Hi,
The immediate, solution is to turn off the automatic-reboot function in
Windows XP. If you are unable to start windows at all, start in safe mode and
uncheck the option. The long-term fix, however, is more difficult. We'll talk
about both.
Windows XP lets you specify how the OS handles critical errors. To change
this setting, select Start --> Control Panel --> Settings --> System (in the
Classic-style Start menu, Control Panel is under Settings). Click Advanced
--> System And Recovery --> Settings. In the System Failure section, clear
the Automatically Restart check box --> click OK. While you're here, it's a
good idea to shut off XP's irritating habit of asking whether you want to
report every petty error to Microsoft. Click the Error Reporting button near
the bottom right and check Disable Error Reporting. However, check the box
next to "But notify me when critical errors occur." Click OK here and in the
next dialog.
Now when Windows XP encounters a Stop Error, it will simply display a
message on the screen and won't automatically reboot.
That's the easy part. The tough part is troubleshooting your PC to find the
root cause of the errors. We could probably fill a book or two with
troubleshooting tips, but, in the meantime, consider these basic fixes for
some of the obvious culprits.
Device drivers:
These small programs, which control internal and external components of the
PC, such as the video card and printer, may be to blame. You can run into all
kinds of trouble if drivers are missing or incompatible. Go to your device
manufacturer's Web site and look for XP-compatible drivers. Download and
install them.
Incompatible third-party software:
These applications can cause critical OS errors, so search your software
makers' sites for any available XP updates or patches. If no update exists,
XP's Program Compatibility Wizard, part of XP's "Help and support center,"
may help you work around old software. Open the wizard-->select the program
that you think is the culprit from the list--> choose one of the offered OS
compatibility modes. (If you upgraded to Windows XP and didn't have problems
with the program before, pick the version from which you upgraded.)
Out-of-date BIOS chip:
This chip in your PC's motherboard can also cause critical errors. Once
again, check your PC manufacturer's Web site and look for BIOS updates that
you can download and install or instructions on manually updating the BIOS.
For another worthwhile resource, check Intel's Download center for BIOS
updates of Intel microprocessors.
--
Raghu Boddu,
MS MVP - Win Client
Visit:
http://www.merawindows.com
http://www.whizatpc.com