Re: XP Pro SP2 wont warm boot

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


"Malke" <notreally@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%23ZTNWjoAGHA.4004@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> David wrote:
>
>> Due to what you say, it sounds as if something is getting stuck in
>> memory. When you restart the machine (cold) then the memory is
>> flushed, however when booting "warm" sometimes the memory is not
>> released. Have you had any blue screens or any memory problems while
>> you are in
>> windows and everything is running "fine". You may also want to try
>> updating all your device drivers or try taking one out at a time to
>> see if it was one of the extra pc cards you have the computer. There
>> are always more things to try after that.
>
> Please quote some of the original post when you reply for clarity.
> However, what you have written here, while original, is technically
> incorrect.
>
> Here is most of the Original Poster's question:
>
> ***
> My system just wont do a restart at all. It gets as far as the black
> screen between Windows is starting and the Welcome screen and it just
> hangs. The mouse pointer is very jerky and eventually stops moving.
> It even locks up at the same point when I exit the BIOS to Windows.
> I've searched the MSKB and found nothing to help. I've checked and
> rechecked all the BIOS settings. I've disabled all the resident
> software (AnI am wondering if this could be a PSU problem? I have 3
> HDD's and a DVD drive, a Firewire card, a USB2 card and internal hub
> and an internal multi card reader. These last 2 both take power direct
> from the PSU. Is all this too much for my 300watt PSU?
>
> Cold boots are not a problem at all, just warm reboots and
> restarts.ti-virus, Firewall etc) one by one but nothing helps.
> All hardware has the current drivers.
> ***
>
> The problem is almost certainly caused by failing hardware and has
> nothing to do with software (Windows, drivers, antivirus, etc.). Your
> computer is seriously underpowered for the devices you have in there,
> so yes it could be simply that you need to replace your psu. You could
> also have overheating and/or other failing components. Here are general
> hardware troubleshooting steps. I would definitely start by swapping
> the psu out for something that is at least 450 watts and good quality.
>
> 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.memtest.org. Obviously, you
> have to get the program from a working machine. You will either
> download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or
> the .iso to make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll
> need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you
> download the file - XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job.
> In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run
> immediately. Let the test run for an hour or two - unless errors are
> seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.
>
> 3) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Download
> the file and make a bootable floppy or cd with it. Boot with the media
> and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical errors, replace it.
>
> 4) The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
> you have in the system. The adequacy issue doesn't really apply to a
> laptop, although of course the power supply can be faulty.
>
> 5) Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
> www.tufftest.com. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it isn't.
>
> 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 professional
> computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of BigStoreUSA).
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic"

Thanks Malke,

Ram checks out OK with Memtest86! Just as well as RIMMs are as scarce as
hens teeth here in theUK.
Case is clean inside and no dust present!
All fans operating normally!
When running everything is fine, no hang ups, no BSOD. Runs sweet!
HDD is brand new. Problem existed with old disk. Used True Image to setup
new HDD!

I think I'll get a new PSU tomorrow! 450watts!

Geoff@York


.

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