XP start up loop

[jscout]

I am running windows xp home (gateway 300s) w/ SP2 and have th
following problems

1. when I power up the machine, XP will not start properly. It wil
keep trying but nothing happens. The only way I can get it to star
is when a DOS screen appears, I toggle to a setting that say
something like "start windows from the last good configuration" (th
last known settings that worked). If I select this option, xp wil
start and I can use the machine normally. I hope I can fix thi
without reinstalling windows so that my machine will start up an
shut down properly

2. Becasue of this I cannot install a local printer. I can install m
brother MFC-5440CN and use it during that session, but if I powe
down and restart, the "new hardware wizard" starts and trys t
re-install the drivers. If I dont re-install every time, the printe
will not show up in the printer folder

This computer was a gift from a friend, so I am trying to get i
running in tip top shape...Please help

 

[Kelly]

Suggestions:

1. Start/Run/CMD: SFC/ Scannow
2. Repair Install: Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows
XP http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q315341
3. If 1 and/or 2 doesn't help:
This problem can occur when the printer driver is initially installed. The
printer installation program from the manufacturer does not enable the New
Hardware Wizard to finish its detection of the newly installed printer.

To work around this problem, enable the New Hardware Wizard to finish, even
though the wizard cannot detect a new printer.

New Hardware Wizard Detects Printer Device After Every Restart
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q298/3/70.asp

Checkpoint: Unhide hidden devices in the Device Manager, view the problem
devices and remove them manually there.
--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

In memory of those lost during Katrina &
Prayers and Hope for the remaining displaced.