win xp "OS not found" error message

[jurgenm]

I am having the following problem while starting my PC (HP
Pav XT 878, running Win XP Pro SP1 and SP1 a). It appears
in 2 variants:

1. Error Message
The PC shows the HP Invent screen, moves on to start the
OS and then tells me "Operating System not found" on a
blank "DOS-like" screen.

2. The PC shows the HP Invent screen and freezes at this
point. No further reaction.

Often, it does start through normally. The problem arises
in about 30% of attemted start-ups. Probably related to
that, peripherals (mouse, keyboard) do not function
anymore at the popint where I have to click the user name
and type in the user password during the start-up process.

Last night it all of a sudden made a physical memory dump
and shut down. This morning, it did an automatic chkdsk at
start-up, with no resulting errors.

Any idea? I thoiught my HDD my be damaged?

 

[Malke]

I am having the following problem while starting my PC (HP
Pav XT 878, running Win XP Pro SP1 and SP1 a). It appears
in 2 variants:

1. Error Message
The PC shows the HP Invent screen, moves on to start the
OS and then tells me "Operating System not found" on a
blank "DOS-like" screen.

2. The PC shows the HP Invent screen and freezes at this
point. No further reaction.

Often, it does start through normally. The problem arises
in about 30% of attemted start-ups. Probably related to
that, peripherals (mouse, keyboard) do not function
anymore at the popint where I have to click the user name
and type in the user password during the start-up process.

Last night it all of a sudden made a physical memory dump
and shut down. This morning, it did an automatic chkdsk at
start-up, with no resulting errors.

Any idea? I thoiught my HDD my be damaged?

Yes, your computer definitely has hardware problems. You can open the
machine and reseat all the cables, check for inoperative fans, clean
out any dust. You can also do a hard drive diagnostic with a utility
downloaded from the mftr. If the machine is new and/or still under
warranty, you should call HP tech support for resolution.

Cheers,

Malke

 

[jurgenm]

Hi Malke,
I have narrowed down the suspect list to NIC (Realtek),
the keyboard and my HDD. I did upgrade the OS from ME to
XP, I think that's where the root of the problem is. I
will circle in and install/uninstall HW until I
got "him". - Thanks.