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Guest Darren
Posted

Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it with

no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

happens at various times from power on .

  • Replies 21
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Guest Rich Barry
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Darren, if you have a WinXP CD try a Repair Install. Check at Michael's

site for more info

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

 

 

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it

> with

> no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> happens at various times from power on .

Guest Darren
Posted

RE: XP CRASH

 

MORE INFO TO ADD TO PROBLEM BELOW.

the computer gets into loop and re boots happens at diffrent stages of boot

up no set stage.

 

 

"Darren" wrote:

> Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it with

> no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> happens at various times from power on .

Guest Gary S. Terhune
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it still

doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and if the

error remains, try the other stick(s).

 

Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums (disconnect all

drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM configurations,

if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the power

supply.

 

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.grystmill.com

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it

> with

> no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> happens at various times from power on .

Guest Patrick Keenan
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it

> with

> no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> happens at various times from power on .

 

Start with this question: How valuable is the data on this system? If it

is of any value, stop poking at the system and safeguard the data FIRST.

 

The easiest, fastest way to do that is to pull the drive from that system,

attach it to another, and use the free trial version of Acronis TrueImage to

create an image of the complete drive. You can then, at leisure, mount the

image and get the files off.

 

Once that's done, you can be much more relaxed about fixing the real

problem.

 

HTH

-pk

Guest Darren
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Thank for replying have tried this and it failed came up with error and then

went into boot loop.

 

"Rich Barry" wrote:

> Darren, if you have a WinXP CD try a Repair Install. Check at Michael's

> site for more info

> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

>

>

>

>

> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it

> > with

> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> > happens at various times from power on .

>

>

>

Guest Darren
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

 

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it still

> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and if the

> error remains, try the other stick(s).

>

> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums (disconnect all

> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM configurations,

> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the power

> supply.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

> http://www.grystmill.com

>

> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it

> > with

> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> > happens at various times from power on .

>

>

>

Guest Darren
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

would it be easier to use this drive as a slave and put new xp on new drive .

 

 

"Patrick Keenan" wrote:

> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it

> > with

> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> > happens at various times from power on .

>

> Start with this question: How valuable is the data on this system? If it

> is of any value, stop poking at the system and safeguard the data FIRST.

>

> The easiest, fastest way to do that is to pull the drive from that system,

> attach it to another, and use the free trial version of Acronis TrueImage to

> create an image of the complete drive. You can then, at leisure, mount the

> image and get the files off.

>

> Once that's done, you can be much more relaxed about fixing the real

> problem.

>

> HTH

> -pk

>

>

>

Guest Gary S. Terhune
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Then run a decent RAM testing app from the CD drive:

http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You want the "ISO images suitable for

creating a bootable Memtest86 CD-ROM" You also want to pull the RAM, clean

the contacts (pencil eraser does well) and reinsert it. You also want to

make sure dirt buildup isn't the problem, though yours sounds like it's

something worse. Note that the above is a bootable CD program. If that

doesn't even work, then...

 

Honestly, I more suspect the mobo, followed by the power supply. Just to

make sure, you've *already* stripped the system to absolute minimum

components? Removed ALL cards (except video if there's no onboard video)?

Disconnected all drives except the HD? All you want is the mobo, the RAM,

video and the HD.

 

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.grystmill.com

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:C48EFA8A-4CA8-4801-88BE-D65E1D5721BA@microsoft.com...

> machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>

>> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it still

>> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and if

>> the

>> error remains, try the other stick(s).

>>

>> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums (disconnect all

>> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM

>> configurations,

>> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the power

>> supply.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>

>> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

>> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way

>> > through

>> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

>> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above

>> > .

>> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut

>> > down

>> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start

>> > it

>> > with

>> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing .

>> > this

>> > happens at various times from power on .

>>

>>

>>

Guest Darren
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Thanks gary,

as said can not get machine to boot to a stage where could use cd drive if

so i

would try this .its only option not tried .

