Persistent issues with Windows corrupting (hardware related?)

My computer was self-built in 2015 with these parts:

  • Zotac 4 GB Nvidia GTX 970 PCI
  • EVGA SuperNOVA 550 G2 Power Supply - 80PLUS Gold
  • SanDisk SSD PLUS 240 GB SATA III 2.5 Inch Internal SSD
  • 1TB Seagate Barracuda SATA III Hard Drive
  • MSI motherboard

I’m running Windows 10 Pro on the SSD. Recently, I’ve been facing persistent issues, and I’m not sure if the problems are hardware-related or if it’s unsavable.

The SSD failed about a month ago with a blue screen error:
Recovery: Your PC/Device needs to be repaired. The digital signature for this file couldn’t be verified. Error code: 0xc0000428.
I couldn’t get Windows to start at all.

Things I tried include:

  • Ensuring the SSD was first in boot order
  • All repair or restore options through a bootable USB, which resulted in errors
  • Attempted to boot into Safe Mode through various methods
  • Various commands like sfc, chkdsk, bootrec

Eventually, I gave up and installed Windows on a new SSD, which worked fine for a time. However, I started having issues with the GPU: its fans would turn on and off erratically, making loud noises, and temperatures were abnormally high. I even smelled burning dust, so I tried to clean it, which helped a bit.

I tried adjusting fan curves in BIOS and other programs, but they had no effect. One day, while gaming, the display went dead, but the PC stayed powered on. It worked fine for a day afterward, but now it can’t reach the login screen—powering up fine, showing the Windows logo, then a black screen with a cursor.

Any ideas?

If you can access Windows normally or through Safe Mode, check for dump files in C:\Windows\Minidump. If you find any, please zip the folder and upload it to a file sharing site like catbox.moe or mediafire.com for analysis.

It sounds like you might be dealing with multiple issues. Start by checking your hardware connections, especially the power supply and GPU.

Given the age of the components, it might be worth testing the RAM and GPU for faults. Tools like MemTest86 for RAM could help.

Since you mentioned high temperatures, make sure your cooling system is effective. Dust buildup can cause overheating.

When reinstalling Windows, consider using a new drive for the OS to eliminate any residual issues from the old SSD.

If the SSD failed, data recovery might be necessary before further troubleshooting. Make sure important files are backed up.

For GPU fan issues, try updating the GPU drivers. Sometimes, software conflicts can lead to erratic fan behavior.

You might also want to check the Event Viewer for any critical errors around the time of the crashes. It can provide useful insights.

If you are overclocking any components, consider reverting to default settings to see if stability improves.

If all else fails, it might be worth consulting a professional. Hardware issues can sometimes be tricky to diagnose without the right tools.