BSOD preventing 8.1 from starting up appears for split sec

Just today, my desktop's been unable to boot into the login screen on Windows 8.1 due to a blue screen that appears for a split second, and forced the PC to restart. Some of this, I think, should be surely linked to the GPU, as it's left me with a black screen and loud fan noise about three of four times today. Each time I've restarted the PC, it's been able to to get back into Windows, though this time it's just giving me a BSOD that I can barely see at all.

What I'm wanting to know is how can I get it to show me the information for me to diagnose it. Could I use a shortcut on the keyboard, or will the information be saved somewhere?

The GPU I have is the XFX 7950 Core Edition.

If you're overclocking, the first step is to stop the overclock and see if that helps. Leave the overclock off while we're troubleshooting - but feel free to resume it once the system has been stabilized.

You'll have to figure out which fan is spinning up - as it's likely to be a sign that that component is overheating.
Then you'll have to examine the cooling solution for that component to see what's causing it to overheat.
Overheating can cause BSOD's - so you may just fix the BSOD by fixing the overheating.

Once that's done, and you're in Windows, we can analyze the BSOD's using this info: http://www.eightforums.com/bsod-cra...e-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html Please use Option 1 as it provides Event Viewer logs.

Also, Please do the following:
- open Event Viewer (run eventvwr.msc from the "Run" dialog))
- expand the Custom Views category (left click on the > next to the words "Custom Views")
- right click on Administrative Events
- select "Save all Events in Custom View as..."
- save the file as Admin.evtx
- zip up the file (right click on it, select "Send to", select "Compressed (zipped) folder")
- upload it with your next post (if it's too big, then upload it to a free file-hosting service and post a link here).

While waiting for a reply, please monitor your temps with this free utility: HWMonitor CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

Firstly, my PC doesn't have overclock on it, just to clear that up.

Now I assume that the GPU was overheating because the fan noise I heard was a lot like when I was playing Just Cause 2. I even checked in the Corsair Link software at the time, and that showed it at a high RPM. Though when I start the system up now, there isn't any loud fan noise yet it still goes to a split-second BSOD.

The thing is, though, that this is a custom-built system from PC Specialist so I don't want to muck around with anything inside the system. It is still under warranty, however:

• I have personal files on the primary disk (C:\) that I don't want to lose, as well as my Firefox data.
• I don't want to go through all the hassle of sending the system back when there may be a possible solution.

If unable to get into Windows long enough to get the reports/files that I've requested, please post back for suggestions on how to get some info off the system without using Windows.
:
1) I still need both of the files that I've requested (if you are able to get into Windows)
2) From what you describe, this is most likely a hardware problem
3) If you use the HWMonitor program that I suggested, you'll be able to see if it's overheating(if you are able to get into Windows)
4) If it is hardware (to include overheating), then you'll have to send it back for repairs (or repair it yourself and maybe void the warranty)
5) Before sending it back, you'll have to backup you data and your Firefox.

Ok then, but I'm not sure how to backup my data in this situation. I do have external storage lying around that still works (500GB Seagate and a few USB's). The Firefox data is on the primary drive (SSD), while my personal data is across that and my secondary drive (HDD).

Are you able to work with a bootable disk, such as a Live Linux distribution or something like the Ultimate Boot CD?
If so, you'll be able to copy everything over to the external hard drive.

Copy the "Users" folder (if you have space) as most stuff is in there.
Make sure that you've enabled the viewing of hidden and system files/folders - as the Firefox stuff is usually in the AppData/Application Data folder (which is hidden).

I don't have any CD's at the moment, though I am planning to go into town today so I can get some then, and copy Ultimate Boot onto one.

Update: I've now realised that Ultimate Boot CD can be done via USB.

I've resorted back to using the disc since my bloody system can't seem to recognise what's on the USB. Sadly, a 0x0000007b error was thrown my way when I attempted to start up Ultimate Boot CD.

This error is an Inaccessible Boot Device.
It's most often seen with hard drives - are you sure you were attempting to boot to the CD?

It's also (most often) a hardware problem - as I suspected earlier.
Try the bootable Seagate Seatools drive from here: Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

Another option for backing up your data is to slave the hard drive to another computer.
Don't forget to make sure you can see hidden and system files on the other machine
You'll need some sort of adapter to connect it - here's the one that I use: USB to SATA or IDE HARD DRIVE ADAPTER from CoolDrives.com

I'm using the diagnostic procedure right now; the SSD's passed the test, while I'm still waiting for the HDD to finish. It's got 2TB so it'll take some time.

I've returned, and both the Hard Drive and the SSD passed.

Sorry to keep posting; it's about the second solution. Would this work? http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455345507&pf_rd_i=468294

That device should work for you as long as your drives (both HDD and SSD) are regular SATA drives.
The HDD could also be an IDE drive (mostly for older drives), and the SSD can be SATA, PCIe, or mSata
Check your drives before buying (disconnect the power from the wall, ground yourself, and physcially check each connection type.

Be sure to enable the viewing of system and hidden files when using it - as things like the Firefox profiles are stored in the hidden AppData/Appllcation Data folder.

According to both websites, both the SSD (Kingston HyperX 3K) and the HDD (Western Digital Green 2TB) use SATA III.

Then it'll work. Be sure to use the power supply with it (generally they'll work without the power supply - but it gets "iffy" at times with larger drives that draw more current).

I find that I use the external power adapter on any drive that needs more than .50 ma (milliamperes - it's usually on the label on the drive) - that's what USB 2.0 delivers (I haven't checked on USB 3.0 yet, but suspect that it's the same)