 

 

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> Then run a decent RAM testing app from the CD drive:

> http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You want the "ISO images suitable for

> creating a bootable Memtest86 CD-ROM" You also want to pull the RAM, clean

> the contacts (pencil eraser does well) and reinsert it. You also want to

> make sure dirt buildup isn't the problem, though yours sounds like it's

> something worse. Note that the above is a bootable CD program. If that

> doesn't even work, then...

>

> Honestly, I more suspect the mobo, followed by the power supply. Just to

> make sure, you've *already* stripped the system to absolute minimum

> components? Removed ALL cards (except video if there's no onboard video)?

> Disconnected all drives except the HD? All you want is the mobo, the RAM,

> video and the HD.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

> http://www.grystmill.com

>

> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:C48EFA8A-4CA8-4801-88BE-D65E1D5721BA@microsoft.com...

> > machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

> >

> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> >

> >> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it still

> >> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and if

> >> the

> >> error remains, try the other stick(s).

> >>

> >> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums (disconnect all

> >> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM

> >> configurations,

> >> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the power

> >> supply.

> >>

> >> --

> >> Gary S. Terhune

> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

> >> http://www.grystmill.com

> >>

> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> >> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way

> >> > through

> >> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> >> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above

> >> > .

> >> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut

> >> > down

> >> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start

> >> > it

> >> > with

> >> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing .

> >> > this

> >> > happens at various times from power on .

> >>

> >>

> >>

>

>

>

Guest Malke
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Darren wrote:

> would it be easier to use this drive as a slave and put new xp on new drive .

 

No, your steps to troubleshoot this are:

 

1. Retrieve data. See below for data retrieval suggestions. It is

completely possible to retrieve data without booting into Windows as

long as the hard drive itself is viable.

 

2. Do a RAM test. You do not do this from within Windows. See

instructions, as well as other hardware troubleshooting steps, at this

link - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

 

Your description of the problem indicates hardware failure. There is no

point in wasting time on software solutions (Windows) if the hardware is

bad so you need to determine this first.

 

General data recovery:

 

1. Pull the drive and slave it in a computer running a working install

of XP. Depending on the target drive's characteristics, you may need a

drive adapter; i.e., laptop-to-IDE or a SATA controller card, etc. A

usb/firewire external drive enclosure works very well, too. Use the

working Windows Explorer to copy the data to the rescue system's hard

drive and then burn the data to cd or dvd.

 

2. Often XP will not boot with a slaved drive that has a damaged file

system. In that case, boot the target computer with either a Bart's PE

or a Linux live cd such as Knoppix and retrieve the data that way. Here

is general information on using Knoppix for this:

 

You will need a computer with two cd drives, one of which is a cd/dvd-rw

OR a usb thumb drive with enough capacity to hold your data OR an

external usb/firewire hard drive formatted FAT32 (not NTFS). To get

Knoppix, you need a computer with a fast Internet connection and

third-party burning software. Download the Knoppix .iso and create your

bootable cd. Then boot with it and it will be able to see the Windows

files. If you are using the usb thumb drive or the external hard drive,

right-click on its icon (on the Desktop) to get its properties and

uncheck the box that says "Read Only". Then click on it to open it. Note

that the default mouse action in the window manager used by Knoppix

(KDE) is a single click to open instead of the traditional MS Windows'

double-click. Otherwise, use the K3b burning program to burn the files

to cd/dvd-r's.

 

http://www.knoppix.net

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ - Bart's PE Builder

 

I have no idea what level your computer skills are. If the procedures

look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your

cup of tea - have your sister take the machine to a professional

computer repair shop (not your local version of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad).

 

 

Malke

--

Elephant Boy Computers

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com

"Don't Panic!"

MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Guest Uncle Grumpy
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

"Rich Barry" <rbarry@socal.rr.com> wrote:

> Darren, if you have a WinXP CD try a Repair Install.

 

YO! MORON!

 

The OP clearly stated that a repair was attempted.

 

READING IS A SKILL

Guest Patrick Keenan
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:6F966B2B-19E6-4B27-AA25-2B3CCA39FD7E@microsoft.com...

> would it be easier to use this drive as a slave and put new xp on new

> drive .

