Computer called for “Repair” and when turned off started doing this…

Understanding and Troubleshooting a Windows PC Repair Loop: A Case Study

Introduction

Encountering unexpected repair prompts and startup issues can be a daunting experience, especially for users who are not deeply familiar with computer hardware. This article explores a common scenario faced by many PC users: a sudden system repair alert followed by persistent startup failures. By analyzing a real-world case involving a gaming desktop, we aim to provide a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving similar issues.

Case Overview

The user reports ownership of a Skytech gaming computer assembled in 2018, characterized by the following specifications:

CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K Coffee Lake 6-Core (3.7 GHz, Turbo up to 4.7 GHz)
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti 8GB
RAM: 16 GB DDR4 with heat spreader
Power Supply: Thermaltake 700W Smart 80 Plus Certified PSU
Motherboard: Z370 Gaming Series

Sequence of Events

The initial trigger was a sudden Windows pop-up featuring a large emoticon “:)” indicating some form of system issue, followed by a Windows automatic repair process. The repair screen persisted for hours, prompting the user to power down the machine. Subsequent attempts at reinitialization resulted in a cycle where the system briefly powered on, displayed a flashing screen, and then shut off repeatedly. Efforts such as unplugging external devices, flipping the power switch on the power supply, and removing peripherals did not resolve the issue. The system fails to stay powered on long enough to display anything beyond the flashing screens.

Potential Causes and Diagnostic Steps

The symptoms suggest a hardware or firmware-related problem. Here are some areas to investigate:

Power Supply Integrity
Ensure the power supply is functioning correctly. A failing PSU can cause intermittent power delivery, resulting in startup loops.
Test with a known-good power supply if available.
Memory (RAM) Checks
Faulty RAM can cause startup issues. Try booting with one RAM stick at a time or reseating the modules.
Motherboard and CMOS
Clear CMOS to reset BIOS settings. This can sometimes resolve boot loops caused by BIOS misconfigurations.
Inspect the motherboard for visible damage or swollen capacitors.
Graphics Card and Peripheral Devices
Remove and reseat the GPU.
Connect the monitor