Black Screen woes

[Triple Helix]

Hi Joe,

This is the problem I was having a couple of weeks ago that was hard to explain! And the fix provided by Prevx in this article worked so far for me!

http://www.prevx.com/blog/140/Black-Screen-woes-could-affect-millions-on-Windows--Vista-and-XP.html

TH

[Longboard]

Black screen eh: I had something similar the other day :ouch:
Dual screen set-up: one screen BLACK, secondary screen showing mouse but black background: heh, no response to clicking anywhere.

Not even sure what I was doing at the time :-\ : I think, readjusting the graphics(nvidia)/desktop settings: I might have 'done' something; but nothing I haven't done before. In the middle of adjusting settings, had to answer the phone, came back to Black screens. :o

No obvious malware related problems; no new in/uninstalls no beta testing, very routine day; so possibly different to TH, and looks like many causes around.

On another box; Googled that search:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=black+screen+windows for clues..

I rebooted to safe mode and tried various fixes with no luck after several reboots...reaching for imaging apps...XP nlite and FDISR...mumbling under breath..

Rebooted back to safe mode and used "Last known Good Configuration"..rebooted..worked !!!... and back to normal screen.

Large sigh of relief.
Scanned with all the tools at hand = NADA.
Interesting -somewhat alarming- problem .
LOL, makes a change from other BSOD , still same acronym.:)
Really didnt need anything new..:gack:
Hopefully wont need PrevX fix any time soon.

[rolarocka]

I have seen this black screen two times and made a reformat because there was nearly no info on the net about this. It would only load the windows explorer after reboot and nothing else, no desktop no taskbar. The Task Manager worked though.

[Longboard]

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=259509
:ouch:

[sded]

I had the problem on one machine (Vista Ultimate x32, Prevx, Avast5, OA4) just after the updates, happened after a later reboot, and solved it by going back to an image prior to the updates. Didn't know about the Prevx patch then, but applied it anyway just in case. Also didn't reapply a couple of the updates I thought were superfluous. No recurrence.

[Triple Helix]

Another article: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/10-Reasons-Why-the-News-Windows-Black-Screen-of-Death-Is-Alarming-368625/

TH

[Triple Helix]

So who's problem is it?

http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2009/12/01/reports-of-issues-with-november-security-updates.aspx

-{ Quote: "Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:19 PM by MSRCTEAM (http://blogs.technet.com/user/Profile.aspx?UserID=8908)
Reports of Issues with November Security Updates


We’ve received questions about public reports that customers might be experiencing system issues with the November Security Updates (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-nov.mspx) (which some are referring to “Black Screen” issues). We’ve investigated these reports and found that our November Security Updates (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-nov.mspx) are not making changes to the system that these reports say are responsible for these issues.
While these reports weren’t brought to us directly, from our research into them, it appears they’re saying that our security updates are making permission changes in the registry to the value for the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell key.
We’ve conducted a comprehensive review of the November Security Updates (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-nov.mspx), the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx), and the non-security updates we released through Windows Update in November. That investigation has shown that none of these updates make any changes to the permissions in the registry. Thus, we don’t believe the updates are related to the “black screen” behavior described in these reports.
We’ve also checked with our worldwide Customer Service and Support organization, and they’ve told us they’re not seeing “black screen” behavior as a broad customer issue. Because these reports were not brought to us directly, it’s impossible to know conclusively what might be causing a “black screen” in those limited instances where customers have seen it. However, we do know that “black screen” behavior is associated with some malware families such as Daonol (http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Threat/Encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=Win32%2fDaonol).
This underscores the importance of our guidance to customers to contact our Customer Service and Support group any time they think they’re affected by malware or are experiencing issues with security updates. This enables us to determine what might be happening and take steps to help customers by documenting new malware families in our MMPC malware encyclopedia (http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/) or documenting known issues in our security bulletins and the supporting Knowledge Base articles.
I hope this helps to clarify,
Christopher
*Postings are provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.*" }-

TH

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: "So who's problem is it?

http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2009/12/01/reports-of-issues-with-november-security-updates.aspx



TH
" }-

Frankly this is going to be nothing but a Ping pong game because no one wants to admit they dropped the ball. At least some company's like Prevx are attempting to help people fix the issue then sit there and point fingers.

[Triple Helix]

-{ Quote: "Frankly this is going to be nothing but a Ping pong game because no one wants to admit they dropped the ball. At least some company's like Prevx are attempting to help people fix the issue then sit there and point fingers." }-

Very true and the Fix that Prevx supplied is working fine on my machine thanks to them! :thumb:

TH

Edit: It was a funny situation on Boot up it goes to the sign in screen I put my password in and click my Icon then it would take longer then usual goes to Black screen with MY Computer page only no desktop or taskbar so I could run anything I want to because the My computer page was there so I went to system Restore and picked a restore point and went back a rebooted and all was well for a couple of days then it did it again so I did another restore to fix it then got the info from Prevx to fix it and we will see if it happens again!

