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Solve : Problems with starting Windows XP Home Edition?

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Last night, I was uploading CD’s to my iTunes and I was about to attach a USB cable to the computer when it froze. The music which was playing froze on spot and would play the same note in a pulsating manner; I was unable to move the mouse pointer and the would not respond…thus, I was forced with no choice but to do a hard shut-down (which I don’t like to do).

I left the computer off for five minutes before turning it back on. The computer appeared to be coming on normally:

•The E-machines logo came on (normal when turning on)
•Next screen was normal too (can’t describe it)

The next screen was one I’d seen before but this was when I realised there was something wrong. There were five options but only three I remember off my HEAD:

•Start in Safe Mode
•Start using most recent settings
•Start Windows Normally

First, I select “Start Windows Normally” and this is what happened

•The Windows logo came one with a status bar underneath showing it is process/loading up (normal)
•At one point I see the bars going across the status bar pause once or twice
•Windows logo disappears and a blank black screen appears
•Nothing happens after this and I shut down the computer

After 10 minutes I turn the computer on again following the same steps above but this time I select “Start in Safe Mode”

•A screen with DOS prompts and what either looks like commands or file names appear in a long list show up on the screen
•Nothing happens after this
•Turn computer off after 10 minutes

Waited 10 minutes and turn the computer on again and then I select “Start Windows using most recent settings”

•Same thing happens as above when having selected “Start Windows Normally”
•After ten minutes shut computer down

Left the computer off all night and turned it on this morning and followed the same process with selecting “Start Windows Normally” – same results as the night above.

If you have any step-by-step advice/options on how to remedy this, it would be most appreciative.

Best,
DarrinDo you have the Windows Disc handy? You might need it.

Quote

After 10 minutes I turn the computer on again following the same steps above but this time I select “Start in Safe Mode”

• A screen with DOS prompts and what either looks like commands or file names appear in a long list show up on the screen
• Nothing happens after this
• Turn computer off after 10 minutes
Are you sure you waited 10 minutes? The list of code is normal and it sometimes 'freezes' for quite a while before entering Safe Mode.Thanks for responding quickly.

Yes, I waited 10 minutes because I used a timer to ensure, and no, I don't have the Windows disc as it is at home and I at work.

Since writing this, I found out my partner was able to get Windows started again but has indicated we may have lost some drivers (he's a little more techy than I am obviously). Thus, we should be able to start the computer this evening at which time we will back everything onto our external hard drive.

My partner plans to do a reformatting of the hard drive on the WEEKEND which will be a lenghty process as he will do this on a regular basis to ensure the longevity of the HD.

Admittedly, our CPU is old (over 4 YEARS) and is probably DUE for a replacement. If we need to replace it, I hope we can find a CPU which is not VISTA based as we have a number of hardware/software items which will not be compatible with that operating system.

Best,
DarrinThere are no processors that are just "Vista based". You'll probably have trouble finding a processor that will fix your motherboard if it is 4 years old. Most of them now are 775, and probably won't fit in your older motherboard.


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