XP hangs every other time at boot

[Tank]

I've upgraded a PC from Win Me to Win XP SP1. After the
upgrade, the system hangs at the Win XP 'splash screen'
(the one where the green bar is moving). After turning
off the computer using the power switch, the system will
boot correctly. This happens every single time the
computer is powered off through either a normal shutdown,
or from a hard power-down. 'Restarting' the system from
windows does not cause a problem. Starting in Safe Mode
always works. Accessing the BIOS and then continuing
always works as well.

I've noticed that when the system fails to boot, the hard
drive light immediately stops as soon as the 'splash
screen' appears.

I've tried various hotfixes from Microsoft as well as
reading about 5 dozen articles from the knowledge base
concerning boot problems. Unfortunately, none seem to
cover this 'alternating' boot condition.

I would appreciate any insight you all may have.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Frank]

It appears that XP is hanging during the time when it is checking hardware
and loading driver. Have you checked your device manager to make sure you
have no explanation marks where there are potential driver problems. Have
you tired disabling any drivers such as the sound card, etc. to see if this
works. With upgrading maybe some of ME drivers are still present. You can
also try uninstalling some of the key drivers such as the video card, sound
card and rebooting and allowing XP to reinstall them. Maybe then the
current drivers will load properly.