drivers got lost during the process and now windows craches everytime.

I tried:

• System Restore,
• Startup Repair,
• Safe Mode,
• Uninstalling Updates,
• Reset (Keep my files)
• and USB Media Creation Tool

all failed (I again get the message "Your Device Ran Into Problems"). Cloud reinstall also failed due to low disk space. Windows cannot start at all. I need a way to recover the system without losing my personal files (Desktop/Documents) or confirmation of the safest recovery method.

The only way I have not tried is the Command Line option.

Answer 1

Those driver updating tools install incompatible drivers, they are not safe to use to install/update your drivers.

1

In the Recovery Environment, open Command Prompt.

In Command Prompt, type notepad.exe and press Enter.

Notepad should open.

Select File - Open.

You should be able to use the Open File Dialog like a small File Explorer window to drag your files and folders out onto a USb drive for safe keeping.

2

You indicate you have created a bootable Windows USB, are you able to boot your PC from that, then select 'Repair this Computer' to access the recovery environment on the USB.

Answer 2

To recover your Windows 11 system without losing personal files, you can try the following steps using the Command Line option:

1. Access Recovery Environment: Boot your laptop and interrupt the boot process three times to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Open Command Prompt: In the WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
3. Use System File Checker: In the Command Prompt, run the following command to check for and repair corrupted system files:

      sfc /scannow
   

   This may help restore any missing or corrupted drivers that are causing the BSOD.
4. Check Disk Utility: You can also run the Check Disk utility to fix any disk errors:

      chkdsk C: /f /r
   

   Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if Windows is installed on a different partition.
5. Repair Boot Configuration: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try repairing the boot configuration:

      bootrec /fixmbr
      bootrec /fixboot
      bootrec /scanos
      bootrec /rebuildbcd
   

6. Exit and Restart: After executing these commands, type exit to close the Command Prompt and restart your laptop.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, and you still cannot boot into Windows, you may need to consider more advanced recovery options, such as using a recovery USB drive or contacting support for further assistance.

---

References:

• Bug checks (stop code errors)
• Advanced troubleshooting for Windows startup issues