Windows freezes at logo screen

Hello,

I have a very strange problem with my client's computer. I will explain in steps and what I did so far.

I had Windows XP installed.

When booting, I see botherboard splash screen (thinkcentre), I can press F1 or F12 if I need to, but if I choose boot from drive (default) I just get a black screen.

I am able to a acces BIOS if I need to.

1. Hard Drive? I used Hirens CD to boot from. It does boot up. When I choose to load Mini XP, it starts loading and freezes when I see Windows Logo screen. Progress bar doesn't even start to move. Exactly the same problem if I use ERD Commander for Windows XP.

I think it is safe to assume that this is not the Hard Drive? I even disconnected hard drive completely. I believe, I should be able to load mini XP or ERD without hard drive.

2. Memory? Computer had 2 chips: 1GB and 512MB. I removed them both and tried one at a time. Same problem. I ran Memory86 test. Test passes with flying colors. I tried another program on Hiren's CD called Memory Diagnostics. It does NOT start, it freezes with 2 slashes and a double line under it. Tried both RAM chips. In addition, bought brand new 1 GB memory chip and tried it as well. (I needed it for another PC anyways). Other tests on Hiren's CD work, so I tested CPU, Video memory, etc ... all pass.

3. I've reset BIOS Settings to default. It did not help.

4. I've removed CPU and refitted it. Cleaned the top from old silicon, reapplied a fresh one and re-attached the heat sink with the fan. Did not help.

I am thinking it can be motherboard or CPU, but I can load some DOS programs. I even ran some DOS test program for video, it passes fine.

Any ideas? What else can I try? If it is motherboard or CPU, how can I test it to be certain?

The computer is IBM Thinkcentre 8113 (P4)

Michael

 

Is the hard drive detected in BIOS?
correctly?
What model of Think Centre?

The title says it freezes on the XP logo?
Tried safe mode?
We have PCs here at work that will take 30+ minutes to boot if you let them.
I tell them to reboot select safemode or last known good confg & they load normally.

 

Can't believe it, I have the exact same problem. Mine is with a Dell Desktop (yea, OK, not exactly the same).

I used the same Hiren CD to boot to Mini XP. Freezes at the splash screen. Pulled and cleaned the RAM chips as well.

foogoo, I'm going to try safe mode again and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Maybe it will start.

The computer is my son's. He did mention that he got several warning about disc space before he tried cleaning, deleteting and moving.

I'd be very interested if a fix is found.

Rich

 

I don't think it has something to do with the hard drive. I've disconnected it and trying to load from Hiren's CD and also ERD Commander. I believe I should be able to load using one of these CDs without the hard drive.

I thinks since all other parts seem to be OK, the problem is in motherboard or CPU. I know motherboard can show weird symptoms. What about CPU? Can it cause weird problems or it either works or not?

 

If you have a Win Disc, try booting from the disc. Try to do a system repair with the disc if you have one.