PC Reboot During Windows Boot Screen

ins · Jul 16, 2005, 08:06 PM

As the title suggests, I'm having a problem where the PC will reboot during the windows load screen.

I have replaced the RAM, CPU, Graphics Card, DVD Drive, and IDE cables which would temporariliy(sp?) sort the problem but then it would come back.

I have unplugged hdds and put in temporary replacements and the problem still persists, I have unplugged the optical drives to no avail.

All components are running on the latest drivers and Windows is fully updated.

I have no idea what the problem could be or even how to begin to fix it (apart from buying a new pc).

I can't even format as before the menu comes up the system reboots itself.

I can boot into Safe Mode but apparently (another person) claims that it still reboots although it hasn't when I've used it

I sincerely hope it isn't a heat issue as the CPU and motherboard temps both read under 35 Degrees C in bios and when it was working fine, ASUSProbe read the CPU 42 Degrees C at max load.

As a rule, I tend not to overclock, specially as this is my sisters PC.

Specs are:

AMD Athlon XP Barton 3000+
512mb Geil Performance RAM
XFX GeForce5200 256mb AGPx8
OnBoard Sound
120gb Seagate Baracuda HDD
Pioneer DVD-ROM (7 years old)
HP-CDRW (5 years old)

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks

Steve.

Necrosis · Jul 16, 2005, 11:09 PM

Hmm so it always reboot before it loads in to windows. It could be the motherboard or PSU.

Tipstaff · Jul 16, 2005, 11:15 PM

Sounds to me like there could be a piece of software starting up that is causing this, or a device driver is either wrong, or the device isn't working. To start:

- Uninstall any CD writing programs that have the ability to mount images, such as Alcohol, Nero, and what not, or any tools that do the same, such as Daemon Tools.

- If you are using XP or Windows 98/ME goto Start, Run, and type in msconfig.exe, and hit enter. If you are using Windows 2000 you can download msconfig.exe HERE. On the Startup tab (far right) uncheck each listing one by one, rebooting inbetween each one that you uncheck until you find the culprit that is causing the conflict. Ones to try first would be messenger programs, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and device icons such as those used by printers/scanners. Essentially ones that show up in the taskbar. Again, go through them one by one.

If that doesn't help then:

- Remove the drivers one by one, and reboot the machine for each PCI card you have (make sure you have them handy for later), or, completely remove all the PCI cards, and see what happens.

Question: what was the last thing done to the machine before this started? Was there any devices, software that was installed just before this began crashing?

swimtech · Jul 16, 2005, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

Sounds to me like there could be a piece of software starting up that is causing this, or a device driver is either wrong, or the device isn't working. To start:

- Uninstall any CD writing programs that have the ability to mount images, such as Alcohol, Nero, and what not, or any tools that do the same, such as Daemon Tools.

- If you are using XP or Windows 98/ME goto Start, Run, and type in msconfig.exe, and hit enter. If you are using Windows 2000 you can download msconfig.exe HERE. On the Startup tab (far right) uncheck each listing one by one, rebooting inbetween each one that you uncheck until you find the culprit that is causing the conflict. Ones to try first would be messenger programs, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and device icons such as those used by printers/scanners. Essentially ones that show up in the taskbar. Again, go through them one by one.

If that doesn't help then:

- Remove the drivers one by one, and reboot the machine for each PCI card you have (make sure you have them handy for later), or, completely remove all the PCI cards, and see what happens.

Question: what was the last thing done to the machine before this started? Was there any devices, software that was installed just before this began crashing?

That last question is key! And can you boot into Windows safe mode?

ins · Jul 17, 2005, 12:08 PM

To my knowledge last thing that was installed was probably The Sims 2, and yes i can boot into safe mode.

it could well be the mboard or psu as they are essentially they only components i've yet to replace

Necrosis · Jul 17, 2005, 01:48 PM

Well it's either one of your devices when loaded with it's drivers is straining the system, or one of the device drivers is corrupt.

swimtech · Jul 17, 2005, 07:14 PM

Yeah, if you can boot into Safe Mode ok and run the machine for an extended period its likely not your hardware...

ins · Jul 17, 2005, 07:16 PM

i've replaced the psu with a 530w antec and things are looking up, thanks for all the replies, been a great help.