Windows 2008 won’t boot but will come up in safe-mode, how can I restore it

windows-server-2008

After a Windows 2008 update the server now shows a BSOD on boot, I can get into safe-mode, how can I restore it?

I've tried last known good configuration and that also blue-screens. There are no restore points and no backup of the C: drive. It's 2008 Standard with SP1.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Best Answer

Some simple troubleshooting methods here:

  1. In Safe Mode (that's a good sign that you can boot into Safe Mode, BTW), go into the MSCONFIG utility and use the process of elimination with the Services, Startup and General tabs to hopefully isolate the potential causes of the problem. That will give you a great base of operations to fan out from in the troubleshooting process.
  2. Hopefully you can then boot into normal mode and uninstall the Windows updates that you previously installed. BTW, uninstalling doesn't work in safe mode since the Windows installer service doesn't start except in normal mode.
    1. Having said that, can hack Windows machines to uninstall even in safe mode using this method. Your mileage may vary.
  3. You could go semi-scorched earth and repair the boot files using the installation disc: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/winserversetup/thread/cd3d665f-3d95-4617-946d-55d8c03448fe

If you take route number 1, let us know what you find out.

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