Re: Windows problem ... not sure where to start

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

Heath wrote:
I just began the Western Digital diagnostics test on this Raptor 74 GB hard drive and it has a little over 6 hours left until it completes. Hopefully it stays up long enough for the test to run its course and I will know for sure in the AM if there are any problems with it.

When y machine does reboot I get the "just recovered from major" crash alert and am asked to report it to MS. When I do I get a pop up window that tells me the problem was caused by a driver. I have no idea which one, though. Any great programs I can run to track down the culprit?

Thanks for your help everyone.

Start with motherboard chipset drivers, then video drivers. Update them from the manufacturer. Video drivers are a common source of problems but since you've been having trouble with the disk I'd be suspicious of the disk drivers which are usually part of the MB chipset drivers.

Steve


"Steve N." wrote:


Heath wrote:


Ok, here goes.

Originally my problem started when the computer would just up and reboot. The error message that came up asked me if I wanted to report the error to MS. After I reported the error I got a screen saying the problem resulted from an unknown driver problem.

I started uninstalling non-essential programs and drivers to pin down the problem. After uninstalling several I got a message that popped up saying some windows feature was missing and that the computer rebooted.

From that point I would be able to start up windows but it was only a minute 
or two before it would reboot on its own.

After this happened several times I an "error-check" to be run the next time I rebooted. That done, I restarted windows and away the error check went. I kept getting several "error reading" messages and during the 5th step it would just lock up ... I forget what the message was.

Now, after I installed windows on a new HD I was able to complete the error check on the original HD and didn't get any eror messages, I assume that means it was able to correct any errors?

Now I just disconnected the new HD and plugged the old back in. Onbn reboot I get the message "NTDLR is missing" and told to use CTRL ALT Delete to reboot.


Thanks for the details.

First, make sure there isn't a disk in the floppy drive (very common cause of NTLDR missing error if the floppy drive is set as 1st boot device).

If there isn't a floppy in the drive then try "Method 2: Use the Recovery Console" listed here (it's for Win2K but will work for XP and MS doesn't appear to have a seperate instructions specifically for XP that I can find):

How to troubleshoot the "NTLDR Is Missing" error message in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318728/#7

While in Recovery Console I would also run CHKDSK /R /V. I'd also download the hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility and test the drive using it.

If/when you get it to boot up right click My Computer, Properties, Advanced, Startup and Recovery and uncheck automatically restart (do it is Safe Mode if it's still rebooting in Normal Mode). Afterwards when the error causing the system halt occurs you will see it on screen, write it down exactly as displayed and post that info here.

Steve


"Steve N." wrote:



Heath wrote:


I originally thought my new HD was failing, but after buying a new one and reinstalling Windows I plugged in the HD I thought was bad and didn't find any errors when I ran a disc check.

So, I am guessing my problem was in my Windows install on the first HD. Is there anyway that I can repair the Windows install on the original HD so I don't loose all my contacts, schedule, and e-mails?

I am a novice at this, so thanks for your patience!

Please give details about exactly what's going on when trying to run the original installation, such as detailed error messages, conditions, etc. What exactly happens?

Steve





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