Windows Won't Load After Power Failure

[Warren]

I was running McAfee VirusScan this morning when we experienced a brief
power interruption of a second or two. The computer went down and upon
restart, Windows would not reload. I could only turn off the computer by
removing the power cord. After doing so, the computer restarted and Windows
reloaded OK.
However, I have experienced intermittent problems with Windows reloading
since this event. Windows will reload OK one time but not the next. When
it doesn't reload, I am stuck looking at a blank screen. Any ideas would be
appreciated.

Windows XP Home
Version 5.1.2600 SP2 Build 2600
Intel Pentium II
256 MB RAM Installed
70 MB RAM Free

 

[Malke]

I was running McAfee VirusScan this morning when we experienced a
brief
power interruption of a second or two. The computer went down and
upon
restart, Windows would not reload. I could only turn off the computer
by
removing the power cord. After doing so, the computer restarted and
Windows reloaded OK.
However, I have experienced intermittent problems with Windows
reloading
since this event. Windows will reload OK one time but not the next.
When
it doesn't reload, I am stuck looking at a blank screen. Any ideas
would be appreciated.

Windows XP Home
Version 5.1.2600 SP2 Build 2600
Intel Pentium II
256 MB RAM Installed
70 MB RAM Free

Intermittent problems indicates hardware failure. You may have damaged
components because of the power outage. Try swapping out the power
supply for a known-working one. If that solves the problem, great. If
not, then you'll need to start swapping out other hardware components.
If this isn't something you are comfortable doing (or you don't have
the extra hardware on-hand), take the machine to a professional repair
shop (not your local version of BigStoreUSA). Consider buying an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) also. You can get a good one for
$40-60 usd.

Malke

 

[Richard Urban]

A power failure is frequently associated with a power spike upon resumption
of the power. This power spike may have physically damaged a part of your
computer.

Before you go crazy trying to fix a software problem (that probably does not
exist), check all of your hardware. If this is beyond your skill level, take
the computer to a quality repair service.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!