 

That is one way of getting another system to recover the data to. If you

get a new drive, remove the old one from the system and do not put it back

in until XP is fully installed.

 

Then, you can begin the process of data recovery.

 

However, if the crashes are due to other components, for example the CPU

having baked from fan failure or dust buildup, this won't help at all.

The crashes will happen again. If that is the case, unfortunately,

actually finding the problem can be expensive enough to consider another

machine.

 

HTH

-pk

>

>

> "Patrick Keenan" wrote:

>

>> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

>> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way

>> > through

>> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

>> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above

>> > .

>> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut

>> > down

>> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start

>> > it

>> > with

>> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing .

>> > this

>> > happens at various times from power on .

>>

>> Start with this question: How valuable is the data on this system? If

>> it

>> is of any value, stop poking at the system and safeguard the data FIRST.

>>

>> The easiest, fastest way to do that is to pull the drive from that

>> system,

>> attach it to another, and use the free trial version of Acronis TrueImage

>> to

>> create an image of the complete drive. You can then, at leisure, mount

>> the

>> image and get the files off.

>>

>> Once that's done, you can be much more relaxed about fixing the real

>> problem.

>>

>> HTH

>> -pk

>>

>>

>>

Guest Gary S. Terhune
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

You don't need to boot to Windows to use a bootable CD. Don't even need the

HD to be attached. In fact, that might be another good test, to boot to a CD

and run a program without the HD being attached. Make sure in BIOS that the

Boot Order has the CD drive set to boot before the HD. Insert the CD (has to

be powered up to do this), then restart the machine. If the CD is bootable,

you'll get a message to press a key boot to it. (I *think* there's always a

message, that it's never automatic.) Otherwise, if the CD isn't bootable, it

will be ignored.

 

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.grystmill.com

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:CF7E8774-3619-4F6F-B9C8-5D73D6602647@microsoft.com...

> Thanks gary,

> as said can not get machine to boot to a stage where could use cd drive if

> so i

> would try this .its only option not tried .

>

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>

>> Then run a decent RAM testing app from the CD drive:

>> http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You want the "ISO images suitable

>> for

>> creating a bootable Memtest86 CD-ROM" You also want to pull the RAM,

>> clean

>> the contacts (pencil eraser does well) and reinsert it. You also want to

>> make sure dirt buildup isn't the problem, though yours sounds like it's

>> something worse. Note that the above is a bootable CD program. If that

>> doesn't even work, then...

>>

>> Honestly, I more suspect the mobo, followed by the power supply. Just to

>> make sure, you've *already* stripped the system to absolute minimum

>> components? Removed ALL cards (except video if there's no onboard video)?

>> Disconnected all drives except the HD? All you want is the mobo, the RAM,

>> video and the HD.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>

>> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:C48EFA8A-4CA8-4801-88BE-D65E1D5721BA@microsoft.com...

>> > machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

>> >

>> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>> >

>> >> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it still

>> >> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and if

>> >> the

>> >> error remains, try the other stick(s).

>> >>

>> >> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums (disconnect

>> >> all

>> >> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM

>> >> configurations,

>> >> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the

>> >> power

>> >> supply.

>> >>

>> >> --

>> >> Gary S. Terhune

>> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> >> http://www.grystmill.com

>> >>

>> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> >> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

>> >> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way

>> >> > through

>> >> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

>> >> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as

>> >> > above

>> >> > .

>> >> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has

>> >> > shut

>> >> > down

>> >> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to

>> >> > start

>> >> > it

>> >> > with

>> >> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing

>> >> > .

>> >> > this

>> >> > happens at various times from power on .

>> >>

>> >>

>> >>

>>

>>

>>

Guest retread
Posted

RE: XP CRASH

 

Darren, I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last month. I found

that being in an endless loop left me no choice but to clear the CMOS. That

at least got me the ability to f8 into Safe mode and Restore to an earlier

ckpoint than the place where the problem began.

