Troubleshooting Windows 8 Black Screen Error Caused By Corrupted System Files

Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, When I start my computer, Windows 8 starts but it loads to a black screen. At first I didn’t know that Windows had loaded but then I saw that you can get to the desktop. How do I fix his?” - Cassandra C., USA

Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:

Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.

Wally’s Answer: Many people have reported the black screen when they boot into Windows 8. One way that this problem occurs is through missing and corrupt system files. This can happen if you try to turn the computer off by force. The black screen problem has different causes and different fixes. Here we try to solve one of them.

Problem

Windows 8 starts to a black screen.

Cause

Corrupt or missing system files.

Solution

Running the system file checker in Windows safe mode should fix this problem. Below is a step by step procedure on how to use the SFC command to find and replace corrupt or missing system files in Windows 8.

Using SFC System File Checker

It is recommended to use SFC (system file checker) from safe mode because system files should not be in use in a process while the scan is under way. Here’s how to do it:

How To Enable Safe Mode In Windows 8 (from black screen)

From the Black Screen, press Windows key + D to go to the desktop
Press Windows Key + R > type msconfig > press Enter
Go to Boot tab > check the Safe boot check box
Click Apply, and Restart your computer
The computer will now start in Safe Mode

Using SFC (System File Checker)

Press Windows Key+X > Click Command Prompt (Admin)
In command prompt window, type sfc /scannow > press Enter

In case you were not able to get into safe mode, use Windows installation media instead. This is explained below.

Boot By Using Windows Installation Media

This is mainly for those people who cannot access the command prompt from within Windows 8. All you need is a Windows 8 installation DVD, or Windows 8 installation USB, or a Windows 8 recovery disk.

Insert any one of these and restart your computer.
When the Windows setup screen appears, Click Next
Click the link saying Repair your computer
Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt
In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow > press Enter

How To Disable Safe Mode In Windows 8

From the Metro Screen, press Windows key + D to go to the desktop
Press Windows Key + R > type msconfig > press Enter
Go to Boot tab > uncheck the Safe boot check box
Click Apply, and Restart your computer
The computer will start normally

I Hope You Liked This Blog Article! If You Need Additional Support on This Issue Then Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me On Facebook.

Is Your PC Healthy?

I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.

Happy Computing!

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About the Author

Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.

Troubleshooting Windows 8 Black Screen Error Caused By Corrupted System Files

Problem

Cause

Solution

Using SFC System File Checker