Win 7 Computer Freezes with Black Screen of Death, then can’t reboot

Jul 27, 2018
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I am having an issue with my Windows 7 computer where it will randomly freeze (the sound freezes, black screen of death). When I shut it down and try to reboot it, it beeps once and no screen comes on (the screen stays black). I’ve tried updating my drivers, BIOS, check disk and defrag tools on my hard drive, with no success. Any suggestions are appreciated.

WDC WD10EZEX-75M2NA0 SCSI 1 terabyte
Nyvidia GeForce GTX 760 Ti OEM
HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GS40N SCSI Cd Rom Device
8 Core Intel TM i7-4790 @ 3.60 GHz
PSU: Alienware 330 Watt
Alienware X51 R2

If any info about my computers’ hardware is needed please ask.
 
Solution
BTW, I noticed your PSU isn't internal. It's an external brick (like the kind used for laptops). You're not going to find a replacement except through Dell or 3rd party refurbished or selling new-old stock. Amazon has one listed for below 90 bucks. But see if you can source through Dell first to get a price comparison. If it's about the same, then purchase through Dell. http://a.co/c8ou6kw

If the system is still under warranty, Dell should be able to mail you a replacement via an RMA process.

Also, be sure to run an ePSA boot diagnostic just to rule out any other problems. Instructions in the link below.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln116413/running-epsa-built-in-diagnostics-on-your-alienware-system?lang=en

stdragon

Admirable
The fact you rebooted and it hangs on a black screen after POST would indicate a video card issue. If so, it could be overheating, or it's not being fed enough power due to a failing PSU. Purely conjecture on my part. Just going by personal experience.
 
Jul 27, 2018
8
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WDC WD10EZEX-75M2NA0 SCSI 1 terabyte
Nyvidia GeForce GTX 760 Ti OEM
HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GS40N SCSI Cd Rom Device
8 Core Intel TM i7-4790 @ 3.60 GHz

If any other specific hardware is needed, feel free to ask
 
Jul 27, 2018
8
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I managed to get the computer to reboot by unplugging and replugging it back into the power suply, which indicates you might be right. How else can I check to see if your theory is correct?
 

stdragon

Admirable


Replace the PSU with a known good unit and see if the issue goes away. If you're not feeling like making the gamble to purchase one, perhaps you can borrow one from another machine or a friend.

The problem with PSU's is that they don't fail 100%. More often than not, they suffer partial failures which makes troubleshooting them all the more vexing.
 
Jul 27, 2018
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I'll experiment with testing / switching the PSU and see what happens, based on your suggestions, and get back to you. Coming from a complete hardware noob, your help so far is much appreciated!
 

stdragon

Admirable
BTW, I noticed your PSU isn't internal. It's an external brick (like the kind used for laptops). You're not going to find a replacement except through Dell or 3rd party refurbished or selling new-old stock. Amazon has one listed for below 90 bucks. But see if you can source through Dell first to get a price comparison. If it's about the same, then purchase through Dell. http://a.co/c8ou6kw

If the system is still under warranty, Dell should be able to mail you a replacement via an RMA process.

Also, be sure to run an ePSA boot diagnostic just to rule out any other problems. Instructions in the link below.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln116413/running-epsa-built-in-diagnostics-on-your-alienware-system?lang=en

 
Solution
Jul 27, 2018
8
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Ok I'll give that a try too. Hopefully the boot diagnostic will find an error.