Please Help with Startup

[Guest]

I've been having this problem for a long time now, and though it hasn't
stopped me from continuously working, it's really getting on my nerves.

I start the computer, and it is totally random whether it would briefly show
the Windows XP then restart, or successfully boot. If it restarts, then I go
to the 5 options. Picking any one of them would just restart the computer
again, but after a while, I pick on Start Normally then it boots
successfully. For the rest of the day, the computer works fine.

My Specs:

Intel Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz
ASUS P4P800-X Motherboard
Radeon 9800 SE AGP Graphics Card
Windows XP Home Edition with the latest updates.
512 MB RAM 400

Here are some things that I have made sure is not causing the problems.

- hardware related
- viruses, spywares, worms, etc.
- System corruption
- Settings on msconfig are in normal
- Drivers conflict

Please give other solutions besides reinstalling, reformatting, or turning
off the Automatically restart thing in My Computer. Please help and thanks in
advance.

 

[John]

I start the computer, and it is totally random whether it would briefly show
the Windows XP then restart, or successfully boot.

You may be able to get more info from the Event viewer.
HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308427
Or,
Start > Run, copy & paste > eventvwr.msc /s & press Enter.
Scroll down to the last time your computer crashed and it should tell
you what device/driver caused the problem?

 

[Guest]

Dang forgot to write that in my first post, Event Viewer doesn't say anything
wrong with it.... No errors.

 

[Guest]

Hi Ceowin,
As Jhon Said See the Error messages in your Event viewer, and I wonder if
your System is overheated try to install or Enable Temperature Monitor on
your PC to warn you when your System start overheated or you need better
cooling Fan than the one runing on your system now.
Please write back here and let us know
Regards
nass

 

[John]

Dang forgot to write that in my first post, Event Viewer doesn't say anything
wrong with it.... No errors.

Here is good way to repair.

ReInstalling WindowsXP
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windowsxp_tips.htm
Reinstall WindowsXP and keep all your current installed applications
and settings:
Put your XP cd in the drive.
If " D " is your CD rom drive.
D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend ( copy & paste that command into the RUN box,
then press ENTER ) Your computer will do the rest.
Or,
Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
Copy & paste > D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend
Press Enter.
If you have i386 ( about 500mb ) on your hard drive, you can replace D:
( if D: is your cd drive ) with the location of it.
If you have SP2 installed, you will need to upgrade the XP CD, this is
done by slipstreaming.
Universal Windows Slipstreaming and Bootable CD Guide
http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=49
http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=284&p=2
A service pack is a product-specific collection of updates that fix
security, program compatibility and system reliability issues. It also
provides enhancements, administration tools, drivers and additional
components that have been developed since the product's release. In
short, a service pack helps to keep your product current and extends
its functionality.
This guide will describe the easiest way possible to slipstream (also
known as 'Integrate') a Service Pack into Windows 2000, XP or 2003. The
days of typing out command switches, and fiddling with boot sectors and
ISO settings in Nero are long gone, so none of that will be described
here!
To do this, we will only need one program - MSFN's very own popular
nLite created by one of our members nuhi. While nLite is primarily
aimed to remove components to slim down a Windows CD, it has the
required tools to do just an automated Service Pack slipstream as well
as create a CD image.
http://www.nliteos.com/
Prerequisites:
A Windows 2000, XP, or 2003 CD
The latest "Network Install" Service Pack for one of the above
Operating Systems
Suitable CD Burning software capable of burning .ISO files (Nero,
Alcohol, Easy CD Creator, etc.)
nLite
Before we start, make sure you are doing this on an NT Operating System
(those are Windows 2000, XP or 2003) otherwise the slipstream will not
work. nLite also requires the .NET Framework to function.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies.

I've done reinstalling before and acquired the same problem. And again,
there wasn't any problems in the Event Viewer. The temperature is not the one
causing the problem actually.

 

[Guest]

Hi Ceowin,
What about your power supply is it okay.
Do you have UPS installed and the power cables are set firm on the
motherboard.
How old your COMS battery.
Regards
nass

 

[Guest]

Computer powered by UPS and AVR. Cables are tightly plugged and computer is
barely a year old. CMOS battery not old.

 

[John]

I've done reinstalling before and acquired the same problem. And again,
there wasn't any problems in the Event Viewer. The temperature is not the one
causing the problem actually.

Have you tried removing all cards & memory, cleaning out the slots &
reinserting?
If you have more than 1 stick of memory, try just 1.

 

[Guest]

I will question the UPS, this the only thing I can think of can make this
issue happen if all okay. A deffective or malfunction UPS can cause these
symptoms or power supply cable been broken or unregular Current ( which in
theory the UPS will look after it).

 

[Guest]

Not hardware related. I sent to computer store and stuff and they diagnose,
not a problem. Memory was recently cleaned too..... And I only have one stick
of RAM.

