My gaming PC seems badly corrupted. Almost every repair or troubleshooting step I try fails, and I haven't been able to wipe or reset the computer successfully. I'm wondering whether the RAM or SSD could be causing the problem. I also have an external drive for extra storage. What should I check next, and what's the best way to reinstall Windows?
2 Answers
A clean Windows installation is probably the best first step. You’ll need to create Windows installation media on another working computer and boot the affected PC from it. During setup, delete the existing Windows partitions and install to the unallocated space. Back up anything important first, since this erases the drive. Also, RAM doesn’t become “full” in a way that causes permanent corruption; faulty RAM can cause crashes and failed installations, though. If the installation still fails, test the memory sticks individually and consider testing the SSD or trying a different one.
Yes, you’ll normally need a USB flash drive, preferably 8 GB or larger, plus access to another working computer. Use Microsoft’s official Windows Media Creation Tool to make the bootable installer, then start the gaming PC from that USB through the boot menu. If the installer itself reports errors or crashes, disconnect unnecessary drives and peripherals, try a different USB port or flash drive, and test the RAM. A failing SSD or unstable memory can both make Windows installation fail repeatedly.
I may be able to use another computer. I wasn’t sure whether a USB flash drive was required, but I can get one to create the installer.
I tried wiping the entire computer, but the reset fails every time. I’m not sure whether the RAM is the problem, and I was hoping the SSD was still okay because I have an external drive for extra storage.