Windows won't complete boot

[amberlynn]

Hello,
I have an older PC running XP Pro.
It won't finish booting.
It freezes up after the initial Windows screen, and sticks on a black screen.
I can boot into safe mode.
I tried setting to scan disk on boot, and now it freezes on that (after "The type of the file system is FAT32" - it never goes any further).

I ran a memory test, and came up with no errors.
I ran a chkdsk after booting to the XP disk.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Amber

 

[wolluf]

History? Like how did you arrive at this point.

In safe mode, if you look in event log (run eventvwr.mac) are there any clues?

Do you need to preserve the installation. If no - why not just do a clean install (and use ntfs filestore - much more reliable than fat32). If yes, could try a repair reinstall:-

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

(I'd also convert filestore to ntfs at earliest opportunity if it works).

Could also try running chkdsk from recovery console (or bart Cd or similar) or scandisk from a win 98 floppy.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654

 

[linney]

(.mac = .msc)

314503 - Computer Stops Responding with a Black Screen When You Start Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314503&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP (Q307654)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/6/54.asp

Try Chkdsk /r from the Recovery Console.

The hard drive manufacturer will have free diagnostic software (self-bootable) available on site to thoroughly check the condition of your hard drive.

Further advice can be found here.

XP will not boot
thread779-849914

 

[HiTechRedNeck82]

I would try reloading the OS on top of itself. Here is the process I do quite often:

boot off of Win XP CD
When it asks you to press "R" for recovery console or "Enter" to install windows, press "Enter". It will run through a process, then it will tell you that it found an existing Windows XP installation, and ask you if you want to repair it. Selecting this option basically runs the upgrade process, but since it is already running the same version of Windows, it is more or less just copying over all of the system files.

This has helped me out of many jams in the past. Just remember to reinstall service packs and updates when you are done.

Jason

http://www.jrmarshall.com

"Assumption is the mother of all F*** ups.