Computer doesn't do automatic restart

[Guest]

I've just done a clean reinstall of XP Pro, but my computer hangs when new
software is installed and asks for the machine to be restarted. If I opt for
yes, it shutsdown but as soon as it starts to boot up, it hangs (before it
gets to the point where the OS starts).

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

I've just done a clean reinstall of XP Pro, but my computer hangs when
new
software is installed and asks for the machine to be restarted. If I
opt for yes, it shutsdown but as soon as it starts to boot up, it
hangs (before it gets to the point where the OS starts).

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

It sounds like you've got some hardware failure. Here are general
hardware troubleshooting steps:

1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing). Obviously
you can't do this with a laptop, but you can hear if the fan is running
and feel if the laptop is getting too hot.

2) Test the RAM - I like Memtest86+ from www.memtest.org. Obviously, you
have to get the program from a working machine. You will either
download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or
the .iso to make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll
need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you
download the file - XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job.
In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run
immediately. Let the test run for an extended period of time - unless
errors are seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.

3) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Usually
you will download the file and make a bootable floppy or cd with it.
Boot with the media and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical
errors, replace it.

4) The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
you have in the system. The adequacy issue doesn't really apply to a
laptop, although of course the power
supply can be faulty.

5) Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it isn't.

Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts
with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing yourself and/or are
uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a professional
computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of BigStoreUSA).

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your help - I'll look into and try out a few things that you
suggested.

 

[Guest]

Actually, I should explain further - the computer will start and operate as
normal if I close it down normally and do a fresh start. It's only the
'Restart' option that doesn't work, so I don't think it can be a hardware
problem.

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

Actually, I should explain further - the computer will start and
operate as
normal if I close it down normally and do a fresh start. It's only
the 'Restart' option that doesn't work, so I don't think it can be a
hardware problem.

See if there is anything here that helps:

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks - I'll take a look.

See if there is anything here that helps:

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User