[Sandok]

Ever since I came back from my vacation (meaning no PC was being used whatsoever), I get random freezes at the startupscreen (solved by simply rebooting).

Any ideas? I don't feel like formatting

[Rasta Monsta]

Just give up, man. You are a menace!

rasta

[Dyre Straits]

Originally Posted by Sandok

Ever since I came back from my vacation (meaning no PC was being used whatsoever), I get random freezes at the startupscreen (solved by simply rebooting).

Any ideas? I don't feel like formatting

I occasionally have this when updating drivers or even after installing the new Windows Updates. Maybe even after installing a new program now and then.

Does yours halt with the Windows Logo screen barely visible? That's where mine happens. Been happening for some time now.

RESET button is the only cure.

[PangingJr]

on the initial logon Windows needs to access the existing user's registry information and settings in the /D & S/<user name>/ntuser.dat...
it seems that the Windows has trouble loading the user's settings.
check whether or not the issue occur in a new user account, create a new user account, login with the new account and see?

[Dyre Straits]

Thanks for the reply, PangingJr.

However, this isn't an initial logon in the strict sense of the word. Mine can do it on a simple reboot after updating drivers and such.

I'm making this clarification because 'initial logon' to me implies a total shutdown first. OR, an initial logon after installing a Windows OS. That may not be your intent, but did want to make sure that you knew that in my case it's not that kind of logon.

Usually, once the new drivers/updates/program are installed and working, I can then reboot on subsequent attempts without anymore problem.

If, however, you mean 'first boot after changes' then that pretty much fits.

[PangingJr]

the problem that both of you have are at the initial logon...
if you can logon (includes autologon) then you can logoff (or switch user) and log back in.

anyway, if this problem persist then you might want to try out the suggestions above to verify the cause...
you should not wait until it occurs at every system boots/reboots/restarts... because it means you will not be able to logon at all?

-----------------------

another possible cause and solution... check symptoms below...

Windows XP Welcome Screen Appears to Stop Responding (Hang) During Logon
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=816873

SYMPTOMS
When you use the Welcome screen to log on to a computer that is installed as a home computer (a computer where a network domain has not been specified), the computer appears to stop responding (hang) and you receive the following message under the user name:

loading your personal settings...

CAUSE

This issue occurs if all the following conditions are true:

• You use the Welcome screen to log on to the system.
• You have a network share mapped to a drive letter.
• The network share has been made available offline.
• The system is connected to a network.
• The network share is not accessible. For example, the server is down.

When all these conditions occur, Windows XP cannot restore the network connection and displays an error message. This error message must be confirmed before logon can continue. However, you cannot see the error message because it is hidden behind the Welcome screen. Therefore, the system appears to stop responding (hang).

[Dyre Straits]

In my case, I don't even get to the Welcome Screen at all. Whenever it does happen, the Windows Logo (with the scolling progress bar) becomes barely visible. It doesn't happen that often....just often enough to be annoying.

When it does happen I know it's Reset Button time.

[PangingJr]

i've never had this problem Dyre Straits, but if i were you i won't count on the operating system like that.