windows xp won't start

For the past couple of weeks, my wifes computer has been starting up really slow.
Earlier this week, she didn't shut it down overnight, and when she tried to use it the next evening, it wouldn't respond to anything.
She pushed the reboot button, and when windows started, it came up the screen alerting to the improper shut down and asking to start normally, safe mode, etc.
She tried to start normally, and when it got to the windows xp splash screen, the blue bar moved a couple of times and the computer rebooted.
This time, attempted to start in safe mode, but with the same result...computer rebooted.
I searched through other problems here, and didn't find anything that matched the problem I'm having.
Any ideas on how to get windows to start and what the problem might be?
I appreciate any help and suggestions.

 

Hi,
Can you give us some more info on your Wifes machine i.e ... Make/Model what OS (home/pro). Do you own the OS install disc or can you get a lend of one?? have you checked that the ram is still seated properly,if you have more than one stick of ram try alternating them i.e .. take one out and try to boot then try it in another slot, same goes for other stick(s) if you have more than one. Also you could try dissapating power from capacitators.... unplug power cable, remove battery and press and hold down the ON button for at least 30 seconds. Try rebooting without anything plugged in i.e printers and usb periferals, also leave the battery out and just run from the mains.

iain.t :major

 

Thanks for responding to my problem.
I built the computer, so if memory serves me correctly, it's a P4 processor, 3 ghz., ASUS MB P4P-SE, 2 gig ram.
The computer is probably close to 2 years old.
I have about 5 or 6 copies of XP Pro, and I'm not sure which was installed on this machine, but if the product key isn't a problem, I will have a copy to put in the drive.
Later today, I will check the ram and see if it's seated properly.
I will also try the other things you have here and see if XP will start.
I'll report back on what, if anything, happens.
Thanks again for your help.

 

Also give "Last Known good configuration" a try on the F8 screen. Once in a great while it actually works.

 

Thanks....that was one of the tries along with safe mode.
Same result, the reboot loop.

 

Hello,
You may be able to do a system restore (if you have system restore turned on) from the command prompt in safe mode. Hopefully it will not reboot if you go to the command prompt in safe mode.

To start System Restore using the Command prompt, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer, and then press and hold F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in safe mode with a Command prompt.
2. Use the arrow keys to select the Safe mode with a Command prompt option.
3. If you are prompted to select an operating system, use the arrow keys to select the appropriate operating system for your computer, and then press ENTER.
4. Log on as an administrator or with an account that has administrator credentials.
5. At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.
6. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to a functional state.

Edit: if there is any data on the computer that is very important, I would transfer it to a external hard drive using something like Puppy Linux before doing the system restore.

 

If none of the above have worked, you might consider this, http://www.ehow.com/how_5004158_fix-windows-xp-reboot-loop.html. Hope that it helps!

 

Thanks for all the help everyone.
As I was trying the suggestions, I was paying a little closer attention to what was going on.
The Windows XP splash screen would start, and the blue bar would go across a few times. The blue bar would pause momentarily and there would be a split second flash of a bsod. Then the computer would reboot.
While I was inside the computer, I happened to notice that the processor heat sink was loose. Tightened the hold downs, started the computer and it was the same thing.
I thought maybe the processor had overheated too much, so I replaced it also. Still the same thing.
Just to satisify my own curosity, I dug out an older hard drive that had XP installed.
The computer started right up.
So, now I have a related question. I've heard from different sources that occasionally a dead drive can be temporarily revived by putting it in the freezer.
If this works, will it be revived long enough for the files and settings wizard to get the stuff she needs?
Thanks again for all the suggestion.

 

Hi,

If you are getting to a Windows menu option screen the HD has not failed, it is a software problem.
No need to put the HD in the freezer or even a cold room.

You could either add it as a slave to a computer with a working OS or use a Linux boot CD (such as Linux Mint which has a Windows type interface) to access the files and copy them to another HD or USB flash device. [If Xp started with your extra HD you could use that as Master and just put the old one back in as slave to access the files]

********
I'm curious about Novice's link. Did you try that one?

 

Yes, I followed the link that Novice gave me, but it never booted from the CD drive.
I will install the old drive back into her computer and see if I can figure out what went wrong and where.
Thanks to all for all the help.