 

To clear CMOS, completely remove the power cord. Just turning off the

machine is not good enough. Then, either remove the lithium battery or jump

the CMOS pins if your motherboard has them (they are usually near the

battery). If you have the manual to your sister's motherboard, look up the

manufacturer's recommendations, usually it will be as aforementioned, but it

always good to check. Wait about 30 seconds before replacing the

battery/plugging the power cord back in. You will probably hear a beep when

you do. Then power up and f8 into Safe at your first opportunity.... Go to

Safe mode and select System Restore.

--

retread: Just another senior getting re-capped

 

 

"Darren" wrote:

> Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it with

> no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> happens at various times from power on .

Guest retread
Posted

RE: XP CRASH

 

Forgot to mention: When you clear CMOS, you will have to update your system

clock. Do that before you Restore so that your time will be in sync.

--

retread: Just another senior getting re-capped

 

 

"retread" wrote:

> Darren, I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last month. I found

> that being in an endless loop left me no choice but to clear the CMOS. That

> at least got me the ability to f8 into Safe mode and Restore to an earlier

> ckpoint than the place where the problem began.

>

> To clear CMOS, completely remove the power cord. Just turning off the

> machine is not good enough. Then, either remove the lithium battery or jump

> the CMOS pins if your motherboard has them (they are usually near the

> battery). If you have the manual to your sister's motherboard, look up the

> manufacturer's recommendations, usually it will be as aforementioned, but it

> always good to check. Wait about 30 seconds before replacing the

> battery/plugging the power cord back in. You will probably hear a beep when

> you do. Then power up and f8 into Safe at your first opportunity.... Go to

> Safe mode and select System Restore.

> --

> retread: Just another senior getting re-capped

>

>

> "Darren" wrote:

>

> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it with

> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> > happens at various times from power on .

Guest SnakeSteuben
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

 

Gary S. Terhune;230925 Wrote:

> You don't need to boot to Windows to use a bootable CD. Don't even need

> the

> HD to be attached. In fact, *that might be another good test, to boot

> to a CD and run a program* without the HD being attached. Make sure in

> BIOS that the Boot Order has the CD drive set to boot before the HD.

> Insert the CD (has to be powered up to do this), then restart the

> machine. If the CD is bootable, you'll get a message to press a key boot

> to it. (I *think* there's always a message, that it's never automatic.)

> Otherwise, if the CD isn't bootable, it will be ignored.

 

Heartily agreed. I'm pretty convinced your problem is not OS-related.

It's hardware (or maybe firmware, CMOS or the like, something before you

get to the OS.) But what Gary suggests is the best way to rule software

out for sure, and it would be my first step.

 

Yanking the hard drive seems like it would work. Then you can be sure

the OS isn't getting its fingers in some way, right?

 

Me, I'd leave the harddrive in and just use Knoppix. If *that* doesn't

work, it ain't the OS. For sure. And if it I'm wrong and it does boot to

Knoppix, hey, with the harddrive in place you can back up her data, and

no files will be open. (That's an afterthought. Forgive me if you've

said that's impossible for some reason and I don't remember.)

 

Download here:

'KNOPPIX Linux Live CD' (http://www.knoppix.org/)

 

Edit: Aside from the diagnostic value of being "totally non-Windows" as

it were, Knoppix is also potentially safer than your ultimate boot CD

and Bart's type alternatives. By default it mounts everything read only.

You'd have to remount your backup target R/W. And the procedure is just

convoluted enough that I really don't think you can do it by mistake.

Gheheh.

 

If you can insert the CD before you power on, you're far better off

doing so. If you can't, do it at the next crash. :p But power down all

the way before you try your CD boot. (Actually, I'm pretty sure at least

a few CD drives do have a mechanical opening mechanism. And I think

maybe a couple more out there can open if there's power to the computer

but it's not actually turned on? I dunno for sure, though.)

 

Don't forget what Gary said about that boot order. (Like you, Gary, I'm

not sure whether there's always a message, I think it might depend on

both the CD contents and the computer, and maybe sometimes there really

is none. I guess it doesn't really matter, though?) Oh, obviously, if

it's now progressed to the point where you can't even get into the BIOS

setup, that rules out the OS as well.

