trouble starting windows XP

[Hao]

I am using windows xp home edition. I don't turn off my PC often. But after
turning it off last night, I have trouble restarting. The windows logo will
load but then I'll get a blank screen. Pushing restart button won't do
anything. I'll have to physically disconnect the power bar to get out of it.
I'll then re-start in the safe mode, which seemed to work. I have tried to
do system restore to an earlier date, which seemed to work only sporadically.
I had windows updates a couple of days ago, i wonder if that was the cause
of the problem.

Help please!

Thanks

Hao

 

[Antares 531]

This sounds about like what happened to me last week. My hard drive was
failing, and eventually failed completely. My advise at the time is to back
up any critical document files and other items that you would be reluctant
to lose. I did't bring my backups up to date, and lost a great many of my
most redcent files.

Gordon

 

[Karl Snooks]

Hao,
Installed any new hardware or software?
karl

 

[Hao]

Thanks Karl.

No, I didn't install anything new recently. Did install a logitech webcam
in late December. I think I had similar problem a few weeks ago when I had
to restart the computer after getting some updates for java, and I solved the
problem by system restore to an earlier date. Then I had some updates from
windows a couple of days ago. But don't know if it's just an co-incidence
because updates forces me restart my PC. (I normally don't show down my PC).

Now I can only work with my safe mode. Tried to system restore again to
early Jan. but still having the same problem.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Hao

 

[Hao]

Maybe it was related to my webcam. I just system restored to mid-December
before I installed my logitech webcam. Now everything works fine. But
should I try to re-install my webcam???

thanks

Hao

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Maybe it was related to my webcam. I just system restored to mid-December
before I installed my logitech webcam. Now everything works fine. But
should I try to re-install my webcam???

It's the only way you'll know for sure.

 

[Karl Snooks]

Hao,
I suggest going to the Logitech website and downloading the very latest XP
driver from them.

Before you reinstall, I suggest going to device manager (Win+R || type
DevMgmt.msc || hit Enter ) and making sure that the old driver is removed.

Karl

 

[Hao]

Thanks Karl.

I am not very good computers. Can you be a little more specific regarding
how to check for device. i.e. "(Win+R || type DevMgmt.msc || hit Enter )
and making sure that the old driver is removed"

Thanks

Hao

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Win+R means hold down the Windows key in the lower left of the keyboard and
press the "r" key. Translation: Open the Run box.

Type DevMgmt.msc means type "DevMgmt.msc" (no quotes) in the Run box.
Translation: Open the Device Manager.

Hit Enter is obvious.

 

[Karl Snooks]

Colin,
Thanks. Excellent explanation.
Karl Snooks

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You're welcome.

Colin,
Thanks. Excellent explanation.
Karl Snooks