Windows only works in safe mode, Crash in normal mode

Hi Dustin. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.

If any steps cannot be performed normally then try them in 1) Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet) or 2) Safe Mode, accessed by one of the illustrated steps in this guide: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.... You will need to use your password to get into Safe Mode as a PIN is not accepted.

1) Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

2) Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

3) Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-PC-RAM-with-MemTest86

Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is properly spec'd and configured, what upgrade options exist for first quality RAM: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

4) Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:
https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

Follow this up with a full Disk Check from the Command Prompt in Repair Mode or from bootable media: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri... if necessary from the Command Prompt at boot: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

Unplug all other drives during test.

5) One way to rule out Windows and the hard drive is to unplug the SSD and boot into a Linux Live distro, one of the diagnostic ones works well to see if you can recreate the issue. If not it points at the remaining hardware and absolves Windows and SSD.

--------------------------------------------

But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Greg, Thanks for your quick reply.

I have actually already tried every single item in your list. I should have noted that Even after a full disk wipe and clean install of Windows this still happens. 

My question right now is how do I pinpoint a bad driver that is likely causing the issue. I assume with my best knowledge that this must be a driver issue as the PC work 100% normally in safe mode.

There are many articles online of windows driver verifer and how to use and set it up, none of those articles tell you what to do after you set it up. I wish there was a proper tool that let you live test individual drivers to see which will crash the system.

I just don't know where else to go for help. My only guess is a driver issue, but perhaps it is something more. It just doesn't make sense that in safe mode, the system works perfectly fine, but not in normal mode.

Dustin, see if these shed any more light on how to use Driver Verifier:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/244617...
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardwa...

The problem with ALL of these articles is that they fail to say what happens after it runs - will it list problem drivers? how will I know? There is too much assumed knowledge with that tool in all articles I have read about it, so right now it really is a useless tool.

Perhaps there is another tool or something I could try other than what was mentioned above. 

Dustin, I know of no other tool to test drivers. Driver Verifier will stress the drivers enough that they crash and hopefully create the dump file so we can tell which one is at fault.

Let's try everything else possible with the Display driver to rule it out:

Update the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...
or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...
or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

This is a custom build I should mote. Every driver, bios, firmware from Asus is updated. EVERY component. I have gone theough every inch of every component to have it updated.

My Quadro card is also on the absolute latest driver release from Nvidia's website. Windows update also shows no more updates available.

One recently development today I noticed that running of ANY GPU will cause the crash. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 is now stable and not crashing ( thats also updated btw).

It seems when using a GPU the system becomes unstable and crashes. 

I tried not only with my Quadro, but an RTX 2070 also. Same crash. All drivers up to date.

Could there be an issue wirh PCIe?

Yes, examine the slots under a very bright light for damage or debris, blow out with canned air. Try a different slot.

Upon close examination of the entire motherboard, nothing is out of place and no debris is present.