If you’re experiencing the dreaded Windows automatic repair loop, where your computer keeps restarting and displaying error messages like “Diagnosing your PC” or “Preparing automatic repair,” don’t panic. This issue can be frustrating, but there are several ways to fix it and get your system back up and running.
Understanding the Windows Automatic Repair Loop
The Windows automatic repair tool is designed to diagnose and fix various issues that prevent your system from booting properly. It’s typically triggered automatically after two consecutive failed boot attempts. However, sometimes the repair tool itself can encounter problems, leading to an endless reboot loop.
This loop can be caused by missing or corrupted system files, issues with the Windows Registry, incompatible hard drives, file corruption in the Windows Boot Manager, or even faulty Windows updates. If you’re stuck in this loop, you may see a black screen with an error message or a blue screen displaying an error code.
Triggering the Windows Automatic Repair
To trigger the Windows automatic repair, you’ll need to access the Advanced Startup Options menu. Here’s how to do it:
Restart your computer and press the “F8” key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Select “Troubleshoot” from the list of options.
Click on “Advanced options.”
Select “Startup Repair” from the list of options.
The Startup Repair tool will then scan your system for issues and attempt to fix them automatically. If successful, your computer should boot normally.
Fixing the Automatic Repair Loop
If the automatic repair process fails and you find yourself stuck in a loop, there are several methods you can try to fix the issue:
Using System Restore
Restart your computer and press the “F8” key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Select “Troubleshoot” from the list of options.
Click on “Advanced options.”
Select “System Restore” from the list of options.
Choose the restore point created before the error occurred and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Running Built-in System Repair Tools
Restart your computer and press the “F8” key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Select “Troubleshoot” from the list of options.
Click on “Advanced options.”
Select “Command Prompt” from the list of options.
In the command prompt window, type “chkdsk /r c:” and press Enter to check your drive for errors using the CHKDSK utility.
Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to check the integrity of Windows system files using the System File Checker tool.
Type “Exit” to close the command prompt and restart your computer.
Booting into Safe Mode
Restart your computer and press the “F8” key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Select “Troubleshoot” from the list of options.
Click on “Advanced options.”
Select “Startup Settings” from the list of options.
Press “4” or “F4” to boot into Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode, you can uninstall device drivers, roll back Windows updates, remove viruses, and more.
If none of these methods work, you may need to consider more advanced options, such as reinstalling Windows or seeking professional assistance.
In conclusion, the Windows automatic repair loop can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve it and get your system back up and running. By understanding the causes of the problem and following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to handle this common Windows error.