 

[John]

Ceowin wrote:

You may need to print this.

I use all these cleaners for W2K/XP, each one specialises in a
different area.

Do not be supprised if hundreds of files are found.

Files are either removed to the programs backup or the Recycle Bin (
make sure the Recycle Bin is empty, before using the cleaners, that way
you know the files you have removed )

All ( except DustBuster ) allow you to restore them back into the
system, either by right clicking on the reg file in the programs folder
( example Regclean & OleClean > Windows Explorer > Unzipped, click on
either RegClean or OleClean ) & clicking on Merge.

jv16 PowerTools, RegCleaner & RegSeeker both store in Backup on their
main page.
Opening Backup allows you to either Restore or Delete.

EasyCleaner removes to the Recycle Bin & by opening the Recycle Bin,
right clicking on the files & clicking Restore.
Has an Update button. Checks you have the latest version & blacklist.

CCleaner, one advantage of this cleaner is, when Issues is clicked &
the boxes ticked, it will tell you before you fix ( doing one file at a
time ) why the file is there.
Configure the Windows, Applications & Issues panels to suit.
Tutorial
http://www.download.com/How-to-use-CCleaner/1200-2023_4-5159733.html?tag=nl.e415

RegScrub
Click on Restore, click the backup to be restored, click on Restore
Selected backups.

DustBuster
Very quick, if you want to know what it cleaned, takes about 1 min to
clean ( depends on the speed of your comp ) you have about 4 seconds to
read the message displayed, when it is finished. Don't use whilst
online.

Find Junk Files
I use only > Find Dead Links, which is part of Find Junk Files. Start >
All Programs.

Backups
Once you are sure they are not needed again ( about one week ) they can
be deleted.

=============================

jv16 PowerTools 1.3.0.195, which doesn't expire.
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/index.html#jv16
http://www.pricelessware.org/thelist/sys.htm
Click on Registry tool > Tools > Registry Cleaner > Continue > Start.
When finished, Click on Select > Special select > Items that should be
safe to remove > Remove.

Or, the renamed later version ( dos'nt hurt to use both )
RegCleaner
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/dload/RegCleaner.zip
RegCleaner 4.3.0.780 ( last freeware version ) OS: Win9x/NT/ME/2000/XP
Click on Tools > Registry Cleanup > Do them All
When finished, click on Select > All, then down the bottom, click on >
Remove Selected.

==================================

RegClean
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download458.html
http://www.download.com/3000-2094-881470.html
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,4666,00.asp
Microsoft's RegClean ( freeware ) very conservative.
By default it puts the 3 files into Windows Temp.
I prefer them in Unzipped.
Right click in an empty space in Unzipped, select Folder & name it
RegClean.
Now when you click unzip ( during install ) select the new folder.
To use, you can either open up the folder & doubleclick on RegClean or
right click & make a shortcut to your desktop & then put it anywhere
you like.

===========================

OleClean ( Freeware. I tick all 8 boxes in Options )
http://www.majorgeeks.com/OleClean_d452.html
http://www.geocities.com/maurizioferreira/oleclean.html
http://www.webgrid.co.uk/system_13.html
http://www.webgrid.co.uk/index.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=oleclean

===============================

CCleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/
One advantage of this cleaner is, when Issues is clicked & the boxes
ticked, it will tell you before you fix ( doing one file at a time )
why the file is there.
CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) is a freeware system optimisation tool. That
removes unused and temporary files from your system - allowing it to
run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The
best part is that it's fast! (normally taking less that a second to
run) and Free. Windows 95/98/NT4/ME/2000/XP/2003

=================================

RegSeeker
http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm
RegSeeker is a perfect companion for your Windows registry!
RegSeeker includes a powerful registry cleaner and can display various
informations like your startup entries, several histories (even
index.dat files), installed applications and much more! With RegSeeker
you can search for any item inside your registry, export/delete the
results, open them in the registry. RegSeeker also includes a tweaks
panel to optimize your OS! RegSeeker is FREE for personal use only!
My personal use, is to, delete only the Green entries.
Click on Select All and choose > Select all Green items.
Right click to delete.

=========================================

EasyCleaner
http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts
http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm
Use the Updates button, before using.
1: Click on Unnecessary.
I tick > Normal types, Extra types & Temp directories.
Don't use Duplicate files unless you really know what your doing.
If you try & remove a file that is being used, it will after about a 15
second delay, inform you so & will not delete.
2: Now click on Registry & run.

