Computer loops to last known config screen on bootup

[Guest]

Around 4 weeks ago my pc started looping to the last known config screen. I
could get into safe mode. Start>restart and get into normal mode (after doing
nothing but that). Occasionally this wouldn't work and I to re-boot several
times.
I checked and double checked everything and could find nothing. Had a few
mini dumps also.
I consulted a pc store in my home town and large town who decided it could
be corrupt registry. Decided on their advice to re-format and install to new
drives. The problem still occurrs.
I run windows xp professional, norton internet security, system works - all
updated etc.
I took the machine to local store who ran various memory tests - nothing;
checked power etc. - nothing - they couldnt get the error to occur.
I return home with the machine, add monitor and keyboard and lo and behold
straight to the config screen... eeek.
I reformatted again - several re-boots during this with no problem -
everything updated again. Switch off - re-boot next morning config screen
again. WHY.
I have look in event view and there were a few warnings as things installed
- printer etc. The error in system was nic1394 error which i think relates to
a firewire card I have which has never updated (2 years or more). Nothing
has changed on the machine whatcould be causing this looping.
I have disabled the card - but am fairly convinced this isnt the problem as
it has been like that for years. I did wonder about windows updates but it
looped prior to me installing them also.
At my wits end - advice would be appreciated.
Debs

 

[Homer S.]

Around 4 weeks ago my pc started looping to the last known config screen. I
could get into safe mode. Start>restart and get into normal mode (after doing
nothing but that). Occasionally this wouldn't work and I to re-boot several
times.

This sounds like a driver problem.

I checked and double checked everything and could find nothing. Had a few
mini dumps also.
I consulted a pc store in my home town and large town who decided it could
be corrupt registry. Decided on their advice to re-format and install to new
drives. The problem still occurrs.
I run windows xp professional, norton internet security, system works - all
updated etc.
I took the machine to local store who ran various memory tests - nothing;
checked power etc. - nothing - they couldnt get the error to occur.
I return home with the machine, add monitor and keyboard and lo and behold
straight to the config screen... eeek.

Did you also add a printer at this time? If the problem did not occur at
the computer store, then you'd think it has something to do with an
external device that you're connecting when you get it back home -
possibly a printer, smart UPS, mouse, keyboard, monitor, webcam, USB
mike, etc.

I reformatted again - several re-boots during this with no problem -
everything updated again. Switch off - re-boot next morning config screen
again. WHY.
I have look in event view and there were a few warnings as things installed
- printer etc. The error in system was nic1394 error which i think relates to
a firewire card I have which has never updated (2 years or more). Nothing
has changed on the machine whatcould be causing this looping.
I have disabled the card - but am fairly convinced this isnt the problem as
it has been like that for years. I did wonder about windows updates but it
looped prior to me installing them also.

Try physically removing the firewire card. I have seen more than a few
firewire cards with issues.

At my wits end - advice would be appreciated.
Debs

Good luck,
HJS

 

[Guest]

Thanks, before receiving your reply I decided to remove the card as it was
the only gremlin in the pot... Why this one suddenly would throw an error up
I dont know. I hadnt actually got as far as installing printer or anything
when the error occurred after getting back from the shop.

Anyway, this morning it booted up fine - no looping - has removing this card
solved it.. only time will tell. If it boots up fine tomorrow morning then I
know it is okay, other than that everything is behaving reasonably okay; just
aproblem with the norton tool bar in outlook deciding where it wants to be
and not staying where i put it, and some of the fonts being very small. I
think on the whole it is fine.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow morning.

Debs