So system restore does work sometimes!;D

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Frankly this is going to be nothing but a Ping pong game because no one wants to admit they dropped the ball. At least some company's like Prevx are attempting to help people fix the issue then sit there and point fingers." }-
"At least"?

You seem to have rather low standards of what you expect from software companies. As far as I'm concerned, I'd expect no less that the company that caused the problems to fix them.

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: ""At least"?

You seem to have rather low standards of what you expect from software companies. As far as I'm concerned, I'd expect no less that the company that caused the problems to fix them." }-

Caused the problem..... Not very versed with Microsoft are you, Black screen of death is nothing new. It hit vista it self quite hard in its early days, Its not just one company that causes it.

We traded in our BOSD's (Blue Screen of Death) for the Upgraded BOSD's (Black screen of Death)

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: "Very true and the Fix that Prevx supplied is working fine on my machine thanks to them! :thumb:

TH

Edit: It was a funny situation on Boot up it goes to the sign in screen I put my password in and click my Icon then it would take longer then usual goes to Black screen with MY Computer page only no desktop or taskbar so I could run anything I want to because the My computer page was there so I went to system Restore and picked a restore point and went back a rebooted and all was well for a couple of days then it did it again so I did another restore to fix it then got the info from Prevx to fix it and we will see if it happens again!

So system restore does work sometimes!;D" }-

Windows 7 and its built in System image does a good job also.

[Triple Helix]

-{ Quote: "Windows 7 and its built in System image does a good job also." }-

I use Acornis TI so that's not a problem! ;)

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Caused the problem..... Not very versed with Microsoft are you, Black screen of death is nothing new. It hit vista it self quite hard in its early days, Its not just one company that causes it.

We traded in our BOSD's (Blue Screen of Death) for the Upgraded BOSD's (Black screen of Death)" }-
Prevx admits that Microsoft isn't at fault, and apologizes for their previous accusation (http://www.prevx.com/blog/141/Windows-Black-Screen-Root-Cause.html).

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: "Prevx admits that Microsoft isn't at fault, and apologizes for their previous accusation (http://www.prevx.com/blog/141/Windows-Black-Screen-Root-Cause.html)." }-

Again tho. This is NOT a Prevx only issue Microsoft has caused these issues before and Normally point the finger elsewhere. Most recent one I can remeber was Vista release and Vista SP2 release.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Again tho. This is NOT a Prevx only issue Microsoft has caused these issues before and Normally point the finger elsewhere. Most recent one I can remeber was Vista release and Vista SP2 release." }-
And this changes the fact that this black screen isn't Microsoft's fault, how?

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: "And this changes the fact that this black screen isn't Microsoft's fault, how?" }-

Might want to read that ?
http://remove-malware.com/malware/malware-news/black-screen-of-death-caused-by-trojanwin32daonol/

[Meriadoc]

Had to chuckle at LoveSophos comment
-{ Quote: "What does the ‘Black Screen of Death’ look like?" }-
Actually I read somewhere recently that MS points to the cause of maybe malware.

[sded]

The only thing I have seen is statements that malware could cause this, not that it did cause this particular set of incidents. I was running Prevx and Avast5 RT, also OA in run safer when I downloaded the updates and got the BSOD. Also had run MBAM and SAS earlier. But looking for unknown malware that appeared with the updates and mysteriously disappeared afterward is probably part of the investigation. And I rhink Microsoft response is actually "you can't prove we did it" at this point. BTW, in these incidents it is not just a black screen, but a black background with a working copy of Explorer in the center, which I think adds to the confusion.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Might want to read that ?
http://remove-malware.com/malware/malware-news/black-screen-of-death-caused-by-trojanwin32daonol/" }-
Considering how the article exonerates Microsoft, thanks for proving that I was right. Now, what was your point again?

[rolarocka]

-{ Quote: "Had to chuckle at LoveSophos comment

Actually I read somewhere recently that MS points to the cause of maybe malware." }-
Haha yeah. I was really thinking of making a fake BSOD screenshot for him. But then i thought nah... Too much work uploading etc.
:)

[DavidCo]

I have had a quick look here and there and must ask others here on Wilders.

Has anyone who does not use PrevX experienced the Black Screen Of Death???
That is, the recent one not the older ones.

[Meriadoc]

-{ Quote: "Haha yeah. I was really thinking of making a fake BSOD screenshot for him. But then i thought nah... Too much work uploading etc.
:)" }-
Lol.

Mmm, maybe a one word answer will do...

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: "Considering how the article exonerates Microsoft, thanks for proving that I was right. Now, what was your point again?" }-

It don't Exonerate anything. It says Microsoft says it could be Malware, STILL pointing the finger elsewhere even tho its there updates that triggered it. But meh we are just going in circles now. Guess we will just agree to disagree. ;)

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "It don't Exonerate anything. It says Microsoft says it could be Malware, STILL pointing the finger elsewhere even tho its there updates that triggered it. But meh we are just going in circles now. Guess we will just agree to disagree. ;)" }-
*facepalms*

Dude, did you even read the article?

"Windows updates do NOT cause the black screen of death ..."

I don't see how one can be any clearer than that.

[Fajo]

-{ Quote: "*facepalms*

Dude, did you even read the article?

