HELP!!!!!!!
working on an older PIII system, it keeps rebooting...... it will let me run in safe mode, but not in normal mode. I've updated the bios, so that eliminates that one.......
if I'm on in DOS, it seems to be ok........ its just when I try and load windows....... its been fdisked, reformatted etc.................
HELP!!!!!And it is what make and model? What components - RAM, video, etc.? What version of Windows? Did it ever work? What has happened that it is not working?

WITHOUT a little info we're just guessing.

thanx for your responce........ its an IBM NetVista
it was origionally loaded with ME, a client brought it to me with the same symptoms.....
It has 128Mb of sd RAM. Its been formatted etc.
I find it odd, that it will stay up and RUNNING in safe mode, but not in normal mode.
I've tried using the factory recovery disks to no avail either. for whatever reason, the CD drive isnt showing up ..... tried booting directly from the cd........ pffffffft.... nothing.......... I've checked all the connections to make sure everything is hooked up ok.... all is fine.

just incase it helps, its a Netvista 2257 B4UAgain, what  OS ?

patio.  I would boot with a Linux Live CD if it was me to determine if it was hardware or some Windows aberration.

Go to www.knoppix.com and use the mirror near the end of the list at mirror.cs.wisc.edu. Although slow on 128 RAM it will extensively check the hardware and perhaps point you in the right direction.it was origionally loaded with windows ME, was reformatted with 98se.
Thanx, I'll try that site.Hmmm

It may be a problem driver, or a virus (most likely a boot sector virus that is not removed when the drive is reformatted), or some setting.

When in safe mode, try checking Device Manager to see if any of the devices is having a driver problem.  

Try scanning the computer for viruses (you may boot to Safe Mode with Networking, set up a direct cable connection, share the root, and use the antivirus program on the other computer to scan the one that is giving you problems.

If Windows 98, 98 SE, Me or XP are installed, you may use the System Configuration utility (MSCONFIG.EXE) to troubleshoot the startup problem.  Use the Selective Starup option to uncheck all of the items and see if you are able to boot normally.  If you are, one of the settings is to blame.  Check one box at a time and boot the computer till you find the configuration area that causes the problem.  

Let us know how it goes,
DocHello again............ well, I've tried everything from a new POWER supply, to a new hard drive....... still no success........... the machine will start to load windows....... it starts to try and find drivers, then automatically restarts itself. I've tried selective startup in msconfig..... to no avail............. running out of ideas...... and definately out of patience............ the only two things I can think of now, are the cpu...... or the motherboard.......................... side note.................. why, would the machine seem to run ok in safe mode?
Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers.  Normal Mode loads all drivers.  There is some hardware that Windows is not "happy" with.  None of the items you have replaced require drivers.  Does it have integrated video and if so, does it use SDRAM for video memory?  If yes to both, set video memory to 4MB.  Download Everest Home Edition and install and run from Safe Mode.  It will display all info.

I suspect a bad modem or ethernet card.  Remove all plug-in cards and see what happens.Did you ever try the Live Linux CD idea?Did you try Doc's suggestion?
Quote

When in safe mode, try checking Device Manager to see if any of the devices is having a driver problem.  

As far as RAM goes........ I tried that yesterday to no avail......

The ethernet, as well as the video are onboard...... I will try those next......