Windows 10 Black screen of Death?

I have had same problem on my ASUS laptop. Went through all the down load and install steps. No problems or error codes, got the first couple of 'Welcome to screens" Then the windows logo, then black screen with only back light. My cursor arrow is there and moves. I also did the whole unplug, remove battery thing. Turned it back on, got the ASUS logo, the Windows logo and then the black screen

Yep very similar. Though i don't see my cursor. 

I've been trying to use the support tab but it keeps timing out on me.

That's the point I've reached also.  It's been over 12 hours and nothing.  My Alienware is stuck in the Windows morass.

I can find many instances of this problem.

But no support responses.

I have downloaded the 3gb six times now (7th starting).

The 2nd time it happened as per the above description.

I did not wait patiently - I went out and cut the grass and did the shopping.

Black screen on return. I waited 2 or 3 hours and turned the power off physically.

On restart W10 looked like it was starting 100% complete applying updates - it restarted a couple of times.

It then said there was a problem and was restoring my old operating system.

So, that happened twice.

ON THE FIRST TIME - I downloaded.

The information said that I could download and install at a time convenient to me.

I downloaded - and it started immediately.

I tried to stop it and couldn't - I accepted the agreement etc and finally could cancel out.

However, a dialog came up "install now or later?"

I was only given the choice of a time in the next 3 days and that it would automatically happen.

I did not want that!

There was no way to cancel - even with Task Manager - the task purged but popped backup.

So I could do nothing.

This next comment probably does not belong here, but ...

I want to reformat my hard disc and install from scratch - not upgrade.

I cannot copy and run the download files from a dvd for example.

I have to download the 3gb again.

I cannot find any help or information - it's all advertising.

I cannot even find that MANY people have installed successfully and are happy :-(

Even in CNN Technical there is no NEWS.

Here endeth the lesson.

POST SCRIPT

I found out about install from dvd ... yea :-)

Media creation tool --->

with instuctions

However, you need a activation key (it says)

unless you have already upgraded the "normal" way :-(

Now I can try the insert install disk and "repair" - wish me (us) luck

Hi Rob,

Thank you for letting us know about the issue.

Hi,

I suggest you to do a startup repair using the Windows 10 installation media and check if it helps.      

Here is the link to create Windows 10 ISO:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10    

Use installation or recovery media to get to startup settings:

1. Insert the USB drive or DVD and restart your PC. If you’re using recovery media, skip the next step.

2. On the Install Windows page, select Repair your computer. (If you’re not seeing this page, your PC might not be set up to boot from a drive. Check out info from your PC manufacturer on how to change boot order and then try again.)

3. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Follow the onscreen instructions and if you can boot the computer to desktop.

For more information on recovery options in Windows 10, refer to the link.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/windows-10-recovery-options

Please update us with the status. We will be glad to assist you.

Hi All,

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Thank you.

Hi Sharief,

I downloaded and created an install dvd.

I ran setup and chose the start empty option clear the system disk.

I had a black screen after a while and was about try the recovery options ..

but the install continued - a bit - I was able to select language key board etc

but on the next screen there was no mouse and no control of input.

SO, I started again ... and was at the black screen again

and then saw your reply.

I stopped (hard power off) and restarted in order to try your suggestion.

In the last 20 minutes the system has rebooted many (many) times with no indications or messages.

The install dvd is still in the drive.

I am  going to try booting with out the dvd and then booting from the dvd.

By the way, before restarting I reimaged my PC from a 6-month old image (basic install) and applied updates.

I then did the Windows 10 install.

If your suggestion does not work I will restore from the image again and then (re)try the upgrade from the net.

This is frustrating for all of us but we don't have support management on our backs or people like me complaining

Keep your chin up

:-)

Regards,

Hi,

Thank you for the quick response.

If you see the black screen only after sign-in and you can see a mouse cursor:

1. While at the black screen, try using CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to start Task Manager.
2. If it becomes visible, try finding LockAppHost.exe on the Details tab and ending the task.
3. Check the issue.

Please update us at your earliest convenience.