"Windows updates do NOT cause the black screen of death ..."

I don't see how one can be any clearer than that." }-


Are you really this thick, The Updates are what triggered it. I'm not saying they are directly what caused it but those updates are what triggered it. Anyways this is going nowhere so Ill just stop with this post.

[Dark Star 72]

-{ Quote: "I have had a quick look here and there and must ask others here on Wilders.

Has anyone who does not use PrevX experienced the Black Screen Of Death???
That is, the recent one not the older ones." }-
I know of at least three people using Eset AV who had the problem almost immediately after their first reboot after installing the last set of MS updates - all were using Vista so how people can say it is not connected to the updates I do not know ???

[DavidCo]

Vista 32bit here.
After updates I had weirdness, not black screen.
Like another poster I had judder with card games (dealing)
Windows animation juddered.

I applied the reg 'fix' (repointed explorer.exe) turned off animation and it is a lot better.

[sded]

Like Microsoft says, "My lawyers are bigger than your lawyers". Still lack explanations that fit the observations of those affected by it immediately after the updates. Like me. Hope investigation will continue rather than simply burying it. In the meantime, will start making an extra incremental image just prior to installing new Windows updates.

[Page42]

-{ Quote: "In the meantime, will start making an extra incremental image just prior to installing new Windows updates." }-
Good practice, that. And I used to create those images, each and every time, but the overall good quality of MS Critical Updates must have lulled me into complacency. I'll take this as a reminder to start imaging my HD again before applying MS Updates. :)

[sded]

I actually had an image from the previous Saturday, so not really too much makeup. And had run MBAM and SAS the next day, and was running latest Prevx, Avast!5, OA with Opera Run Safer lowered privileges at the time of the updates. Next boot after the update boot, though, saw nothing but a black screen with a running copy of Windows Explorer in the center of it. Never saw the mysterious virus that no one can detect. Was a bit surprised that a restore wasn't good enough, but I guess that's one reason we do imaging. :)

[Fajo]

The one virus that will never be detected..... Microsoft. You just thought those system updates were meant to help you! :what:

[sded]

You may also enjoy the thread at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23414750-Prevx-says-MS-Nov-10-patches-causing-BSOD-problems~start=20 that actually has an "official" response from a Microsoft representative. :)

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Are you really this thick, The Updates are what triggered it. I'm not saying they are directly what caused it but those updates are what triggered it. Anyways this is going nowhere so Ill just stop with this post." }-
And where in the article, pray tell, does it say what you claim it does?

Your posts are simply baseless attempts, biased by passion, to imply that the blame somehow lies with Microsoft. And THAT is why this is going nowhere. And just to refresh your memory:
-{ Quote: "Again tho. This is NOT a Prevx only issue Microsoft has caused these issues before and Normally point the finger elsewhere. Most recent one I can remeber was Vista release and Vista SP2 release." }-

[Triple Helix]

-{ Quote: "You may also enjoy the thread at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23414750-Prevx-says-MS-Nov-10-patches-causing-BSOD-problems~start=20 (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23414750-Prevx-says-MS-Nov-10-patches-causing-BSOD-problems%7Estart=20) that actually has an "official" response from a Microsoft representative. :)" }-

So who's problem is it? M$ of course but I'm glad Prevx made and showed us how to fix the problem!

IMHO

TH

[funkydude]

-{ Quote: "The one virus that will never be detected..... Microsoft. You just thought those system updates were meant to help you! :what:" }-

You "claim" someone else is thick, a complete personal attack, and now you come up with something, well let's say, "dull", as this statement? Are you serious?

It's already obvious that this is Prevx's fault for claiming something that doesn't exist, without the proper research, they obviously do not have the manpower that Microsoft do to properly research these things, and should review their blogs and research in future far more thoroughly.

-{ Quote: "Your posts are simply baseless attempts, biased by passion, to imply that the blame somehow lies with Microsoft. And THAT is why this is going nowhere." }-

Completely correct in my opinion, it seems Prevx aren't the only people that need to "think before commenting".

[Fajo]

/faceplam.

[Triple Helix]

Some update articles: http://redmondmag.com/articles/2009/12/04/...-a-mystery.aspx (http://redmondmag.com/articles/2009/12/04/windows-black-screen-problem-still-a-mystery.aspx)

Black Screen Of Death Hits 50,000 PCs says Prevx as they download there fix tool http://www.informationweek.com/news/window...cleID=222000502 (http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/microsoft_news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222000502)

TH

[gr277]

As I understand it...:) ..., BSOD's are different from the black screen issue being discussed here, a BSOD is a Blue Screen of Death which indicates a system crash.

Black screens are primarily caused by video drivers or something delaying the video drivers from loading because to start the system shell (explorer.exe) with Aero (transparency) enabled (in Vista), the DWM process (Desktop Window Manager) needs to be running, and requires the VGA drivers to be loaded to start.

If I am wrong, I hope somebody will correct me.....;)

[DavidCo]

I cannot say you are wrong, but what has that event string to do with WinXP???
The one common thing is however explorer.exe