PC boots into black screen - can't access safe mode via shift+f8 in order to restore

jacktmillard

Reputable
Aug 9, 2014
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0
4,510
Hi all,

I tried to install new AMD drivers earlier today, but it caused my computer to display just a black screen. I made a restore point before I attempted to install the drivers, so I want to access safe mode so I can restore from said restore point.

However, I'm tapping shift+f8 as hard and fast as I can to try and access the safe mode menu but I just can't get into it! I've tried dozens of times now and it simply isn't happening. Is there any other way I can boot into safe mode?

Just to reiterate - I can't do shift+restart as I can't access the computer once it has booted.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks!

Edit: I am able to access the BIOS if that's any help.

Edit 2: Also, holding down shift+f8 isn't working either.

Specs:

Intel i5-4690
ASRock H97 Pro4
8GB RAM
Windows 8.1
 
Solution
I had the same problem (blank screen with mouse cursor only) with a fresh install after updating a few drivers... Safe Mode loaded up to the same blank screen, Last Known Configuration was the same, though it does work for some users... it didn't in my case and I suspect it was due to a failing HDD.... some internet answers also attribute the problem to bad MBR, failing HDDs, low batteries (on laptops), so check the AC cable to PSU connection, HDD power connection, motherboard and CPU connections. If you suspect the HDD may be the cause, the only possible solutions may be,

1. If the HDD is detected a Startup Repair from the Windows Disk may help. If the first repair doesn't work, repeat it several times, it can repair different issues...
I had the same problem (blank screen with mouse cursor only) with a fresh install after updating a few drivers... Safe Mode loaded up to the same blank screen, Last Known Configuration was the same, though it does work for some users... it didn't in my case and I suspect it was due to a failing HDD.... some internet answers also attribute the problem to bad MBR, failing HDDs, low batteries (on laptops), so check the AC cable to PSU connection, HDD power connection, motherboard and CPU connections. If you suspect the HDD may be the cause, the only possible solutions may be,

1. If the HDD is detected a Startup Repair from the Windows Disk may help. If the first repair doesn't work, repeat it several times, it can repair different issues including registry repair, not just the OS startup.

2. If none of that works, a System Repair installation should solve it (if the HDD is recognized).

3. Using the Hiren's Boot CD and running the application named RegResWiz (Registry Restore Wizard) works similarly to System Restore, so it may work if it finds registry backups in C:\Windows\System32\Config

4. Accessing the HDD from the Hiren's Boot CD to backup your data and next proceede to:
a) Format the system partition to do a fresh install... or
b) Try renewing the Partition table, the MBR or GPT, or a CHKDSK.


 
Solution