Blue Screen or Windows Won't Start? We'll Get It Back
Blue screens, an endless "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop, or a computer that gets to the logo and no further. We check the drive first so your files stay safe, then find what's actually wrong.
Free diagnosis · Windows repair $40 · No fix, no fee on software faults
When a computer powers on but Windows won't load, the cause is usually one of a few things: a bad update or driver, corrupted system files, failing memory, or a drive that's starting to fail. The error on screen, called a stop code, points to which one.
The most important thing is not to make it worse. Repeated forced restarts and repair tools run on a failing drive can turn a recoverable problem into lost files. If you see clicking, very slow progress or repeated drive errors, stop and message us.
What the Error Usually Means
Look for the stop code on the screen (or take a photo of it). These are the ones we see most.
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
A core part of Windows stopped. Usually corrupted system files or a failing drive. Often repairable with your files kept.
INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
Windows can't reach the drive it starts from. A storage driver, a BIOS setting change, or a failing drive.
MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
Points at the memory (RAM) or a driver. A memory test tells us which; a faulty module is an inexpensive fix.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Almost always a driver: network, graphics, antivirus or something recently installed.
"Preparing Automatic Repair" loop
Windows keeps trying to repair itself and failing. Usually a bad update, a corrupt startup configuration, or the drive.
Blue BitLocker recovery screen
Not a crash: Windows is asking for the encryption key, often after an update. See our BitLocker page.
Is My Drive Failing?
The first thing we check is the drive's health, before running any repair. If the drive is failing, the priority becomes copying your files off while it still reads, and only then fixing Windows on a new drive.
Signs to watch for: clicking or buzzing from a hard drive, very slow startups that got worse over weeks, files that won't open, and different stop codes each time. If you see these, avoid repeated restarts and message us.
Blue Screen, or Now a Black One
Newer Windows 11 updates replaced the familiar blue crash screen with a black one that says your device ran into a problem and restarted. It's the same kind of error with the same stop codes, and the same fixes apply.
If it happened right after an update or a new driver, the Windows recovery options often include uninstalling the latest update, which is a quick first fix to try.
From First Message to Fixed
Step 1: Send a photo of the error
The stop code, or what the screen shows, plus what happened just before it started.
Step 2: Drive check and diagnosis
We confirm the drive is healthy and your files are safe, then find the cause. Free.
Step 3: Repair or reinstall
We repair Windows where we can, or reinstall it with your files kept, and test it properly.
What It Costs
| Diagnosis | Free |
| Windows repair or reinstall (software faults) | $40 |
| RAM replacement | $50 + memory |
| SSD upgrade + fresh Windows 11 + data migration | $70 + drive |
| Files from a drive that won't start | Data recovery from $50 |
Software repairs are no fix, no fee. Hardware is quoted before we order any part. See full pricing.
Blue Screen & Startup Problems FAQs
How do I fix a blue screen on Windows 11?
Note the stop code first. If it started after an update, uninstall that update from the recovery options. If you can reach Safe Mode, remove recently installed drivers or software. If blue screens come back with different codes, check the memory and drive before anything else.
My PC is stuck on "Preparing Automatic Repair". What should I do?
Let it run once. If it loops, go to Advanced options and try Startup Repair, then uninstalling the latest update, then System Restore. Avoid resetting the PC until your files are backed up, and stop if the drive is making noises.
Will I lose my files?
Usually not. Most blue screens and startup failures leave your files intact. We check the drive before any repair, and copy your files off first if there's any doubt.
My computer won't boot past the BIOS. Is it the drive?
Often. If the BIOS screen shows but Windows never starts, the drive may not be detected, the boot order may have changed, or the startup files may be damaged. We test the drive first, then fix whichever it is.
Is the blue screen of death a virus?
Rarely. It's usually drivers, updates, memory or the drive. Malware can cause crashes, so we scan as part of the repair, but it's not the usual cause.
Can you fix it remotely?
Only once Windows starts, at least in Safe Mode. If it can't start at all, we fix it at the workshop or on-site. Pickup and return is free in Ottawa.
Send Us a Photo of the Error
The stop code tells us a lot. We'll say what it likely means and how to protect your files.