Boot problem - in a loop

[Pete L]

Just been to look at a friends' PC (Using WinXP Home Edition). Can't
solve his problem - help please

The PC was on when I got there. On screen was a long message to say
that Windows could not start properly. Below were options to start in
Safe Mode, Last known good config and start windows normally.

Bottom of the page was a countdown of 30 secs. The normal Windows
start then came up but then dropped back to the same screen with the
same message. I then tried each of the three above options but it made
no difference.

I then tried unplugging the PC. When it was turned on this time it
went straight into a BIOS type screen. At the bottom was a message
'Screen CMOS/GPNV Checksum bad. Press f4 to run Setup'

F4 pressing pulled up a BIOS screen. There were options on the Bootup
page which was along the lines of press F9 to put Boot sequence back
to default. I tried this but again no difference - we are just stuck
in a loop. The only solution I can see is a re-install of XP. However,
the only disk he has specifically states that it will erase all data
from the hard drive. He's not the kind who keeps backups and does not
want to wipe everything. He does have a virus checker and a youngster
who may well visit dodgy sites!

Anybody an idea how this problem can be solved?

 

[Guest]

The WindowsXP CD is a bootable disk. A Repair Install will not delete
any apps, it will replace corrupt and missing system files. Read the
Warnings!
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Ron Badour]

The first thing to try is replacing the CMOS battery on the mobo.

 

[Pete L]

The first thing to try is replacing the CMOS battery on the mobo.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP 1997 - 2007

Thanks Ron - Just tried taking the battery out and putting it back in
again (as somebody suggested). Made no difference. Will get a new
battery tomorrow. One further question. Presumably the battery is
there to remember all the settings when the PC is turned off. When I
put in the new battery what will happen? Will it just default to all
the original settings on the MoBo?

 

[Ron Badour]

Maybe--I've read about resetting the BIOS and some are remove and leave out
for 15/30 minutes and others are remove and replace. I would write down the
settings just in case you need them. I think you might be able to find some
software that records BIOS settings as well.