XP will not boot

My computer was working fine and then a message popped up saying that it needed to be restarted. Shuts down, starts to power up and then it goes to a screen saying there was a problem with the last boot select an option safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with command prompt, or normal. No matter what i select it will restart and go back to the same screen. any idea what it might be? running around 40C and the HdD is recognized. I also tried taking a brand new drive and installing windows on it and it worked fine, so I'm not sure if I have a virus or what. please help

 

I have come accross the same problem, see my post just above yours

 

My problem is a bit different, in that my temps are normal and that I don't ever see the Windows boot up screen

 

I see what you are saying. Lets see what the others come up with.

 

See my thread with hopperdave. It might help you

 

I agree this is not the same problem experienced by Mack. The pc boots until an error occurs and then it tries to reboot again and again ....

You can get the pc to halt at the error code by turning off automatically rebbot on error.This is one of the options on the screen Mack called diagnostic screen, but is offficially called the boot options screen. If it doesn't show on the cycling, restart and press F8.

Post this code so we can help with the proper recovery procedure.


Studio T

 

I tried doing this three times and each time I selected to not restart on system failure and then it asks me to select the OS(which Windows XP is the only one I have) and after that screen it restarts again with no error screen.

 

On your boot options list did you try 'last known good configuration' ?

If this doen't work you will be in for a repair installation. This does not affect you data or personal settings but some programs, notably anti virus will be 'broken' and need reinstallation afterwards.
You do this by booting from the windows CD and starting setup (not the first R for repair before setup). After accepting the license you choose repair an installation instead of install and follow the instructions. Time 45 mins or less.

Note repair installations do not remove viruses so you will need to go straight to jail (MG Malware forum) do not pass go do not collect $200.

Studio T

 

Alright...I did try that and it did the same thing...Are there any programs I can use to scan/delete it if I use another computer to get rid of it. I have another, older desktop that i could slave that HDD to. thanks.

 

If your other pc is running XP then you can do this by connecting the faulty drive as a slave and try running check disk on it. Windows 98 will not recognise XP stuff unless you are very lucky and have a FAT system.
To connect, set the drive jumper to slave(with many you just remove it), Make sure that the host drive is set to master and the slave is set to the middle connector on the cable.
On first boot enter the bios and get it to check for new drives if it has not listed the new slave.
Reboot and look for new drive in windows explorer.
Right click on this and choose properties>tools checknow.


Studio T

 

still no luck. I have posted this problem in Malware also in case maybe they know of something to do for the virus. Any thing else you suggest doing short of reformatting?

 

You may not be aware that microsoft give you two ways of reinstalling Windows.
A clean install which involves reformatting your drive and starting from scratch.
A repair install which involves installing windows 'on top of' the windows already in place. Much of the old installation remains in place, including the data files.

I have already suggested the latter, you can do this by letting the Windows CD control the computer. You boot from the CD and follow the instructions above.
If you need more detailed help let us know, Major Geeks have done this many times.


Studio T