XP wont start

hi, this is my first post, so i hope i do ok. i have a HP pavillion with xp media center. it has a AMD 3800 processor. it is only a few months old.
when i power on, after it gets to the windows XP screen the moving bar on the screen just move along, but it never starts. it just stays on that screen forever. then i have to manually shut it off. that usually works sometimes i choose last known good config, sometimes i choose start manually. but sometimes neither of those will work, but if i unplug the tower, and re-plug it in, then it will usually startup. yesterday my wife hit F10, and started from scratch i had to reload everything. but it is still having the same problem again. when i noticed the problem is about a week or so ago, and it was the next time i started it up after i had played some puzzle game that came preloaded on the computer, but i am not sure if it is a coincidence. everything else seems to work fine, its just not starting up. it is much worse now then the first few days.
thanks for your help, scott

 

If you reloaded Windows 'clean', from scratch, I would think that it's some type of hardware problem. Find out the manufacturer of your hard drive (the BIOS usually lists a model number; just google the model number) and go to their web site. They'll have a free diagnostic you can download to test the hard drive. You can also download a free memory diagnostic right here from MajorGeeks to test the RAM in your PC..... good luck and keep us posted!

hopperdave2000

 

hopperdave,
ok, i am not sure where to start, can you tell me exactly where to locate the BIOS?
thanks, scott

 

I agree with Hoop, sounds like PSU, RAM, or HD problem if the problem persists after a "Clean Install", I would suggest downloading "Everest" from Major Geeks Link http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4181 run it and you will be able to see if your PSU is pushing out the right Volts, your Temps, your BIOS. Hey and Welcome to Major Geeks, kinda sounds like your a "Newbie" to Computer Problems too, so be patient, read more on your Operating System/OS, and make friends with your "Local" computer store tech, and read the postings here on MG, and before you know it you'll be GEEKED. Hope that helps

 

bc,
ok, i did that. my bios is phoenix award bios v6.00pg. everest also says that i have a nvidia c51 motherboard chipset and it does not fully support that. i dont know, i am in way over my head here. any advice on the exact thing to do next? thanks for your patience, scott

 

What to do next: read my previous post. Check the Device Manager (right click My Computer>Properties>Hardware>Device Manager) and click the plus sign next to Hard Drives. Write down the model number. Go to Google (or your favorite search engine) and type in the model number you just wrote down. That'll provide the HD manufacturer (if it starts w/ WD it's Western Digital, HD or HT or IC is Hitachi, ST is Seagate, etc...), go their website and visit the support page for the free diagnostic download. Follow the directions; they'll usually have you create a bootable floppy or CD to test the drive. Check this link:http://www.majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_Windows_Memory_Diagnostic_d3955.html
Download the diagnostic tool and follow the info provided, or check the Memory section here at Major Geeks for other diagnostic tools for your RAM. You can enter your BIOS (a.k.a. setup) by pressing F1 or F2 or Del upon turning on your PC. Here you can enter all kinds of system settings for the motherboard. Usually, you can press F10 to load the default settings which may be a good idea in your case. Your hard drive model number should be listed in the BIOS; usually in the first page that comes up, or under boot order, or under hard disk boot priority.... keep us posted!!!

hopperdave2000

 

Everest should also be able to provide your hard drive manufacturer, and possibly a link directly to their web site. Everest does NOT support many of the newer NVidia chipsets, but not to worry... you should still be able to check MANY things like your voltages, temps, etc....

 

Hey folks aren't we getting a littly heavy here with a nearly new pc still under guarantee?

First and formost, HP computers come with an optional program to create a rescue cd/dvd. If you have not already done so I STRONGLY advise you to do so.

Second and almost as important copy off any data you may want to save including any folders on the C drive marked drivers.

Now if total disaster strikes you are covered.

Now for some posible solutions.
Try the simple things first.


Clear your internet cache, all temporary files and recycle bin.

start>run>typein
cmd press return
At the prompt (>) symbol in the black window that opens
typein
sfc /scannow press return

When this is done close the window and open my computer
Right click on your hard drive
Properties>tools>Checknow
tick fix errors and fix sectors
Click start
Click to do it on restart
restart computer.

If these do not cure your problem either you have malware (check out the forum) or less likely a hardware fault (take the pc back under guarantee).
Doing a full reinstall using the HP recovery CD will also cure malware.

Studio T