 

And finally, a very low-tech, somewhat unlikely, but almost universally

overlooked, suggestion.

 

It's summer time. The house is a tad warm. Are the fan intake vents

clogged, too? [Err... do you hear a fan start up?] Seriously, my wife

had a serious case of dog-hair reboot syndrome a few years ago. System

overheats and spontaneously reboots. Taking the cables off and giving it

a good hoovering fixed it. Less likely here, since the reboot is so

quick, but I still thought I'd mention it.

 

It's summer time. The AC is churning. Are you sure you've got full

clean power to the outlet? (Remembering a "why do I always smell popcorn

when my system reboots?" incident. Answer = microwave.)

 

 

 

Men are like campsites. Women should leave them better than they found

them.

- My wife

Guest Darren
Posted

RE: XP CRASH

 

Have managed to do system restore back 1 month rebooted but problem still

there.

 

"retread" wrote:

> Forgot to mention: When you clear CMOS, you will have to update your system

> clock. Do that before you Restore so that your time will be in sync.

> --

> retread: Just another senior getting re-capped

>

>

> "retread" wrote:

>

> > Darren, I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last month. I found

> > that being in an endless loop left me no choice but to clear the CMOS. That

> > at least got me the ability to f8 into Safe mode and Restore to an earlier

> > ckpoint than the place where the problem began.

> >

> > To clear CMOS, completely remove the power cord. Just turning off the

> > machine is not good enough. Then, either remove the lithium battery or jump

> > the CMOS pins if your motherboard has them (they are usually near the

> > battery). If you have the manual to your sister's motherboard, look up the

> > manufacturer's recommendations, usually it will be as aforementioned, but it

> > always good to check. Wait about 30 seconds before replacing the

> > battery/plugging the power cord back in. You will probably hear a beep when

> > you do. Then power up and f8 into Safe at your first opportunity.... Go to

> > Safe mode and select System Restore.

> > --

> > retread: Just another senior getting re-capped

> >

> >

> > "Darren" wrote:

> >

> > > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way through

> > > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> > > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as above .

> > > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has shut down

> > > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to start it with

> > > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing . this

> > > happens at various times from power on .

Guest Darren
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Hi .

have set boot seq to cd drive as first it did boot from xp disc but stoped

during boot up and went into loop.tried 5 times and went into loop at various

stages .no set action was taking place when happened.

 

 

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> You don't need to boot to Windows to use a bootable CD. Don't even need the

> HD to be attached. In fact, that might be another good test, to boot to a CD

> and run a program without the HD being attached. Make sure in BIOS that the

> Boot Order has the CD drive set to boot before the HD. Insert the CD (has to

> be powered up to do this), then restart the machine. If the CD is bootable,

> you'll get a message to press a key boot to it. (I *think* there's always a

> message, that it's never automatic.) Otherwise, if the CD isn't bootable, it

> will be ignored.

>

> --

> Gary S. Terhune

> MS-MVP Shell/User

> http://www.grystmill.com

>

> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:CF7E8774-3619-4F6F-B9C8-5D73D6602647@microsoft.com...

> > Thanks gary,

> > as said can not get machine to boot to a stage where could use cd drive if

> > so i

> > would try this .its only option not tried .

> >

> >

> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> >

> >> Then run a decent RAM testing app from the CD drive:

> >> http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You want the "ISO images suitable

> >> for

> >> creating a bootable Memtest86 CD-ROM" You also want to pull the RAM,

> >> clean

> >> the contacts (pencil eraser does well) and reinsert it. You also want to

> >> make sure dirt buildup isn't the problem, though yours sounds like it's

> >> something worse. Note that the above is a bootable CD program. If that

> >> doesn't even work, then...

> >>

> >> Honestly, I more suspect the mobo, followed by the power supply. Just to

> >> make sure, you've *already* stripped the system to absolute minimum

> >> components? Removed ALL cards (except video if there's no onboard video)?

> >> Disconnected all drives except the HD? All you want is the mobo, the RAM,

> >> video and the HD.

