PC stuck at a blurry login screen

Anonymous
2019-07-31T17:27:31+00:00

I recently updated my PC and now it is stuck at the login screen. It boots up normally to the lock screen, after pressing any button or using the mouse it goes to the next screen for the login but does not load the password box and the screen remains blurry. I can use the power, network and easy of access buttons but that is it.

Safe mode will not start, restarting 3 times does not take me to the repair screen, ctrl+alt+delete does nothing, I even tried using ctrl+F8 and nothing has worked. Anyone have any ideas on how to fix/bypass the login screen?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in

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Anonymous
2019-09-05T01:28:41+00:00

***FIX***

Initial Steps (Enter Recovery Environment):

  1. Enter Recovery Environment (If you are unable to get into the recovery environment via a menu, you can turn off your system during the initial boot when the Windows logo is on the screen and the dots are circling. Do this at least twice and you'll see the message "Starting Automatic Repair").
  2. Once the recovery environment loads select "See advanced repair options", then "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced options".

Method #1 (Via Command prompt - assumes basic command prompt knowledge):

  1. Click "Command Prompt".
  2. Change directory to your boot drive if necessary (for example, type c: and press <ENTER>)
  3. Type "CD %windir%\system32\config\systemprofile\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\caches <ENTER>
  4. Type "DIR <ENTER>" and make sure you are in the right path. You should see one or more .db files -- usually just cversions.3.db. If there are no files in this directory see the addendum below.
  5. Type "DEL *.* <ENTER>"
  6. Reboot and test

Method #2 (Via Safe Mode and File Explorer - may require adjusting permissions):

  1. Click "Start-up Settings" and "Restart" to reboot the system and get the option to enter Safe Mode.)
  2. At the Startup Settings screen press "4" to boot in Safe Mode.
  3. Log into your administrator-level account.
  4. Open File Explorer and browse to**%windir%\system32\config** (example: c:\windows\system32\config)
  5. Gain access to systemprofile (you may be able to just double-click it to gain access)
  6. Drill down to**%windir%\system32\config\systemprofile\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\caches**
  7. Delete all files inside caches
  8. Reboot and test

Addendum

Some have reported that it is necessary to clear the caches folder of the local user account also or instead of the systemprofile account. If the above procedure does not work for you, delete the file(s) in the local user cache folder (located in %localappdata%\microsoft\windows\caches) using either Safe Mode or the recovery environment command prompt.

Good luck!

Special thanks to John_E_M for first suggesting the localappdata caches folder, and to Artaeos who also narrowed down the problem to the systemprofile caches folder at the same time I did. Great job guys!

**Edited 9/6/2019 to add command prompt method, local account provision, and acknowledgements**

-Forjo

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-08-30T04:06:21+00:00

    SECOND FIX METHOD CONFIRMED

    Okay, I put the original hard drive back in with the install that was getting stuck at the blurry login screen. Running the overlay install AKA "Reset this PC" from the windows recovery environment worked successfully. All of their documents are still on the machine and all of their software and drivers need to be reinstalled just like you said they would.

    I have all windows updates installed and the problem has not returned. It's currently running Build 18362.295 which should be the latest cumulative update. It was at build 18362.270 immediately after the reinstall and prior to letting Windows update run. 

    Those of you still looking for a fix have a choice of following the procedure I just finished (overlay/reinstall) or to perform a clean install. If you're able to back up your data I still recommend the clean install, especially if you haven't done one on a machine that's a few years old.

    Thanks to everyone who contributed to figuring out this interesting problem. It seems only appropriate that after we've figured out a couple ways to fix this Microsoft will probably now come out with the patch. 😉

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-08-29T20:26:56+00:00

    Forjo, 

    I looked online and tried to do an overlay from installation media but I think you are correct. The only way I was able to start was through the recovery environment -> Reset PC. So glad I have F8 menu turned back on or I'd have worn out the power button by now.

    I put the customers original drive back in and I am running Windows reinstall right now. Will report back how it goes. What do you call it if overlay is not the correct word? In place upgrade doesn't seem the best fit since not actually upgrading any software. 

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-08-29T19:10:08+00:00

    I will leave you folks alone, but if it was me, I would be trying to change the Video drivers in some manner.  Perhaps check for new ones or revert the system to basic video or even disable one GPU if you have two..

    Good luck with it..

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-08-29T18:47:34+00:00

    there is a new update now available in the Microsoft Update Catalog - I don't know how to install it from safe mode but has anyone else been able to check it?

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