The operating system did not shutdown cleanly. Reconstructing cache metadata.

If you are stuck on that screen and it keeps going back then try this:

Start your PC up, and when Windows gets to the spinning dots, press and hold your power button for 5-10 seconds until complete shutdown. Do this at least 3 times

On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment. From there you can repair, or boot into windows.

Hi Kaitlin. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

That's the BIOS level so it's in the Dell firmware. Update the BIOS/UEFI firmware from the Dell Downloads page here using your Service Tag on the sticker on PC: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/Produ.... Make sure to follow the instructions precisely both on the download page for the latest BIOS and in the ReadMe file in installation.

While there make sure you have the latest drivers as well for Chipset, Display, Network, USB, Audio, and all other drivers posted - comparing them with the version presently installed in Device Manager accessed by right clicking the Start Button.

If the problem persists 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...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Hi kaitlinhehe,

Force shut down your PC

Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

Do this twice

On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt . . . etc.

Please try each option one at a time, then see of Windows will boot . . .

Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - Startup Repair
See if Windows startup can repair itself

Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - System Restore
Check to see if you have a restore point you can go back to

If you do not have a Restore Point, go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - Startup Settings and click Restart
Upon restart, press 4 to enter Safe Mode
Once in Safe Mode, backup your data if you do not already have a backup
Open Device Manager and check to make sure all your Drivers are up to date
Reboot to see if Windows will start Normally

If the above fails, go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Options - Reset this PC
Choose to keep your files and apps, just your files or to keep nothing
Then start the Reset

hello! thanks for replying.  unfortunately the recovery environment isnt popping up on the third try. 

hello! thanks for replying.  unfortunately  on the third try the the recovery environment isnt popping up. 

Hmmm in that case, i would just keep doing a hard shut down until it finally showed up.

What happens after the third time? Same black screen?