> >>

> >> --

> >> Gary S. Terhune

> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

> >> http://www.grystmill.com

> >>

> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> news:C48EFA8A-4CA8-4801-88BE-D65E1D5721BA@microsoft.com...

> >> > machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

> >> >

> >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> >> >

> >> >> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it still

> >> >> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and if

> >> >> the

> >> >> error remains, try the other stick(s).

> >> >>

> >> >> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums (disconnect

> >> >> all

> >> >> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM

> >> >> configurations,

> >> >> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the

> >> >> power

> >> >> supply.

> >> >>

> >> >> --

> >> >> Gary S. Terhune

> >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

> >> >> http://www.grystmill.com

> >> >>

> >> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> >> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

> >> >> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some way

> >> >> > through

> >> >> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

> >> >> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as

> >> >> > above

> >> >> > .

> >> >> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has

> >> >> > shut

> >> >> > down

> >> >> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to

> >> >> > start

> >> >> > it

> >> >> > with

> >> >> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after crashing

> >> >> > .

> >> >> > this

> >> >> > happens at various times from power on .

> >> >>

> >> >>

> >> >>

> >>

> >>

> >>

>

>

>

Guest Gary S. Terhune
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Sorry to say that it sounds like either RAM, motherboard or power supply are

FUBAR. Power supply is the cheapest item to replace for testing purposes.

RAM we've already discussed, but I'll add that some RAM is dirt cheap, some

is the price of gold. Check out http://www.crucial.com to find out which category

yours comes under. Unfortunately, in your situation, swapping out parts is

the only diagnosis method left to you. BTDT.

 

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.grystmill.com

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:7638EEAB-E772-43FD-8875-B29973D76EF9@microsoft.com...

> Hi .

> have set boot seq to cd drive as first it did boot from xp disc but stoped

> during boot up and went into loop.tried 5 times and went into loop at

> various

> stages .no set action was taking place when happened.

>

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>

>> You don't need to boot to Windows to use a bootable CD. Don't even need

>> the

>> HD to be attached. In fact, that might be another good test, to boot to a

>> CD

>> and run a program without the HD being attached. Make sure in BIOS that

>> the

>> Boot Order has the CD drive set to boot before the HD. Insert the CD (has

>> to

>> be powered up to do this), then restart the machine. If the CD is

>> bootable,

>> you'll get a message to press a key boot to it. (I *think* there's always

>> a

>> message, that it's never automatic.) Otherwise, if the CD isn't bootable,

>> it

>> will be ignored.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>

>> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:CF7E8774-3619-4F6F-B9C8-5D73D6602647@microsoft.com...

>> > Thanks gary,

>> > as said can not get machine to boot to a stage where could use cd drive

>> > if

>> > so i

>> > would try this .its only option not tried .

>> >

>> >

>> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>> >

>> >> Then run a decent RAM testing app from the CD drive:

>> >> http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You want the "ISO images

>> >> suitable

>> >> for

>> >> creating a bootable Memtest86 CD-ROM" You also want to pull the RAM,

>> >> clean

>> >> the contacts (pencil eraser does well) and reinsert it. You also want

>> >> to

>> >> make sure dirt buildup isn't the problem, though yours sounds like

>> >> it's

>> >> something worse. Note that the above is a bootable CD program. If that

>> >> doesn't even work, then...

>> >>

>> >> Honestly, I more suspect the mobo, followed by the power supply. Just

>> >> to

>> >> make sure, you've *already* stripped the system to absolute minimum

>> >> components? Removed ALL cards (except video if there's no onboard

>> >> video)?

>> >> Disconnected all drives except the HD? All you want is the mobo, the

>> >> RAM,

>> >> video and the HD.

>> >>

>> >> --

>> >> Gary S. Terhune

>> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> >> http://www.grystmill.com

>> >>

>> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> >> news:C48EFA8A-4CA8-4801-88BE-D65E1D5721BA@microsoft.com...

>> >> > machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

>> >> >

>> >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>> >> >

>> >> >> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it

>> >> >> still

>> >> >> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and

>> >> >> if

>> >> >> the

>> >> >> error remains, try the other stick(s).

