Computer turns on briefly then off again in an infinite loop.

heather_p03

I have an old (2002) Packard Bell iMedia PC.
I am able to access the BIOS screen. I reset to the default settings. The only options I have before that are F2 - Setup; F8 - Boot Order; F12 - Network Boot.
I can't load in Safe Mode, nor in any of the other options. It always gets so far then powers off then on again in infinite loop. Power stays on while in BIOS settings.
Thanks for your help.

Taffybiker

Windows XP I'll bet. You'll need to reinstall. Hope you have all important data backed up.

ben500

Wasn't there a worm responsible for this problem in xp? Really can't remember what the fix was but it was relatively simple.

gonzo127

it does sound like a re-install is required, however i would suggest getting a ubuntu disk and then running in livecd mode this will allow you to access your hard drive and back up all your important documents

fwor

There's a lot of things it could be - both hardware (e.g. a faulty memory module) and software.

One way to narrow it down a bit is download a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu, use the Memtest utility that comes as standard with it and see if that will run as a LiveCD (the OS runs purely in memory and off the CD so it will work even if the hard disk is broken).

If that works, as Taffy says, re-install the OS - though you should try a "repair install" of Windows first, as that will leave in place any user data that was on the hard disk.

heather_p03

I have a knoppix CD and but the only option seems to be to email any 'important' files that weren't already backed up (haven't backed up in a while!).

I will try an upgrade to Windows XP Professional - any tips??

Thanks folks.

[Deleted User]

heather_p03 wrote: »

I have a knoppix CD and but the only option seems to be to email any 'important' files that weren't already backed up (haven't backed up in a while!).

I really would suggest downloading Ubuntu as above, it's a lore more user friendly and intuitive and you'll be able to backup all your documents to an external USB stick / HDD.

heather_p03 wrote: »

I will try an upgrade to Windows XP Professional - any tips??

What are you upgrading from? I'd suggest inserting the recovery media supplied with the laptop and reinstalling this way. Far far easier.

heather_p03

I have Windows XP Home on the PC. The recovery disk seems to have gone AWOL even though I have all the user guides etc.
I will get hold of an Ubuntu disk next week. We are not without computers so no panic!

Thanks to everyone.

[Deleted User]

heather_p03 wrote: »

The recovery disk seems to have gone AWOL even though I have all the user guides etc.

Might be worth calling the manufacturer to see if they can reissue you some disks unless you have a system backup disk?

heather_p03

I have found the Recovery Disk but the PC is not finding the Boot sector. I have used this disk before but not for ages. I did have to reset to factory settings twice before.

I do get the option (sometimes) to go into Windows debugging mode, but that fails too. I am downloading Ubuntu which will hopefully let me collect all our documents before I try installing Windows XP Professional.

xxdeebeexx

I had exactly this on my computer and with the help of the fantastic people on here was able to recover all my data on the hard drive and reinstall windows.

Link to thread

link to puppy Linux
link to ISO burner

I had use of a friends laptop.
I downloaded puppy Linux
I downloaded the ISO burner and made a copy of puppy linux on cd.
I changed the BIOS on my computer so that the cd drive would boot first.
Put the Puppy cd in the cd drive and loaded puppy Linux. DO NOT INSTALL.(Puppy uses the RAM to run from and not the HD.)
The hard drives can be seen on the bottom left of the computer screen and can be accessed by single clicks.
You will need something to save the data on.
I went out and bought an external hard drive and saved the lot!

My advice is to take your time! It took me 10 days to rescue my data as I lacke the courage and knowledge to go any quicker. I have since rescued a friends data in 45mins!

Good luck

Dx