PC Constantly Rebooting

[websteve]

I have a PC that constantly reboots just before Windows (XP) starts, consequently, I cannot access Windows and run any programs to try to fix it. Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Is there a registry program or similar software out there where I can boot directly from a CD?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

- Steve

[chrisling]

Welcome to pcguide. :)
Try boot in to Safe Mode 1st, if cannot, try insert Windows XP installer and boot it. Try repair your Windows through it.

[Fred_Flintstone]

You could try the last known "Good configuration" first..

Reboot the PC, go to the menu screen (press F8) and select: "Last known good ..etc, or words to that effect.

If that doesn't do the business, reboot again and as the machine is "POSTING", press F11 until a selection window pops up to allow you to select the boot drive... click the CD drive and try to boot from your XP cd to use Recovery Console.

I have XP Pro SP2 but think the process is pretty much the same.. ;)

[websteve]

Thanks for the tips. I did initially try a couple of these suggestions, (Safe Mode, F11. etc.) but that didn't help. I'll try to boot from the original CD.

One other question - do you think that this is from registry errors or from a virus or somethng else?

Thanks

[Fred_Flintstone]

Thanks for the tips. I did initially try a couple of these suggestions, (Safe Mode, F11. etc.) but that didn't help. I'll try to boot from the original CD.

One other question - do you think that this is from registry errors or from a virus or somethng else?

Thanks

That's going to be difficult to pin down until you can actually access the drive to do a scan .. Hijack This log might show up something, but of course you need to get into the system first.

If you can boot to the Windows CD, try a repair first. if you can get the system to boot, then post a Hijack This log and someone (more knowledgeable than me :D ) will look at it for you!.

Good luck.. :cool:

[ski]

Possible causes:

-Everything not completely seated on the motherboard.

-Overheating(Check the temperatures in BIOS)
If the system temp gets over 40 deg. C, then make sure the computer's fans are running, the vents are open, the computer is not located in an enclosed space or near a heat source, and there is no internal dust build up.
If those are ok, then remove the computer's cover, and run an external fan. If this fixes things, then install additional case fans. Recommended locations are lower front and upper rear of the case.
If the CPU gets over 60 deg. C, then make sure the thermal compound has not oozed out from between the CPU die and the heat sink. If that's ok, then replace the compound with Arctic Silver.
If no luck, then install a higher capacity heat sink fan.
If still no luck, then replace the heatsink with a more efficient unit.

-Overtaxed or bad power supply
Either test it, or swap it out with a different(preferably higher wattage) unit.
Also, always use a reliable brand, like Antec or Enermax. Off name cheap brands(even high powered units) can have one voltage leg that's insufficient to handle the load.

-Bad memory
Run Memtest86 and if problems are reported then -> remove and reinsert the memory a few times, if using multiple modules then install just one module at a time and try it in different slots, do not use any optimal settings for the memory in BIOS, and swap it out with known good memory.
Also, do not mix parity and non-parity memory.

-Bad video card.
Make sure it's fully seated, it's fan is running, its heatsink is securely mounted, and there's no dust built up on the fan and the heatsink.
If those are ok, then swap it out with a known good card.

-Bad MB.
Check for bulging, leaking, or ruptured capacitors.
If they look ok, then swap it out with a known good MB.

-IRQ conflict with a network card.
Remove it from the MB, and restart.