windows xp restarts and gives error message on startup

[keak]

HI there,
I think my computer was infected with a pretty bad virus that rebooted my system randomly; when the computer starts up, it says that a file in sys/drivers/(some random file) is corrupted and i had to use the 'r' option to repair. -> when I manually restart at this point, the error msg usualy goes away.


I did a low level format by clearing the MBR and formatted all partitions on my HD and installed a orig clean copy of windows XP, but the problem still seems to occur.


any input or suggestions appreciated

 

[BadBigBen]

It could also very well be that the SYSTEM FILES are Corrupt in itself, leading to corruption of other files or random errors...

another possibility would be bad or loose IDE cables, failing drive electronics, Registry corruption, badly programmed driver or programm...

I would firstly start with SFC /Scannow as this will ensure the integrity of the SYSTEM FILES... Have XP CD ready...

Then I would do a complete sweep of all drives with updated AntiViral software, Anti-Spy/Malware, and then do a complete ONLINE Scan by TrendMicro or another such service...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[pechenegs]

Write down and post the exact error message so we cna trouble shoot it for you?

Member of ASAP Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals

under the name khazars

 

[Grenage]

Hi Keak,

Odd problem indeed. Out of curiosity, did you shut the machine down completely (not a reboot) after cleaning your system? If not it might be worth a shot.

1) Format the drive and MBR (low level not necessary).
2) Shut down the computer completely.
3) Reinstall operating system.
4) Don't connect to the internet unless you have a firewall.
5) See if the problem re-occurs, if it does then see if the sys/drivers/*** might relate to any of your hardware. Also post the full error message text here.

Hope that helps.
Russell.


Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[cheerio]

Random reboots could be caused by hardware issues - inadequate power supply or inadequate cooling of CPU are obvious candidates. The fact that the problem survives a reformat makes it less likely that there is a virus.

 

[kjv1611]

My guess would be hardware. Possibly a bad drive?

Try taking a look at the system logs:
Start Menu
Right-click on My Computer
Choose "Manage"
Go to "Event Viewer"
Select "System"
Sort it by the message type, and look through the errors. If there are a lot of Disk errors, it's a good chance it's the hard drive.

Another option:
Boot up your machine (or reboot if running)
when prompted, hit <Del> or <F2> or <F12> or whatever button it is for your machine. The prompt will say "Hit <button> to enter SETUP" or something to that extent. Once there, find a section called "PC Health" or somethings else related - each mfctr is a little different. Try to find a section that shows your fan speeds, system temp, and CPU temp. Make sure your CPU isn't possibly overheating. Depending upon the processor, it might be too hot if over 50 or 60, or some are okay up in the 70's, but the cooler the better. If it's a high number, you might want to check (or have checked) your fans in your system to make sure none are failing, and that all are cooling well enough.

Power Supply: Another option is your power supply. If your power supply goes bad/quirky, then it could mess up other components as well, and not to mention if it causes random reboots at the wrong time, then it very well could mess up some configuration files and such.

Another thing to consider. Just before these errors, did you make any hardware changes at all - even if just connecting something to a USB port, or a different surge protector or a new driver (software) - anything?