If your PC keeps booting into Automatic Repair or shows a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), it can be frustrating. These errors indicate system instability or corrupted files. This guide explains why these errors occur and provides step-by-step solutions to fix them.
What is Automatic Repair Error?
Automatic Repair is a Windows feature designed to fix boot issues automatically.
- If it fails, your PC may loop into the repair screen.
- Common causes include corrupted system files, disk errors, or failed updates.
Symptoms:
- PC loops on “Automatic Repair” screen
- Stuck at “Preparing Automatic Repair”
- Cannot boot into Windows normally
What is Blue Screen Error (BSOD)?
A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurs when Windows encounters a critical system error.
- Causes include driver conflicts, hardware failure, or corrupted system files.
- BSOD usually shows a stop code, e.g.,
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIEDorINACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE.
Common Causes
- Corrupted Windows System Files
- Failing Hard Drive or SSD
- Driver Conflicts or Outdated Drivers
- Malware or Virus Infection
- Recent Windows Updates
- Memory (RAM) Issues
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Restart Your PC
Sometimes, a simple restart can break the repair loop.
2. Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers.
Steps:
- On the Automatic Repair screen → Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Startup Settings → Restart.
- Press F4 for Safe Mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, you can uninstall problematic drivers or updates.
3. Run Automatic Repair
Windows has a built-in Automatic Repair tool:
- Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Repair
- Follow on-screen instructions to repair boot files.
4. Run System File Checker (SFC) & DISM
Corrupted files often cause repair loops and BSODs.
- Boot into Safe Mode or Command Prompt from Advanced Options.
- Run the following commands:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- SFC scans for corrupted system files.
- DISM repairs Windows image.
5. Check Disk for Errors
Disk corruption can trigger both Automatic Repair and BSOD.
- Open Command Prompt → type:
chkdsk /f /r C:
- Press Y to schedule a check on next restart.
6. Uninstall Problematic Updates
Sometimes Windows Updates cause boot issues:
- Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Uninstall Updates
- Select Uninstall Latest Quality Update or Uninstall Latest Feature Update
7. Update or Rollback Drivers
Driver issues can cause BSODs:
- Boot into Safe Mode → Device Manager → Update drivers
- If a recent driver is causing issues, rollback to a previous version.
8. Reset or Reinstall Windows
If none of the above works:
- Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC
- Choose Keep my files (retains personal files) or Remove everything (fresh install)
Quick Fix Table
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restart PC | Break simple repair loops |
| 2 | Boot Safe Mode | Troubleshoot minimal drivers |
| 3 | Automatic Repair | Repair boot files |
| 4 | SFC & DISM | Fix corrupted system files |
| 5 | Check Disk | Repair disk errors |
| 6 | Uninstall Updates | Remove problematic Windows updates |
| 7 | Update/Rollback Drivers | Fix driver conflicts |
| 8 | Reset/Reinstall Windows | Complete fix if other steps fail |
FAQs
Q1. Can I fix Automatic Repair error without losing data?
Yes, using Safe Mode, SFC, DISM, or “Reset this PC → Keep my files” can preserve your data.
Q2. Why does my PC keep looping into Automatic Repair?
It usually happens due to corrupted system files, failing storage, or problematic updates.
Q3. How do I know which driver caused a BSOD?
BSOD stop codes and Event Viewer logs help identify faulty drivers.
Q4. Can a virus cause Automatic Repair errors?
Yes, malware can corrupt system files and trigger repair loops.
Q5. Should I reinstall Windows if the error persists?
If all other fixes fail, reinstalling Windows is the safest way to restore stability.