>> >> >>

>> >> >> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums

>> >> >> (disconnect

>> >> >> all

>> >> >> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM

>> >> >> configurations,

>> >> >> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the

>> >> >> power

>> >> >> supply.

>> >> >>

>> >> >> --

>> >> >> Gary S. Terhune

>> >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> >> >> http://www.grystmill.com

>> >> >>

>> >> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> >> >> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

>> >> >> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some

>> >> >> > way

>> >> >> > through

>> >> >> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

>> >> >> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as

>> >> >> > above

>> >> >> > .

>> >> >> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has

>> >> >> > shut

>> >> >> > down

>> >> >> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to

>> >> >> > start

>> >> >> > it

>> >> >> > with

>> >> >> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after

>> >> >> > crashing

>> >> >> > .

>> >> >> > this

>> >> >> > happens at various times from power on .

>> >> >>

>> >> >>

>> >> >>

>> >>

>> >>

>> >>

>>

>>

>>

Guest Gary S. Terhune
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

Hmmm... Just to be sure, you've checked to be certain that all fans are

working and that the system isn't clogged with dirt? Heat can cause these

same symptoms.

 

--

Gary S. Terhune

MS-MVP Shell/User

http://www.grystmill.com

 

"Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:7638EEAB-E772-43FD-8875-B29973D76EF9@microsoft.com...

> Hi .

> have set boot seq to cd drive as first it did boot from xp disc but stoped

> during boot up and went into loop.tried 5 times and went into loop at

> various

> stages .no set action was taking place when happened.

>

>

> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>

>> You don't need to boot to Windows to use a bootable CD. Don't even need

>> the

>> HD to be attached. In fact, that might be another good test, to boot to a

>> CD

>> and run a program without the HD being attached. Make sure in BIOS that

>> the

>> Boot Order has the CD drive set to boot before the HD. Insert the CD (has

>> to

>> be powered up to do this), then restart the machine. If the CD is

>> bootable,

>> you'll get a message to press a key boot to it. (I *think* there's always

>> a

>> message, that it's never automatic.) Otherwise, if the CD isn't bootable,

>> it

>> will be ignored.

>>

>> --

>> Gary S. Terhune

>> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> http://www.grystmill.com

>>

>> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:CF7E8774-3619-4F6F-B9C8-5D73D6602647@microsoft.com...

>> > Thanks gary,

>> > as said can not get machine to boot to a stage where could use cd drive

>> > if

>> > so i

>> > would try this .its only option not tried .

>> >

>> >

>> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>> >

>> >> Then run a decent RAM testing app from the CD drive:

>> >> http://www.memtest86.com/download.html You want the "ISO images

>> >> suitable

>> >> for

>> >> creating a bootable Memtest86 CD-ROM" You also want to pull the RAM,

>> >> clean

>> >> the contacts (pencil eraser does well) and reinsert it. You also want

>> >> to

>> >> make sure dirt buildup isn't the problem, though yours sounds like

>> >> it's

>> >> something worse. Note that the above is a bootable CD program. If that

>> >> doesn't even work, then...

>> >>

>> >> Honestly, I more suspect the mobo, followed by the power supply. Just

>> >> to

>> >> make sure, you've *already* stripped the system to absolute minimum

>> >> components? Removed ALL cards (except video if there's no onboard

>> >> video)?

>> >> Disconnected all drives except the HD? All you want is the mobo, the

>> >> RAM,

>> >> video and the HD.

>> >>

>> >> --

>> >> Gary S. Terhune

>> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> >> http://www.grystmill.com

>> >>

>> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> >> news:C48EFA8A-4CA8-4801-88BE-D65E1D5721BA@microsoft.com...

>> >> > machine has only 1 stick of 512 ram .

>> >> >

>> >> > "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

>> >> >

>> >> >> If you've already stripped the machine to bare minimums, and it

>> >> >> still

>> >> >> doesn't work, try removing all but the minimum RAM permissible (and

>> >> >> if

>> >> >> the

>> >> >> error remains, try the other stick(s).

