XP Boot problem, how do I identify the problem driver?

[Designware]

Hi,

I have a Windows XP system that is not booting all the way into XP. It gets close to the user name screen, then QUICKLY gets the BSOD, and reboots. I CAN boot into Safe Mode without any problem.

So, I'm assuming I have a driver problem. How can I identify the driver that's causing the issue? Also, when I'm in safe mode, the device manager shows absolutely nothing (so I'm suspecting some Malware for viruses).

Thanks.

 

[Sleepsalot]

Check the event viewer log while in safe mode. It should show the problem.

Life is a big Roleplaying adventure.

Wayne

 

[wasisnt]

You can do your spyware and virus scans in Safe Mode. Also disable your startup items using msconfig and try to narrow it down.

http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/troubleshooting/msconfig.html

MCSE NT 4.0, MCP (2003), A+ & Network +

Free Computer Help and Tips:

http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/

 

[Designware]

Thanks for the responses!

Sleepsalot, the event viewer will not display anything. It states the service is not running.

wasisnt, unfortunately, the person who brought me the PC doesn't have any spyware of virus scans installed.

I just did a repair of the operating system,hoping it would help ... but same problem.

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

If you boot into safe mode and go to Control Panel> System> select the Advanced tab> click Settings under Startup and Recovery> under System failure uncheck Automatically restart. Will this allow you to boot normally into the OS without automatically restarting. You can check for unsigned device drivers, which may be the culprit, by running sigverif (Start> Run> sigverif). You could always use Trend Micro's free online virus scan (

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/)

if you suspect malware or try free AVG anti-virus (

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1).

-How To Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308514/en-us

Joey
A+, Network+, MCP

 

[fatlardo]

I had this problem when I installed Vista on my laptop. It turned out to be a dodgy driver for my Nvidia Go 7400 graphics card.

If you have installed any new hardware lately or you're using a driver designed for an older version of windows, boot into safe mode and uninstall the device from device manager. Keep trying any you think could be causing a problem and trying to start windows normally until you find the culprit. Then download the latest drivers for the device.

HINT: Problem drivers tend to be drivers from other vendors (in my case Nvidia) so check any non-Windows drivers and non-standard components first.

Hope it helps

Gary

 

[Designware]

Looks like I'm going to do a full re-install of the O/S. I tried doing an O/S repair, and when it re-booted to complete the install ... I get the error message and auto-reboot when I try to start normally. AND I get a message that states "Windows Setup cannot run in Safe Mode, rebooting now".

So now, I cannot get into Safe Mode, and cannot get into normal mode. Any suggestions other than start all over?

Thanks.

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

What BSOD are you getting?

Joey
A+, Network+, MCP

 

[wolluf]

Clean install best option here - unless you can read BDOD (assuming SP2, there is an option on the Safe Mode menu to disable restart on failure - ie, BSOD should stay on screen). If it details specific file(s) then you might have a chance - though with the repair reinstall halfway complete....

System restore's backup registries should still be in place in System volume information if repair failed at first reboot - so you could restore set pre-repair (eg, using something like BartPE CD) - which should let you into safe mode - BUT

I'd bet on a 7e error code here (or possibly a 7b) - and from experience, clean install best way to go!

 

[PRPhx]

Try going into your pc's BIOS. Locate an option for errors and set this to stop on all errors. Reboot normally. You should get the BSOD. The problem could/should(?) be the last driver displayed. You can then try to copy it from another pc 9onto a floppy, thumb drive, etc) while in safe mode, then reboot.

Failing that, and you want to do a fresh install of your os. Make sure you backup all your important data first.