XP Pro boot problem

[bucca]

Hi,

Can anyone help with the following problem as it’s driving me mad!

Not even sure if this is the correct forum, as I have no idea if this is an XP problem or hardware.

When I attempt to boot my PC it freezes during the boot sequence, typically just as the windows logo and blue bar appears. If I switch my PC off and re-boot it gets a little bit further and then freeze again. Eventually after 6 – 10 re-boots the computer starts and works normally.

The problem seems worse when attempting to boot after it has been switched off for a few hours (especially first thing in the morning).

Could anyone advice on how to trace the problem?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BadBigBen]

Please state what model, type of mobo, what is installed, MEM size, graphic cards, PSU wattage, what have you...

from the information given sofar, I gather that it maybe a PSU problem, either with not enough power behind it or a slowly going out PSU... (Coldboot problem...)


Ben

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

 

[bucca]

Apologises for the delay in posting.

Motherboard: Intel 845
Operating system: XP Pro
Memory: 512
Graphics card: ATI Radion All-in-wonder 8500DV
Sound card: Sound blaster audigy

Unfortunately, I don’t know the PSU wattage, I think its 450W, but I try to double-check this at some point today.

The machine was working fine up to a couple of weeks ago and no hardware changes have been made.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

 

[gavm99]

I have also seen this problem with faulty RAM and Hard Drives. When tehy are on there way out they get warm and then stop working so it would be worth checking these components.

If you have 2 or more modules of RAM trying booting with only 1 in at a time and see if you still get the problem. You may be able to identify which is the faulty module by doing this.

 

[BadBigBen]

Definately sounds like the common COLDBOOT problem...

try another PSU (borrow it from a friend, if you don't have one, or buy a replacement as they aren't that expensive anymore...) with at least 300w, the more the better...

you can also try to check for corrosion of the components in question, MEM, GFX-Card and PCI cards, that are installed. by taking them out of the connector and re-inserting them...

also unplug all drives and replug them in, both power and IDE-Cable...

but my money is on the PSU...

Ben

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