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windows 8 BSOD 21a on boot

Windows 8 Desktop with a BSOD of 21A. I have looked online for solutions but to no avail. Not able to do much but can get to the CMD prompt. Called support and was told to reload windows 8 after a backup of the disk.

I have all of the disks here and can do that but was wondering if ANYONE has found a solution to this issue. Some have mentioned that a windows update did not go through, some claim it is the logon executable that is corrupt. I have tried to restore to a different time but get the same issue.

rindi

Zip the last 3 minidump files (in the Windows\Minidump folder) and attach the zip file with your next comment.

swaff

ASKER

I cannot find the minidump folder...

X:\Windows> cd Minidump
The system cannot find the path specified.

X:\Windows>

rindi

It is hidden, so you must make sure your folder options are set to show hidden files, besides that, the default is not minidumps, but full memory dumps, so you must also make sure that your settings are set to create minidumps. You do that via the "Control Panel", "System", "Advanced System Settings", "Startup and Recovery, Settings", and then under "System Failure" you can change those settings. Of course you will then have to await 3 BSOD's until you can zip and attach them.

swaff

ASKER

This BSOD is at boot. The system logo comes on and the Windows 8 wheel a starts to turn then I get the frowny face and a Blue screen that states an error has occured. It tells me that is is a 21A error then tries to restart. I never get to windows.

nobus

you posted "X:\Windows> " it should be C:\windows\minidumps
enter fist c: + Enter
then you can navigate to the folder

rindi

Then you'r PC is probably not configured to create minidumps, but rather full memory dumps. The default location for full memory dumps is directly in the Windows\, and the file name is MEMORY.dmp. But that file is probably too large to attach. Besides that one dump alone is usually not enough for a proper diagnosis.

Chances are that your system has been infected by malware.

swaff

ASKER

HI,

I did put in X: but I also looked at the C: directory as well. Supposedly this is a KNOWN bug with Ms Windows 8 and there have been many complaints about it over the past year. A quick Google search tells us that. According to the manufacturer, (Dell) it is disk corruption and is not fixable without a "re-install" of Windows. I was hoping to not have to do this and thought I would try the experts prior to moving ahead with the install and disk wipe.

Thanks to all for your patience.

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swaff

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nobus

and that's not all - it will find other updates - after reboot

swaff

ASKER

LOL - and yes, yes it did! :D Thanks nobus, there was an update to 8.1 as well. My GAWD, now I know why I love my Macbook sooooo much!

nobus

yep -but most mac users don't realise they are much more limited
a windows OS - matter of speaking - should work when you nail a bucket on a plank...
mac has only very limited hardware

rindi

Also MAC's do updates, or they should!

swaff

ASKER

it was an O/S rebuild that ultimately fixed this issue as no solution was provided, I awarded the points to my solution!!