Sometimes I get calls from the helpdesk staff asking about the Windows Resume Loader issue. It happens with Windows 7 or Vista OS computers during the startup process when the black Resume Loader screen appears with the following message:
“The last attempt to resume the system from its previous location failed. Attempt
to resume again?
(Use arrow keys to highlight your choice.)
1. Continue with system resume
2. Delete restoration data and proceed to system boot menu”
It happens during the unexpected PC shut down due to a sudden power failure, especially when the machine is in a hibernation mode. During the next boot up the system uses the resume loader to return from hibernation and attempts to load a hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) that could be corrupted. That’s when a black screen appears with the strange resume loader message.
There are two options:
1. Press “continue with system resume”. If the hibernation file is still intact, the system will resume and load up. If that doesn’t help, proceed to step 2…
2. Select the second option to “Delete restoration data…” The damaged hiberfil.sys file will be deleted and your computer will boot up, but any data that was stored in a hibernation file during the hibernation process will be lost. However, you will be able to start up your Windows system.
There is one more thing some of us could be dealing with – unresponsive keyboard. You may be seeing the resume loader options, but your keyboard may not be active, so you really can’t change anything at this point. If your keyboard and motherboard connections are fine (check them anyway), follow the advice below.
There is one pretty simple trick: restart your computer and enter your BIOS settings. (Press Del, F2, F1, F5, F12 or any other key assigned for that purpose by your computer manufacturer).
Once you access BIOS go to Peripherals section, scroll down to “USB keyboard” section and make sure that it is enabled, not disabled. I had the same problem twice (both times power failure) and fixed it by enabling the keyboard. I don’t really know why it’s set to disabled every time the power goes out.
If that doesn’t help there is one more remedy: open PC case and unplug the CMOS battery for a few minutes. Put it back, close the case and start the PC. Reset your date, floppy drive settings in BIOS and start the operational system. That should do.
