Computer freezes at Windows logo screen

[trigonz]

I'm sorry, but this is another startup problem thread. I've tried looking at previous threads, but they didn't seem to help with my issue.

I recently tried to start my computer, and it doesn't get passed the blue Windows 98 logo screen. I was able to run in Safe Mode, and I ran a thorough Scandisk session. I also defragmented my C: drive just in case. No errors came up, but my comp still freezes. I also tried the SCANREG/RESTORE command, but it doesn't work since my comp can't get passed the Windows logo screen.

I've never had this problem before, and I don't know what could've possibly caused this. The only things I can't think of that might've affected this is 1) I recently installed Winamp v.2 and 2) I previously left my computer on for two days straight.

Can you please give me advice on how to solve this problem? Thank you very much!

 

[doggammit76]

trigonz

my guess is that some program is in the way of the startup. get to safe mode and try to disable all programs that are ran at start up. type "msconfig" at start/run and go to the startup tab. uncheck all the entries and restart you computer.

should you be able to get into windows, its time to switch on one start up entry and restarting your PC. go on doing this till there is one program that will lock up at startup again. you'll know that it that program you activated just before this startup that is causing the problem. go to safe mode, check all the entries expect for this one. try restarting again.

If the program that is identified is essential to your use of the computer, then maybe you could try reinstalling it or finding out what is wrong with it.

your start up problem might also be caused by some drivers or hardware that didnt startup right. try the above first and repost here if it didnt work.

hope this helps. Information is free....dont hog it!

 

[gargouille]

Hit F8 when you're booting up and choose enabling bootlog...then let it boot normally...and hang.
Then reboot in safe mode and examine bootlog.txt...and look for failure...it'll show if something's not loading right.

 

[Curler]

Have you had any virus attack? We had to reload windows (not from scratch) to reload all the drivers because we suspected a virus might have upset some files even though the scans with several products said the system was clean.
If the system runs in safe mode I believe your hardware is fine. This solved our problem/

 

[gargouille]

http://www.windowsgalore.com/windows.95/safemode.htm

is a good place to start, even if it addresses Win95.
Better link, yet, with step-by-step hookup with troubleshooting with safe mode:

http://www.sawtooth.freeserve.co.uk/computers/diagnosi.htm

Did you uninstall Winamp?
Leaving a machine on should not do this...mine is left on much longer and will USUALLY boot to Windoze.
Anything failed to load in bootlog.txt?

Tried running sfc? This is not using it as it's intended, but it may save you. (you might be headed for format/reinstall anyway)

Tried scanreg?
Type scanreg(space)/? at Start/run and see how you can run it to use a restore.

Also, curler is right on with an over-write of the OS...but it may revert other things you've updated so you'll have to again bring them up to date.

 

[trigonz]

Hmm, okay.. I've tried a bunch of stuff to try and fix this problem (not all--I stayed away from the scary sounding stuff for now). None of the following worked (my comp still froze at the Windows 98 logo screen after doing these things):

1) uninstalled Winamp in safe mode
2) ran msconfig and unchecked everything in the startup tab
3) scanreg /fix
4) scanreg/restore
5) step-by-step confirmation and said NO to autoexec.bat and config.sys files
6) in bootlog.txt, the only thing that failed to load were my true type font files (.TTF), eveything else said SUCCESS

Keep in mind that I did not have a virus checker on my comp, so maybe a virus is causing this. Then I guess I would take Curler's advice. But I do not know exactly how to reload windows and reload my drivers to fix this. Can someone let me know, or does someone have any other advice? I'm still able to get into safe mode without problems...

Thank you!... (BTW, my goal is to get passed this problem without losing any of my files (documents, pictures, etc). I want to at least back them up on disk before I do anything that can possibly cause me to lose them)

 

[gargouille]

Been in the BIOS, perhaps, and enabled halt on all errors?
THAT will cause a hang IF fonts don't load right.
The computer is doing what you're asking it to do...
Hit the delete key when you're in the post...a message will flash about what key to hit to enter setup
Carefully look around in there and see if halt on errors gives you a choice of options...make sure it's set for not halting on any errors. To change the settings, arrow down to the one you want to change and then usually enter gives you the choices by popping up another dialog box...you just arrow up or down or whatever the screen tells you to do to select the one you want. Exit, saving changes, if you made any.

If that's okay:
Do an overwrite of the system, using the install disc. It won't overwrite anything important, like settings.
Scary you better get over. (you can do this!)
Don't even worry about formatting or fdisking...
Did you make a Win98 bootdisk?
There are downloadable ones that include the cd drivers...for installing in a command line boot. Boot to a command prompt and ask for drive letter change: probably
denter) (or whatever CD is)
then when it echoes d:
put the cd in and type setup and you're off to the races...look to see if the drive starts up...sometimes it'll tell you not ready until it sees/starts it...just keep hitting r when it asks

The virus check thing relies on your having a system that'll boot. Most of them I've seen, tho, don't get in the way of the boot...they want you to boot...so they can send their worm on its merry way. They may keep any AV program you have from running and keep you off the internet in insidious ways, but they'll generally let you boot. When you do get a bootable system download AVG or something free...there are others I think...and keep the definitions updated.

 

[Paulsly]

Hi there
Try checking if you cache is enabled in you bios
If it is disabled you could incounter a problem Like that
Cheers Paul