keeps restarting and will not load in safe mode

[lenny]

Hi,
My XP Pro SP2 computer keeps loading to the splash screen and then
restarting. I have tried to start it in Safemode and again it nearly gets
there and then I get the error message telling me that it cann't load
lsass.exe I press OK and it shuts down. I have repaired the boot file but
there is no change. I am about to do a repair install of XP and if that
doesn't work a complete reinstall. I have booted using a BartPE boot disk
and that seems fine which makes me think that it isn't a hardware issue.

Am I right to reload windows or is there something else that I can do first?

I have googled the problem but all that I can find is people complicating
the problem (Harddrive, MoBo, powersupply etc) or the Sasser Worm which I
don't think it is.

Thanks,
Lenny

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

When the pc is booting up (after the BIOS has done its POST test and
before Windows starts loading),
Tap F8 Function key to get bootup options. Tap & keep repeat tapping F8 !

You will actually see "Disable automatic restart on system failure" as an option .
Select that and give it a try. This option is available if you have XP service pack 2.

You really need to see the STOP code because there is a fatal error condition.

Then If utterly unable to get into Safe mode, power off, power up after say 15 or so seconds, repeat F8 selective bootup & select "Last Known Good Configuration".

HTH

 

[lenny]

Some nasty malware problem. Repair install of Windows to get running again
and then a bit of work with hijackthis - Sorted.