PC takes 3 tries to boot up

[Danny Kewl]

Hi, I have XP MCE2005 on a Compaq desktop about 6 years old. Starting
about a week ago, when I turn the computer on, it will go as far as
complete the Windows logo with the "loading bar" with the green icon
that continuously moves to the right several times in the loading bar,
then the PC shuts off. If I press the power button again, the fan will
come on loud for maybe 2 seconds, and give me the screen for safe mode/
last good config/normal boot. Doesn't matter what I select, sometimes
it will boot and let me log in, but usually goes thru the loading bar
and shuts off once more, but then the third time is the charm and I
get on after selecting normal or last good config and the loud fan for
2 seconds again. No fan noise the first attempt to tun on.

What should I be looking for. I haven't installed anything lately, and
scans found no virus or malware. Thanks for any help.

 

[philo]

Hi, I have XP MCE2005 on a Compaq desktop about 6 years old. Starting
about a week ago, when I turn the computer on, it will go as far as
complete the Windows logo with the "loading bar" with the green icon
that continuously moves to the right several times in the loading bar,
then the PC shuts off. If I press the power button again, the fan will
come on loud for maybe 2 seconds, and give me the screen for safe mode/
last good config/normal boot. Doesn't matter what I select, sometimes
it will boot and let me log in, but usually goes thru the loading bar
and shuts off once more, but then the third time is the charm and I
get on after selecting normal or last good config and the loud fan for
2 seconds again. No fan noise the first attempt to tun on.

What should I be looking for. I haven't installed anything lately, and
scans found no virus or malware. Thanks for any help.

Before you get into diagnosing possible software problems
make sure your hardware is all OK

Have a look at the motherboard and make sure you don't see any leaky
capacitors. Also check for excess dust and make sure *all* cooling fans
are working properly.

If so far all is ok

run a RAM test


and finally the mfg's hard drive diagnostic

 

[Buffalo]

Hi, I have XP MCE2005 on a Compaq desktop about 6 years old. Starting
about a week ago, when I turn the computer on, it will go as far as
complete the Windows logo with the "loading bar" with the green icon
that continuously moves to the right several times in the loading bar,
then the PC shuts off. If I press the power button again, the fan will
come on loud for maybe 2 seconds, and give me the screen for safe
mode/ last good config/normal boot. Doesn't matter what I select,
sometimes it will boot and let me log in, but usually goes thru the
loading bar and shuts off once more, but then the third time is the
charm and I get on after selecting normal or last good config and the
loud fan for 2 seconds again. No fan noise the first attempt to tun
on.

What should I be looking for. I haven't installed anything lately, and
scans found no virus or malware. Thanks for any help.

Perhaps your cpu fan is not working properly ie: clogged up, bushing
failure, etc. Clean youi cpu heatsink when you go inside the case to check
it out.
A failing power supply sometimes also causes failed boot-ups from cold but
will boot OK from a reset.
I believe it is because the HDD requires more power to spin up from a
standstill (cold boot) but less once they are spinning.

Buffalo

PS: Philo gave good suggestions.