Buzz
The 'Black Screen of Death' error - a menacing black screen has various versions, depending on the root cause of the screen issue on the computer. In some cases, BSOD still allows users to access the Windows Task Manager and perform other tasks. In more severe cases, the black screen error may come with a movable cursor. To escape this situation, Mytour will guide you on how to fix the black screen error on Windows 7 below.
1. Causes of the black screen error
There are various reasons for the stubborn black screen error, including:
- Windows security update :
The primary culprit for the persistent black screen error is attributed to the Windows 7 security update. Many Windows 7 users have faced issues after updating with codes such as: KB2607712, KB976098, and KB915597 .
Despite Microsoft's denial, numerous Windows users have reported that uninstalling these updates can restore Windows to normal. If you installed a Windows update before encountering the BSOD error, it is likely that the update itself is faulty.
- Malware (Malicious Software):
Certain Trojian viruses like Daonol are considered culprits behind the persistent black screen error. If you don't regularly scan for viruses on your computer (before encountering the black screen error) or haven't installed antivirus software on the system, malware is highly likely to be the culprit for the error.
- Graphics card driver error:
As this error is related to abnormalities on the computer screen, it's advisable to check the graphics card. The video driver may be faulty or needs an update to the latest version.
2. Some Ways to Fix the Black Screen Error on Windows 7
Method 1: Boot Your Computer Using Last Known Good Configuration
To access the Last Known Good Configuration option, follow the steps below:
1. Press and hold the F8 key during computer startup, before the Windows logo appears, to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Locate the option named Last Known Good Configuration and select this option by pressing Enter. Your computer will restart.
Method 2: Reinstall Graphics Card Driver
This solution is only applicable if you can still access Task Manager on your Windows 7 computer.
1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete key combination to access Task Manager.
2. Access the Processes tab and locate explorer.exe.
3. Right-click on the explorer.exe process and select End Process .
4. Create a New Task by clicking on File =>New Task (Run) .
5. Enter “explorer.exe” into the box and click OK . The Windows Taskbar will reappear.
6. Click on Start, then type “device manager” into the Search box. From the search results, click on Device Manager .
7. Locate and double-click on the display adapter option to display your device. Right-click on the device name and click Update Driver Software .
8. Follow the on-screen steps to update the driver.
Cách 3: Uninstall Windows security update
This solution is applicable only if you can still access Task Manager on your Windows 7 computer.
1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete key combination to access Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab and locate explorer.exe.
3. Right-click on the explorer.exe process and select End Process .
4. Create a New Task by clicking on File =>New Task (Run) .
5. Enter “explorer.exe” in the box and click OK . The Windows Taskbar will appear.
6. Click on the Start button, then type “programs and features” in the Search box. From the search results, click on Programs and Features .
7. Look to the left pane, find and click on the View Installed Updates option. The screen will display a list of installed updates.
8. Navigate to updates under the Windows section.
9. Take note of the update names and installation dates. If you have installed updates KB2607712, KB976098, and KB915597, you should uninstall them by right-clicking on the update names and selecting uninstall .
10. Finally, restart your computer.
Cách 4: Check Windows Registry
This solution is applicable only if you can still access Task Manager on your Windows 7 computer.
1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys to access Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab and locate explorer.exe.
3. Right-click on the explorer.exe process and choose End Process .
4. Create a New Task by clicking on File => New Task (Run).
5. Enter “explorer.exe” in the box and click OK. The Windows Taskbar will reappear.
6. Click on the Start button and type regedit in the Search box. Click on the first result in the list.
7. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
8. Click on WinLogon. In the right pane of the window, locate the option named Shell.
Double-click on Shell, then change the value in the Value data box to explorer.exe and click OK.
9. Close the Registry Editor window and restart your computer.
Method 5: Uninstalling Windows security updates in Safe Mode
If unable to access Task Manager, boot your Windows computer into Safe Mode and proceed to uninstall Windows security updates following the steps below:
1. Press the F8 key during your computer's startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Note: This menu appears for only a few seconds, so press the F8 key continuously to avoid missing access to the menu.
2. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, click to select Safe Mode to boot your computer into Safe Mode.
3. Click the Start button, then type 'programs and features' into the Search box. From the search results, click Programs and Features.
4. On the next window, look to the left pane, find and click View Installed Updates, and a list of installed updates will appear on the screen.
5. Navigate to the updates under the Windows section.
6. Take note of the names of the updates and installation dates. If you've installed updates KB2607712, KB976098, and KB915597, then consider uninstalling these updates by right-clicking on the update names and selecting Uninstall.
7. Finally, restart your computer in normal mode (not Safe Mode).
Cách 6: Scan and Remove Malware on the System
If you can't access Task Manager in normal mode and have tried previous solutions without success, you may consider scanning the system to remove malware by accessing Safe Mode with Networking.
Follow the steps below to scan and remove malware, fixing the black screen of death on Windows 7:
1. Press the F8 key during your computer's startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Note: This menu only appears for a few seconds, so you need to continuously press the F8 key to access it.
2. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, select the Safe Mode with Networking option. This allows you to access and use the Internet connection while in Safe Mode.
3. Open any browser on your computer to find, download, and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
4. After successful installation, open Malwarebytes and scan your entire system. The process may vary in speed depending on your system's size and hard drive speed.
5. Once the scan is complete, allow Malwarebytes to remove any malicious files on the system (if any).
6. Finally, restart your system.
Method 7: Utilize System Restore in Safe Mode
Windows provides users with a system restore feature. You can access this feature in Safe Mode to restore your computer to a specific point in time before the incident occurred.
1. Press the F8 key during your computer's startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Note: This menu appears only for a few seconds, so you must continuously press the F8 key to access it.
2. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, click Safe Mode to start your computer in Safe Mode.
3. Click the Start button, then type system restore in the Search box and select System Restore from the search results.
4. Choose a restore point for your computer.
Restore points typically come with associated dates. Select a recent restore point when your computer was functioning normally, then click Next => Finish .
5. Restart your computer in normal mode (not Safe Mode).
Cách 8: Utilizing System Restore through System Recovery Options
For some reason, if you can't start your computer in Safe Mode, you can restore the system through System Recovery Options.
1. Press the F8 key during your computer's startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Note: This menu appears for only a few seconds, so you need to continuously press the F8 key to access it.
2. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, click on Repair your computer .
3. Select the keyboard layout that suits you.
4. Enter your user account information.
5. In the System Recovery Options window, choose System Restore .
6. Select a restore point you want to restore your computer to. Restore points usually come with creation dates.
Choose a recent restore point when your computer was functioning normally, then click Next =>Finish .
7. Restart your computer in normal mode (not Safe Mode).
Encountering the Black Screen error is a common occurrence on various operating systems like Windows 10 and XP. It manifests in different variations, making it challenging for users to pinpoint the troubleshooting steps. Previously, Mytour provided solutions to fix the black screen issue on Windows 10, assisting users in resolving this predicament.
A computer not displaying any visuals can result from careless usage or improper asset maintenance. However, in some cases, it might be an unfortunate error or, in other words, a manufacturer's defect causing the computer not to show visuals at any given time. Regardless of the cause, users themselves need to take control in every situation to address the unfolding scenario.
