Blue Screen at Startup, After Networking Issues

[eCarney]

A couple of weeks ago, I began having issues with my network adapter. My laptop didn't recognize any networks at all, but after some troubleshooting, my connection was restored. Then it was lost again, and the same fixes didn't work, but others did.

The other day, on startup I found I couldn't connect once more, and I decided I would try reinstalling the network adapter through Device Manager. Except after uninstalling, the device didn't reappear either on restart or when I scanned for hardware changes. Fearing I'd done something I couldn't undo, I decided to restore my system to a point when the problem was at least manageable.

System Recovery seemed to run without issue, but on my next restart, and ever since, the computer blue screens on startup, usually with the error message "Critical Process Died."

Auto repair doesn't work, and I can't even reinstall Windows after entering my BitLocker key. I just get a message that says "there was a problem" and "no changes were made."

I've run UEFI tests and everything passed except Wireless Module Check, which returned the result "not installed." I guess that confirms that there was something physically wrong with the wireless adapter, but I'm not sure it explains why I can't boot into Windows.

I guess my main question is, if I can get the hardware fixed, is that likely to prevent critical processes from dying on startup? And in the meantime, is there any way I might be able to get into my system without networking, to back things up or do offline work while arranging a permanent fix?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @eCarney,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Well, that escalated quickly, from a moody network adapter to a full-blown blue screen rebellion. Let’s untangle this digital mess and see if we can get your laptop back on its feet.

It sounds like your system is in a pretty tricky state with both hardware and software issues at play. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and potential solutions:

1. Understanding the Root Causes

• The network adapter disappearing suggests possible hardware failure, especially since UEFI reports "Wireless Module Check: Not Installed."
• The "Critical Process Died" BSOD often indicates missing or corrupted system files, drivers, or a critical Windows component failing to load.
• System restore might have corrupted the OS further, leading to the current boot failure.
• BitLocker encryption may be complicating recovery, as it prevents full system reinstallation without unlocking the drive.

2.Try these Steps Before Hardware Repair

Since Auto Repair and Windows reinstallation aren’t working, try the following:

A. Boot into Safe Mode

Since you can't boot normally, you’ll need to enter Windows Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the laptop completely.
2. Turn it on and force shutdown as soon as the Windows logo appears (repeat this 3 times). On the 4th boot, it should enter Advanced Startup.
3. Navigate to:
   • Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
   • Once restarted, press 4 (Safe Mode) or 5 (Safe Mode with Networking).
4. If it boots, backup your important files immediately.

If Safe Mode works:

• Try reinstalling the network adapter via Device Manager.
• Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin) to check for corrupt files.

B. Attempt to Restore System Files via Command Prompt

If Safe Mode doesn’t work:

1. Enter Advanced Startup as described above.
2. Go to Command Prompt under Advanced Options.
3. Type: sfc /scannow
4. If errors are found but not fixed, try: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. Reboot and check if it resolves the BSOD.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

C. Try a System Reset (Keep Files)

If Safe Mode and SFC/DISM don’t help, try resetting Windows while keeping files:

1. Enter Advanced Startup → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
2. Choose Keep my files.

D. Backup Data via External Access

If nothing works and you need to back up your files before hardware repair:

1. Create a Windows Installation USB:
   • On another working PC, download the Windows 10/11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
   • Create a bootable USB.
2. Boot from USB:
   • Insert it into your laptop and boot from it via BIOS (press F9, F12, or Esc on startup).
   • Choose Repair Your Computer instead of Install.
3. Access File Explorer or Command Prompt:
   • If File Explorer is available, manually copy files to an external drive.
   • If only Command Prompt works, use: notepad
     • Go to File > Open, navigate to files, and copy them.

3. Should You Fix the Hardware First?

• If the wireless adapter is removable, you could try physically reseating or replacing it.
• A bad adapter shouldn’t cause BSODs, but if it's shorting the system, removing it might help.
• Try booting after disabling Wi-Fi in BIOS (if possible).

4. If All Else Fails: Clean Install of Windows

If nothing works, back up your data and perform a clean Windows installation:

1. Boot from a Windows USB.
2. Delete all partitions (after backing up).
3. Install Windows fresh.

If installation fails due to BitLocker, disable it in BIOS or Recovery Mode first.

• If you need temporary access, a bootable Linux USB (Ubuntu Live) can let you access files before reinstalling Windows.
• If Windows still fails after a clean install, hardware (motherboard/SSD) issues might be the real problem.

Let me know if you need help with any step!

We’ll get your system back in shape, one step at a time!

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

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Best regards,