PC Problem

welnik

My computer crashed tonight and every time I try and boot up, it starts to load windows and then crashes. Ive tried to reinstall windows but it gets so far with that and also just stops.

Any ideas? Windows XP. Ive tried to boot up in safe mode and it stops again.

Very frustrated.

skiddy2k

try to go into Recovery Console (by putting winXP CD in and clicking R when prompted to)
type in chkdsk /r
let it run... (may take few hours). when finished, type in "exit" and remove winXP CD and try to let it startup

albertross_2

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=chkdsk+recovery+console+site%3Aforums.moneysavingexpert.com&btnG=Search&meta=

welnik

Ive now got long beeps. times 3? I have two drives in my computer and both of which have windows XP on. I have switched my other drive to the primary master and this has not worked either. I think it would be a bit wierd for both my drives to have failed. The 3 long beeps appear to indicate memory failure.

b33r

If my memory serves me correctly 3 beeps means as you suggest that some of your memory/Ram is either out of place or dead, but it depends on what bios your motherboard has.

You need to open up your case, try pushing the ram module(s) in a bit and try again, if the same then take them out and maybe blow a bit in the slots and on modules to clear of dust and re-seat them. If same again then 1 or both (or however many you have are dead) try them seperatly to try and work out which. If you only have 1 memory module then you will need to replace it.

Remember when working in a computer case to earth yourself first.

b33r

http://acronymsonline.com/lists/beep_chart.asp may be of use to you.

three beeps could also mean a video card problem depending on the length of the beeps so while you are in there try re-seating that too but if you are getting a screen picture that is unlikely but still possible.

welnik

b33r wrote: »

If my memory serves me correctly 3 beeps means as you suggest that some of your memory/Ram is either out of place or dead, but it depends on what bios your motherboard has.

You need to open up your case, try pushing the ram module(s) in a bit and try again, if the same then take them out and maybe blow a bit in the slots and on modules to clear of dust and re-seat them. If same again then 1 or both (or however many you have are dead) try them seperatly to try and work out which. If you only have 1 memory module then you will need to replace it.

Remember when working in a computer case to earth yourself first.

I think it is my memory. I only have 512mb memory module and my pc has been working ok all day. I came to use it about 2 hours ago and everything was frozen. When I rebooted it just wouldnt go anywhere. Thanks for your replies.

b33r

No probs, yeh if you only have one stick then you will have to replace it first, make sure you get the correct speed and type for your motherboard. Should be easy to find out if you google the make and model of your motherboard (should be written on it...somewhere!) or look on the manufacturer site but if you need a hand then post back and ill try to help.

welnik

Finally got to the bottom of it. I have bad sectors on my hard drive which must be where the windows files are saved.

I can actually read the drive on another pc so all is well!

Thanks for all your advice.

cheers
Wel