Computer Doesn’t Boot? Common Computer Errors During Startup Process and What They Mean

Here at Geeks on Site, we receive thousands of calls each year from customers whose computers won’t boot or who receive error messages during the startup process. There are literally thousands of messages that could appear when you have this problem so it’s difficult to consider them all. However, there are several common ones that seem to occur often.

 

Common Error Messages

To help, our Geeks have compiled a list of the most common error messages you might see when your computer stops working during startup.

    • Although this may be difficult to appreciate at the time, you’re in the best position to solve a computer startup issue if you can see an error message because the message provides you with a place to begin troubleshooting.
      First, check your power supply to make sure that you are using the correct one and that the plug is working. Also, check the battery if it is a laptop, as well as its charger. In PCs, check for a blown fuse, which is a common problem, and make sure that the power button is properly connected and working.Next, make sure that the problem isn’t something as simple as you having misspelled a DLL file or having written down the wrong characters in a STOP code.

 

    • If you see a “BOOTMGR is missing” message, which is the most common BOOTMGR message, try pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete to restart. Usually, BOOTMGR errors include corrupt and misconfigured files, hard drive and operating system upgrade issues, corrupt hard drive sectors, an outdated BIOS, and damaged or loose hard drive interface cables. You also may see a BOOTMGR message if your computer is attempting to start from a hard drive or flash drive that is not properly configured.

 

    • You may also encounter a “missing or corruptdll” error. This means the file has likely been deleted or moved from its intended location. It could also mean there is a damaged or missing boot.ini file or a physically damaged hard drive.

 

  • You may also see a “NTLDR is missing” message. You will likely see this message very soon after you first start your computer and just after thePower On Self-Test (POST) is complete. There are a number of reasons why this happens, however the most common one is that your computer is trying to start from a hard drive or flash drive that is not properly configured to be booted from. Other possible causes include corrupt and misconfigured files, hard drive and operating system upgrade issues, corrupt hard drive sectors, an outdated BIOS, and damaged or loose IDE cables.

If you find you are still having trouble diagnosing the problem yourself, give Geeks on Site a call. We can run a full diagnostic test, identify the source of the error, and help you fix it so it is up and running like new. Give us a call right now, we’re here 24/7 to assist you at (888) 799-4335.

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