Computer keeps rebooting but won't load windows XP UPDATED

andy2004

if you use the recovery disc, aka the factory restore discs these will completely wipe the hard drive before reinstalling. everything you put on the computer will be erased. If you have another computer, take the hard drive out of the pc with the problem and put it into the other pc and copy the data you want to keep off of it.
You could also scan the harddrive whilst its in the other computer for any infections, and providing you dont RUN any software from it the other pc will not become infected.

What software did you use to backup your computer months ago ??

xxdeebeexx

andy2004 wrote: »

if you use the recovery disc, aka the factory restore discs these will completely wipe the hard drive before reinstalling. everything you put on the computer will be erased. If you have another computer, take the hard drive out of the pc with the problem and put it into the other pc and copy the data you want to keep off of it.
You could also scan the harddrive whilst its in the other computer for any infections, and providing you dont RUN any software from it the other pc will not become infected.

What software did you use to backup your computer months ago ??

Thanks, just tried to repair using the recovery discs and there was an option to repair so I clicked - on the next page the option went, and a warning came up saying that the all info would be lost!!

Does the second pc need to have the same operating system as the 'broken' pc?

TIA

Dx

Donnie

If you don't have the possibility or the bravery to remove the hard drive...

Back up your Documents and Settings folder using a Live CD; http://www.livecdlist.com/
A Live CD(for your intents and purposes) is an operating system(XP is one) that doesn't need to boot from your hard drive.
It will run in your system RAM.

You can also use a Live CD to scan for viruses without the need for removing the hard drive; http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/avira_antivir_rescue_system.html

This will allow you to move any invaluable information over to a USB Flash or external hard drive.

Then, if necessary, you can restore your PC. It may not be necessary, as there first two stages may have gone some way to solving your problem.

It's sounds as if you filled your C: drive until it could be filled no more, but that's just a guess as I have little info.

The Live CDs generally download as Image files, such as an .iso file. Download and save the file on the alternative machine and use a program such as Nero or ImgBurn to 'Burn the image to disc'.

You can try out any number of Live CDs to see which suits you best, as long as you have enough blank cds.

Puppy Linux may be a place to begin as it a relatively small download.


You should take the side off the PC, after removing the plug from it, in order to check for any physical problems. Eg. Collection of dust and/or loose connections. Take out memory modules and clean the metal contacts with an eraser. Be careful not to touch any metal parts of the module.
How much RAM in MB is installed?

Next, run the Live CD(If the Live CD doesn't boot up, you have a problem with the installed system RAM. Test the Live CD on a working machine to ensure it works) and move important documents to safety.

john87_2

I had this problem after installing a new usb mouse.

Before you ruse the recovery discs try "last known good configuration".

Switch the pc on - press f8 to bring up the windows adavanced option menu.
Select "last known good configuration"
If it works - backup your data and then remove any hardware/software recently installed.

spakkker

"Does the second pc need to have the same operating system as the 'broken' pc?"
No as long as you can connect your h/drive to the other pc it should be possible to "read" your h/d.

xxdeebeexx

Hi I have an old hard drive and an original copy of windows 98SE. could these be used in any way?

Dx

Taffybiker

I am aware of this effect, though I have only known it to happen with the XP operating system. I "fixed" it by reinstalling the OS. When it happened to one of the laptops at work, the IT dept also "fixed" it by reinstalling the OS.
I agree with Donnie, that a Live CD would be the best option. Another way you may be able to save your files is by putting the "faulty" drive into a USB caddy then use a working machine to access and save the data.

gonzo127

i just want to bring to you attention some info that might not have been picked up, all these problems could be related to overheating!

one of my older relitives who didnt know that much about computers (and smoked like a chimney) had simular problems of constant rebooting, he was getting really worried that he would have to buy a new computer, i went round and opened up the case....my god it was filthy! you could hardly see the heatsink and fan around the CPU for gunk!

after going and getting some rubber gloves and other related supplies i proceeded to clean the inside of his computer (also reapplied the thermal paste connecting the heatsink and fan to the CPU) and rebooted first time!

so before you start looking at re-installing etc just take a quick look inside your case, if everything is covered in a layer of 'gunky' dust it might just be a case of overheating and would just need cleaning

now although this is a old artical the basics are sound http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm
and there is a picture in there explaining the gunky dust

spakkker

have an old hard drive and an original copy of windows 98SE

If you can install this old h/d and load w98 onto it you have to get software that allows 98(fat32) to read xp(ntsc) files.

xxdeebeexx

Donnie wrote: »

If you don't have the possibility or the bravery to remove the hard drive...

Back up your Documents and Settings folder using a Live CD; http://www.livecdlist.com/
A Live CD(for your intents and purposes) is an operating system(XP is one) that doesn't need to boot from your hard drive.
It will run in your system RAM.

You can also use a Live CD to scan for viruses without the need for removing the hard drive; http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/avira_antivir_rescue_system.html

This will allow you to move any invaluable information over to a USB Flash or external hard drive.

Then, if necessary, you can restore your PC. It may not be necessary, as there first two stages may have gone some way to solving your problem.

It's sounds as if you filled your C: drive until it could be filled no more, but that's just a guess as I have little info.

The Live CDs generally download as Image files, such as an .iso file. Download and save the file on the alternative machine and use a program such as Nero or ImgBurn to 'Burn the image to disc'.

You can try out any number of Live CDs to see which suits you best, as long as you have enough blank cds.

Puppy Linux may be a place to begin as it a relatively small download.


You should take the side off the PC, after removing the plug from it, in order to check for any physical problems. Eg. Collection of dust and/or loose connections. Take out memory modules and clean the metal contacts with an eraser. Be careful not to touch any metal parts of the module.
How much RAM in MB is installed?

Next, run the Live CD(If the Live CD doesn't boot up, you have a problem with the installed system RAM. Test the Live CD on a working machine to ensure it works) and move important documents to safety.

OK I have followed your instructions and have ,after several hours, managed to 'install' puppy Linux to my computer.

I have a lovely desktop display but what the heck do I do now!!
I am too frightened to click on anything incase it deletes or changes anything.

Is there anyone that can help me from here please??

TIA

Dx