A server administrator has just updated the storage controller drivers on a Windows Server. Upon restarting, the server hangs on the Windows loading screen and fails to boot to the login prompt. The administrator has already attempted a simple reboot with the same result. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step to diagnose this issue?
Use the runas command to escalate privileges.
Run hardware diagnostics from the server's UEFI/BIOS.
The correct answer is to boot the server into Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, which is ideal for troubleshooting issues like the one described. Since the problem occurred immediately after a driver update, it is highly probable that the new driver is causing a conflict that prevents the OS from loading normally. Booting into Safe Mode would likely bypass the faulty driver, allowing the administrator to log in, access Device Manager, and roll back or uninstall the problematic driver.
Reloading the OS from a backup is a recovery step, not a diagnostic one. It should be considered only after troubleshooting attempts have failed, as it is a more drastic measure. Running hardware diagnostics is inappropriate because the scenario strongly indicates a software problem (a driver update) rather than a hardware failure. The runas command is used to execute a program with different user credentials while already logged into the OS and is irrelevant for a server that cannot boot.
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Why is Safe Mode ideal for troubleshooting driver issues?
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How can an administrator roll back a driver update in Safe Mode?
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What steps can be taken if Safe Mode fails to resolve the issue?
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Why does Safe Mode help troubleshoot driver issues?
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What is Device Manager and how can it help fix driver issues?
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What is a storage controller driver, and why is it important?