Loops at XP Splash Screen

[MSR63]

I have a Dell Dimension 8400
It is a pretty important PC in our facility - our developer runs everything on it (but backs up to the network).
However no other in-house PC has the specs as this one.

Everything was working fine one day and the next morning - the boot up just stayed in a loop at the startup splash screen.

I tried various things but was unsuccessful. Boot up in safe mode, tried a repair on the OS etc...
Finally I removed the HD and put it into another system (not the same model) after loading the new drivers it works without an issue.

I took another HD and put it into the 8400, same symptom - looping at splash screen. I ran the Dell Diagnostic and it passed every test extensively. I am going to swithc out memory now but wanted to see if anyone has ideals on anything.
Obviously it's some type of HD issue (and it's out of warrantee)

Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

 

[electronicsfreak]

Try using another ide cable. Also the motherboard could be going bad

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[UTechnical]

Did you apply any Windows updates (could have been forced by MS w/ auto updates) the previous day? Perhaps your CMOS battery is going bad and some BIOS settings for the HD were reset. Worst case scenario strip the box down to a motherboard/cpu/RAM combo in the case with only the power supply, hard drive, power button, and video card connected. If that gets you into windows put the PC back together one component at a time. Boot each time, and replace whatever freaks the PC out. If not, one of your main components could be bad and you will want to shift them around with some spares if you have them.

 

[paparazi]

A bad memory module is the most likely followed by an addon card or plugged in periferal. The most obvious first in that order.
Martin

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Participate and help others.

 

[MSR63]

Tried them all - I think it's the motherboard or CPU

Thanks for the feedback!