Hi there, really hoping somebody can help me with this problem. As I don't know what the problem is specifically, I thought best to place in the general forum. My rig is in my signature - I am using Windows XP with all latest updates.
Over the last week I have been getting a few BSODs (With the IRQ not less than equal message) about once a day, and random crashes and shutdowns in Firefox, and a few other desktop apps. Then one morning when I turn on PC it boots fine, but then hangs before windows can start up.
I had a small overclock on the CPU so I reset the BIOS by clearing the CMOS. Still the same problem, computer boots ok, sees the RAM, hard drives ok. I get to the screen which says how to load windows ie safe mode, last good config, normally etc. If I try run safe mode, it starts to load the drivers and then hangs about half-way through always at same spot, if I try last known config then I get the white loading bar but hangs before Windows splash screen, if I try normally just a black screen.
Things I have tried so far:
1) I put in some different memory that I borrowed from IT department at work - no change
2) I tried using the Windows CD to perform a repair. Setup boots, loads all the drivers and then when it goes to start Windows it just hangs. I have tried this using my 250gb disk which had windows OS on it. I have also disconnected it and just had my 320gb "documents" disk plugged in - still hangs at windows starting. I would expect that I should be able to install XP on this disk as a new install.
I am going to try and solve this methodically - I am hoping nothing is dead bt have a sad feeling something is terminal. I have downloaded the Ultimate book disk to help with my diagnosing but not exactly sure what I should be looking for. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Over the last week I have been getting a few BSODs (With the IRQ not less than equal message) about once a day, and random crashes and shutdowns in Firefox, and a few other desktop apps. Then one morning when I turn on PC it boots fine, but then hangs before windows can start up.
I had a small overclock on the CPU so I reset the BIOS by clearing the CMOS. Still the same problem, computer boots ok, sees the RAM, hard drives ok. I get to the screen which says how to load windows ie safe mode, last good config, normally etc. If I try run safe mode, it starts to load the drivers and then hangs about half-way through always at same spot, if I try last known config then I get the white loading bar but hangs before Windows splash screen, if I try normally just a black screen.
Things I have tried so far:
1) I put in some different memory that I borrowed from IT department at work - no change
2) I tried using the Windows CD to perform a repair. Setup boots, loads all the drivers and then when it goes to start Windows it just hangs. I have tried this using my 250gb disk which had windows OS on it. I have also disconnected it and just had my 320gb "documents" disk plugged in - still hangs at windows starting. I would expect that I should be able to install XP on this disk as a new install.
I am going to try and solve this methodically - I am hoping nothing is dead bt have a sad feeling something is terminal. I have downloaded the Ultimate book disk to help with my diagnosing but not exactly sure what I should be looking for. Any help is greatly appreciated.
