PC Doctor error code VC316-1

[nickd]

Pavilion Elite m9463fr

VIsta SP2 64-bit

When it boots the screen displays a pattern of semi-colons, and it either doesn't get as far as starting Windows or gives the recovery screen saying Windows is unable to start due to missing/corrupt Windows files.. The Windows recovery tool can't fix the problem.  It booted once and when I ran sfc /scannow all it found was an unreadable irrelevant file for the gadget bar (which isn't even enabled).

I replaced the hard disk two weeks ago, did a clean Vista install and ran intensive hardware diags for several days - no problems whatsoever found.  There are no problems whatsoever on the disk (ran the WD manufacturer's tests repeatedly).

There have been no hardware changes apart from the replaced disk.

It's worked OK for a week and now this morning went back to the problem of semi-colons on the screen and Windows not starting.

PC Doctor gives the error code VC316-1,  which apparently indicates a problem in the video graphics.

I was getting similar problems last week, and while it would still boot into windows I ran FurMark which indicated no problems whatsoever on the NVidia grpahics card.

It ocassionally gives a short-long beep at boot, suggesting memory problems, but it passes the PC Doctor memory tests with flying colours.  PC Doctor seems to think the CPU, motherboard etc are OK.

Where do I go from here?  I didn't get a reply last time I asked this question.  Is there an hp tech who can tell me how to procede?

nick

[erico]

I recommend that you update the BIOS to the more recent version. Follow the update instructions to the letter. Do not turn off the PC until the update reports complete. Your description sounds as though it could be BIOS related. 

[nickd]

Thanks for the suggestion.

The instructions seem to be for running from Windows, but Windows won't start.  Is it possible to install it from the command prompt?

Thanks

nick

[erico]

There are ways around this. I see that your desktop is out of warranty (RTM date 2008) so be advised that there are risks involved. You will have to accept all ot the risk. 

This will require a bit of reading by yourself  on the methods available  to flash the AMI BIOS on the motherboard  The MYDigitalLife forums is one such source. there are oroginal and modded BIOS files available there