xp boot hangs after logo, unless chkdsk runs first

[chaztesq]

I have run into a strange problem. I can't actually remember when it
started becuase I don't shut the computer down very often, but it was
after a windows update that I first noticed it. On reboot the computer
puts up the logo and after that it seemed to hang. You get black
screen and the hard drive light seems to blink every couple seconds
very dimly. At first I thought it was a one time thing, now I realize
it is every time. Now it will come up in safe mode but after restart
in normal mode it hangs again. I have found a way to get it to come
up. After it hangs I bring it up in safe mode and schedule a boot disk
chkdsk on next boot. Restart machine and then after chkdsk runs and
restarts it comes up successfully. Chkdsk never reports an error! I
have never seen this behavior before, usually I say "Microsoft
x&^&*%$#" and decide its time for a clean install. I have even begun
removing any suspect programs but since every removal requires a
reboot, I will never get to use it waiting for a chkdsk to run every
time. No log entries show any kind of errors and other than this
problem the machine performs great.

 

[Rock]

I have run into a strange problem. I can't actually remember when it
started becuase I don't shut the computer down very often, but it was
after a windows update that I first noticed it. On reboot the computer
puts up the logo and after that it seemed to hang. You get black
screen and the hard drive light seems to blink every couple seconds
very dimly. At first I thought it was a one time thing, now I realize
it is every time. Now it will come up in safe mode but after restart
in normal mode it hangs again. I have found a way to get it to come
up. After it hangs I bring it up in safe mode and schedule a boot disk
chkdsk on next boot. Restart machine and then after chkdsk runs and
restarts it comes up successfully. Chkdsk never reports an error! I
have never seen this behavior before, usually I say "Microsoft
x&^&*%$#" and decide its time for a clean install. I have even begun
removing any suspect programs but since every removal requires a
reboot, I will never get to use it waiting for a chkdsk to run every
time. No log entries show any kind of errors and other than this
problem the machine performs great.

You might want to start by downloading a drive diagnostic utility from the
drive manufacturer's web site. That will create a bootable floppy or CD.
Boot from that and run the diagnostics. If nothing else you can confirm the
health of the drive.