==================================

RegScrubXP
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048
http://www.sofotex.com/RegScrubXP-download_L7528.html
Registry Cleaner for Windows XP/2000 Systems (under development is a
version that will run in Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP)
I have made it very easy for you to backup the registry prior to using
RegScrubXP. This backup process uses Microsoft's reg.exe program.
Follow these directions:
Go into the folder where RegScrubXP was installed.
Double-click on these two programs: HKLM.cmd and HKCU.cmd
You should see two files created: HKLM.reg and HKCU.reg
Copy these two files to a safe place.
If you ever need to fully restore your registry back to normal,
double-click on HKLM.reg and HKCU.reg to fully restore your registry as
it was before you used RegScrubXP.

==================================

Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner is a free registry repair software that
allows you to safely clean and repair registry problems with a few
simple mouse clicks. The Windows Registry is a crucial part of your
PC's operation system.
Problems with the Windows Registry are a common cause of Windows
crashes and error messages. Registry problems can occur for many
reasons, including references left behind after uninstallation;
incorrect removal of software; missing or corrupt hardware drivers; or
orphaned start-up programs. This will significantly increase the
Registry size and slow down your computer, because Windows will need
more time to load, search, and read data from the Registry.
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner will scans your Windows registry for
invalid or obsolete information and provide a list of the errors found.
After fixing the invalid entries, your system will be more stable and
run faster. For maximum safety, Eusing Free Registry Cleaner will make
a backup of the repaired entries. You will be able to restore any
changes made using the software by choosing Restore registry backup.
Eusing Software products are free of spyware and adware. Windows
9x/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003

====================================

DustBuster
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1182
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=1182&file=11&evp=bfd7730c44fba586eaed019edd92d63c
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=1182&file=10&evp=bfd7730c44fba586eaed019edd92d63c
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=1182&file=12&evp=bfd7730c44fba586eaed019edd92d63c
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=1182&file=9&evp=bfd7730c44fba586eaed019edd92d63c
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=1182&file=13&evp=bfd7730c44fba586eaed019edd92d63c
http://majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=1182&file=14&evp=bfd7730c44fba586eaed019edd92d63c
DustBuster is a garbage file removing utility for Microsoft Windows
operating systems. It searches for junk files and temp files that are
of no use and are just taking space on your hard drive. Based on a
"common sense" scanning technology, DustBuster now cleans over 1500
different types of useless temp files and directories in a single
click, detecting and deleting all these unneeded files automatically.
This will increase hard disk space on Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003.
Slimming Down Windows XP
http://www.bold-fortune.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=229
http://www.bold-fortune.com/forums/index.php?showforum=13

==================================

Find Junk Files
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Find_Junk_Files_d1953.html
Find Junk Files is a user-friendly utility designed to free up disk
space by deleting useless junk files.
Each time you use your PC, unwanted files are created that increasingly
use more space on
your hard drive.
Find Junk Files can find more than 165 types of junk files with ease.
Unlike many other programs Find Junk Files will let you choose which
drive or drives to clean, which file types to search for, and what
folders to include or exclude.

==================================

ATF Cleaner
http://www.atribune.org/content/view/25/2/
This program is for XP and Windows 2000 only
Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
If you use Firefox browser
Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please
click No at the prompt.
If you use Opera browser
Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please
click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.
For Technical Support, double-click the e-mail address located at the
bottom of each menu.
This will remove all files from the items that are checked so if you
have some cookies you'd like to save. please move them to a different
directory first.

=======================================

Binman
http://steveseymour.0catch.com/
http://anothermirror.tripod.com/free.htm
Seeks out the rubbish left behind by other programs. Use regularly it
will save space. It can auto run at times set by you. Cleans
automatically at boot up.

Or, ( dos'nt hurt to use both )

XP
Auto Delete Temporary Folder
http://www.tweakxp.com/display.aspx?id=2021

First go into gpedit.msc ( only available in the Pro version of XP )

Start > Run, Copy & Paste > gpedit.msc & press Enter.

Next select -> Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates >
Windows Components > Terminal Services > Temporary Folder.

Then right click "Do Not Delete Temp Folder Upon Exit"

Go to properties and hit disable.

Now next time Windows puts a temp file in that folder it will
automatically delete it when its done!

 

[John]

Not hardware related. I sent to computer store and stuff and they diagnose,
not a problem. Memory was recently cleaned too..... And I only have one stick
of RAM.

Another thought, try booting into safe mode & see if it behaves.

How to start Windows XP in Safe mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001060608000039
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222&Product=winxp
http://www.whtvcable.com/virusremoval .htm
To use a Safe Boot option, follow these steps:
1. Restart your computer and start pressing the F8 key on your
keyboard. On a computer that is configured for booting to multiple
operating systems, you can press the F8 key when you the Boot Menu
appears.
2. Select an option when the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and
then press ENTER.
3. When the Boot menu appears again, and the words "Safe Mode" appear
in blue at the bottom, select the installation that you want to start,
and then press ENTER.

Using Safe Mode to Troubleshoot
http://www.youthtech.com/techstuff/explore_windowsxp/xptroubleshoot2.htm