>> >> >>

>> >> >> Otherwise, presuming you stripped the machine to minimums

>> >> >> (disconnect

>> >> >> all

>> >> >> drives but the HD, pull all cards), and tried different RAM

>> >> >> configurations,

>> >> >> if it still has those problems, it's either the motherboard or the

>> >> >> power

>> >> >> supply.

>> >> >>

>> >> >> --

>> >> >> Gary S. Terhune

>> >> >> MS-MVP Shell/User

>> >> >> http://www.grystmill.com

>> >> >>

>> >> >> "Darren" <Darren@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> >> >> news:F30537DC-9587-4277-A3DA-FAF2299C5A81@microsoft.com...

>> >> >> > Have win xp on sisters computer. will not boot or it gets some

>> >> >> > way

>> >> >> > through

>> >> >> > start up and then crashes ,.then starts to boot up again.

>> >> >> > have tried to get it going through safe mode but same problem as

>> >> >> > above

>> >> >> > .

>> >> >> > tried using origional disk to repair but get message windows has

>> >> >> > shut

>> >> >> > down

>> >> >> > due to serious error ( no error code shown ) have also tried to

>> >> >> > start

>> >> >> > it

>> >> >> > with

>> >> >> > no extras pluged in ,same problem>goes in to restart after

>> >> >> > crashing

>> >> >> > .

>> >> >> > this

>> >> >> > happens at various times from power on .

>> >> >>

>> >> >>

>> >> >>

>> >>

>> >>

>> >>

>>

>>

>>

Guest w_tom
Posted

Re: XP CRASH

 

On Aug 6, 6:54 am, Darren <Dar...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> Have managed to do system restore back 1 month rebooted but problem still

> there.

 

If you did a system restrore, then Windows XP booted. What problems

were stored in the system (event) log? Windows sees problems, stores

that failure, then works around the problem. You are able to

eliminate the problem later. But first you need those logs reports on

what did fail. Also what did Device Manager report? IOW don't fix

something without first knowing the problem.

 

Only some hardware can crash XP. Many items that others were

swapping out could have been ignored. It does not crash Windows and

would not cause your boot failures.

 

I don't see where you used the multimeter in two minutes to confirm

the power supply system is good. Not just a power supply. It is a

whole system. Replace the power supply and still the system could

cause problems. Two minutes with the meter and this procedure

elminates power system as a suspect. If you have not done that, that

other things will appear to 'fix' the problem that is really a power

system failure. Simple two minute procedure is also in "When your

computer dies without warning....." starting 6 Feb 2007 in the

newsgroup alt.windows-xp at:

http://tinyurl.com/yvf9vh

 

 

This is also why better manufacturers provide comprehensive

hardware diagnostics. For example, just fixed a Dell laptop. Dell

diagnostic executed as computer sat in a near 100 degree room.

Therefore a bad (and intermittent) memory location was identified.

Problem that others could not even reproduce was solved so quickly

that ordering a new part took longer.

 

Breaking a problem down into parts is necessary to eliminate

confusion. Currently unkonwn: is it a hardware problem or Windows?

After all that work, you don't even know what is definitely known

good? Problem is exponentially more complex because Windows and

hardware is being analyzed simultaneously. Just another reason why

better computer manufacturers provide comprehensive hardware

diagnostics that execute without Windows. Once hardware is confirmed,

only then move on to Windows.

 

The list of hardware that can create your failure is short: memory,

power supply system, video controller, sound card, processor, and some

limited motherboard functions. Clearly not on that list is disk

drive, keyboard, mouse, etc. CMOS also will not crash a booted

computer. First list is what hardware diagnostics must confirm - and

then be retested in a room of up to 100 degree F. Heat being a

powerful diagnostic tool to find intermittent and therefore 100%

defective hardware.

 

Whereas Windows can provide clues in failure codes, still, best is

to confirm hardware integrity before even executing Windows (other

than to get log data, etc)

 

Of course, if meter did not get numbers from the power supply

system, then you may be weeks chasing strange ghosts - that were

really due to a failure in the power supply system. Completely

defective supplies can still boot and run computers..


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