Windows 10: Black screen of death

May 2018:

I've had my second Windows 10 computer boot up to a black screen of death. The issue appears to be related to the latest Windows update (1803) and either the built-in intel display driver and/or the Nvidia NVS 310 video card, which we've been deploying in all new Optiplex 7040/7050 setups.

NOTE: This was also the incident that triggered our conversation with Storagecraft earlier in the week since at the time I could not get the computer back up and running and resorted to the Shadow Protect backup.

Resolution:

  1. Shut computer down
  2. Turn computer on and power it down as soon as the Dell logo and balls begin to circle by holding the power button for 5-10 seconds
  3. Wait 30 seconds
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 one more time
  5. On the third attempt, allow the computer to boot and it should say 'please wait' and bring you to the diagnostic screen.
  6. Click 'See advanced repair options'
  7. Click 'Troubleshoot'
  8. Click 'Advanced Options'
  9. Click' See more repair options'
  10. Click 'Startup settings'
  11. Restart
  12. Press option 5 for safe mode with networking
  13. (Hopefully) Windows loads properly
  14. Log into Windows
  15. Reboot normally
  16. Sign in
  17. Updated video drivers