Windows won't start, computer keeps restarting before windows logi

[Guest]

My computer starts with a message informing me that
'windows did not start successfully, a recent hardware or software change
may have caused this'

It then goes on to explain that I need to start in safe mode, start using
last known configuration (that works) or start normally and gives me the
options to do so.

Starting in safe mode gets me to the welcome/login screen for about 5
seconds before it restarts itself, starting in any other mode doesn't even
get that far before restarting.

The only recent change to software I can think of is that it was downloading
updates the last time it was switched on, could it be an incomplete
installation of the updates?

I don't have the Windows XP CD to try starting from, only a manufacturer's
restore disc, which I am hesitant to use as I will lose everything saved on
my hard drive. Is there anything else I can try that might work, before I
have to take it to a shop?

 

[Guest]

Hey Big when you find out let me know. Mine is doing the same thing also...
Started today 9/17 also.

 

[Gerry]

Please post a copy of the Stop Error Report.

Disable automatic restart on system failure. This should help by
allowing time to write down the STOP code properly. Right click on
the My Computer icon on the Desktop and select Properties, Advanced,
Start-Up and Recovery, System Failure and uncheck box before
Automatically Restart.

Do not re-enable automatic restart on system failure even after you have
solved the problem as it's better disabled. Check for variants of the
Stop Error message.

An alternative is to keep pressing the F8 key during Start-Up and select
option - Disable automatic restart on system failure.

If you are using a wireless keyboard and the F8 key does not work
substitute a wired keyboard and mouse for this exercise only.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Guest]

Error report reads:

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but windows did not start successfully.
A recent hardware or software change might have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding, restarted unexpectedly, or was
automatically shut down to protect your files and folders, choose Last Known
Good Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interrupted due to a power failure or
because the Power or Reset button was pressed, or if you aren't sure what
caused the problem, choose Start Windows Normally."

I managed to get switch off automatic restart after system failure, but to
no avail. The thing just goes in circles, restarting and coming back to the
screen above.
Just before it restarts the hard drive makes and interesting buzzing noise,
but the rest of the time it clicks and whirrs as usual.

Any help?

 

[Gerry]

The Error Report is not helpful.

You could try disconnecting all peripheral connected , except
keyboard, mouse and monitor and see if it will boot.

What is the computer make and model?

What version of Windows XP do you have? Does your Windows XP CD
include the SP2 update or did you install SP2 from the free special
SP2 CDs distributed by Microsoft in 2004 or download SP2?


--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Bob I]

YOu could get a copy of the diagnostic utility from the website of the
drive manufacturer. Running that may determine if the hard drive is failing.

 

[Guest]

SP2 was installed from a free cd, I don't have a copy of the windows XP CD, I
only have a restore cd provided by the manufacturer, eMachines.