Windows XP Pro startup problem

[Paul Kraemer]

Hi,

I have a customer that is running Windows XP Pro. Their PC was working fine
and they claim that they did not change any hardware or software. All of a
sudden, however, Windows XP will not start. After being powered on, the PC
gets stuck either at the "Microsoft Windows XP" screen with the progress
meter or at "Loading Personal Settings". This happens every time they try to
start the PC and they eventually have to force it off with the power button.

They have tried booting to "Normal Mode", "Safe Mode", and "Last Known Good
Configuration" - none of these worked.

The only other thing I should probably mention is that this computer is
setup to log on a default user automatically (I did this unchecking the User
Accounts option for "Users must enter a user name and password to use this
computer" and choosing a default user/password.)

They did not intentionally create any restore points (so if there are some
that were automatically created, we don't know when they are from). They
also did not create Automated System Recovery Disk(s). They do have a
Windows XP Reinstallation CD from Dell, so they should be able to get into
Recovery Console if this could help.

If anyone could suggest something that I can tell them to try, I would
greatly appreciate it. (Due to differences in location, I will probably not
be able to get my hands on the PC myself).

Thanks in advance,
Paul

 

[Mark Adams]

Hi,

I have a customer that is running Windows XP Pro. Their PC was working fine
and they claim that they did not change any hardware or software. All of a
sudden, however, Windows XP will not start. After being powered on, the PC
gets stuck either at the "Microsoft Windows XP" screen with the progress
meter or at "Loading Personal Settings". This happens every time they try to
start the PC and they eventually have to force it off with the power button.

They have tried booting to "Normal Mode", "Safe Mode", and "Last Known Good
Configuration" - none of these worked.

The only other thing I should probably mention is that this computer is
setup to log on a default user automatically (I did this unchecking the User
Accounts option for "Users must enter a user name and password to use this
computer" and choosing a default user/password.)

They did not intentionally create any restore points (so if there are some
that were automatically created, we don't know when they are from). They
also did not create Automated System Recovery Disk(s). They do have a
Windows XP Reinstallation CD from Dell, so they should be able to get into
Recovery Console if this could help.

If anyone could suggest something that I can tell them to try, I would
greatly appreciate it. (Due to differences in location, I will probably not
be able to get my hands on the PC myself).

Thanks in advance,
Paul

See the following KB article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

They did not intentionally create any restore points (so if there are some

that were automatically created, we don't know when they are from).

I see.

Is this customer paying you for your assistance?

 

[Toni]

Hi,

I have a customer that is running Windows XP Pro. Their PC was working fine
and they claim that they did not change any hardware or software. All of a
sudden, however, Windows XP will not start. After being powered on, the PC
gets stuck either at the "Microsoft Windows XP" screen with the progress
meter or at "Loading Personal Settings". This happens every time they try to
start the PC and they eventually have to force it off with the power button.

I know this sounds strange, but if this is a laptop, make sure it has a good battery.

Some laptops made in the past five years will lock during boot if plugged into AC, but
the battery is dead. Lenovo is notorious for this.