Re: Computer keeps restarting before loading Windows XP

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From: Gactimus (gactimus_at_xrs.net)
Date: 12/02/04 

Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2004 17:09:05 -0800

Malke <malke@nospoonnotreally.com> wrote in
news:uKP8tZA2EHA.2316@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl:

> Gactimus wrote:
>
>> I have a problem with my computer. My computer is a year old and has
>> been working fine until this morning. I turned on the computer and it
>> goes through the Power On Self Test and then right before it's
>> supposed to start loading Windows XP the computer resets and starts
>> the process all over again. It will keep repeating this process until
>> I turn the computer off. If I press F8 it will still ask me a bunch of
>> startup options, including Safe Mode, but no matter what option I
>> select the computer will instantly restart and repeat the process.
>>
>> Can anyone help me with this?
>>
>> By the way, someone in another forum suggested reseating the RAM and
>> trying each of the RAM sticks by itself. I tried it and nothing
>> changed.
>
> Since the failure occurs before the operating system can load, you
> probably have hardware failures. Here are general hardware
> troubleshooting steps:
>
> 1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
> observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing). Obviously
> you can't do this with a laptop, but you can hear if the fan is running
> and feel if the laptop is getting too hot.
>
> 2) Test the RAM - I like Memtest86 from www.memtest86.com - let the test
> run for an extended (like overnight) period of time - unless errors are
> seen immediately.
>
> 3) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr.
>
> 4) The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
> you have in the system - this isn't applicable to a laptop, of course.
>
> 5) Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
> www.tufftest.com.
>
> Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts
> with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing yourself and/or are
> uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a good local
> computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy type of store).

Alright, I turned on the computer to try some of your suggestions but now
the fans turn on but nothing else happens. The monitor doesn't turn on, no
beeps, nothing at all.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Computer keeps restarting before loading Windows XP
    ... >> trying each of the RAM sticks by itself. ... > observing all fans. ... > and feel if the laptop is getting too hot. ... > Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Computer keeps restarting before loading Windows XP
    ... >> trying each of the RAM sticks by itself. ... > observing all fans. ... > and feel if the laptop is getting too hot. ... > Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)
  • Re: Computer keeps restarting before loading Windows XP
    ... > Since the failure occurs before the operating system can load, ... > probably have hardware failures. ... > observing all fans. ... > and feel if the laptop is getting too hot. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)
  • Re: Computer keeps restarting before loading Windows XP
    ... > Since the failure occurs before the operating system can load, ... > probably have hardware failures. ... > observing all fans. ... > and feel if the laptop is getting too hot. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Computer keeps restarting before loading Windows XP
    ... > Since the failure occurs before the operating system can load, ... > probably have hardware failures. ... > observing all fans. ... > and feel if the laptop is getting too hot. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)