Computer lock up

[John]

My girlfriend's computer locked up yesterday after I down
loaded a critical update. Now the only thing her
computer does when you turn it on is show the windows
logo and then it clicks and goes blank and then repeats
this over and over. I can't even get back on the
desktop. What can I do to get her computer working?
Also, she bought the computer a few years ago from a
store that loaded her software and never gave her a start
up disk. She is running Windows XP and she has a 133
processor. Thanks to who will help me.

John

 

[Sharon F]

My girlfriend's computer locked up yesterday after I down
loaded a critical update. Now the only thing her
computer does when you turn it on is show the windows
logo and then it clicks and goes blank and then repeats
this over and over. I can't even get back on the
desktop. What can I do to get her computer working?
Also, she bought the computer a few years ago from a
store that loaded her software and never gave her a start
up disk. She is running Windows XP and she has a 133
processor. Thanks to who will help me.

John

Where does the clicking noise seem to emanate from? If the hard drive, may
be a problem with that hardware device. Can you get the system to boot okay
in Safe Mode?

 

[Dustin Alexander]

I think John's having the same problem I'm currently
having.

The is a single "click" and then the computer reboots
again. It's not the hard drive clicking repeatedly
(indicating a problem there).

I just put a post out w/o checking for similar ones
(sorry) but this sounds like my problem.

 

[Sharon F]

I think John's having the same problem I'm currently
having.

The is a single "click" and then the computer reboots
again. It's not the hard drive clicking repeatedly
(indicating a problem there).

I just put a post out w/o checking for similar ones
(sorry) but this sounds like my problem.

The clicking noise still has me concerned. This is a mechanical noise - not
something produced by Windows. If not the hard drive, perhaps power supply,
power switch or just something that isn't quite connected all of the way.
Check that all cables are securely connected. Sounds very basic and perhaps
redundant but I can't tell you how many times my cat's helpful rearranging
of wires has been responsible for hours and hours of troubleshooting.

Just in case it is some kind of "bad" driver gumming up the works, test to
see what happens if you start in Safe Mode. If the clicking is gone, start
looking at drivers a little more closely. You may have to remove extras to
pinpoint the troublesome driver. Perhaps replacing basics such as display,
keyboard and mouse with known working devices to narrow it down.

MSCONFIG also offers a "Diagnostic Startup" that loads basic devices and
services only. May want to give that a try to see what happens.

If there is still clicking, again, remove extra peripherals that are not
needed for basic operations. Try starting the computer again.

 

[Sharon F]

I think John's having the same problem I'm currently
having.

The is a single "click" and then the computer reboots
again. It's not the hard drive clicking repeatedly
(indicating a problem there).

I just put a post out w/o checking for similar ones
(sorry) but this sounds like my problem.

PS to John and Dustin:
Many systems have a builtin failsafe that does not allow the cpu to
overheat. If a fan has worn out that is critical to keeping the cpu temp
down, the system may be restarting due to this feature. Check fans and air
vents for dust and proper air movement.