WIN XP FREEZES at LOADING SCREEN (even after a clean format)

chiggz · 4 Nov 2008 at 15:11

Hi,

So WinXP decided to freeze at the loading screen (Win logo with blue bar) yesterday. After waiting 5 minutes I decided to restart the computer. Now the computer just kept restarting itself after attempting to load Windows (right after the initial computer load (BIOS?) screens).

There was no way to get into safe mode, etc so the only option was for me to try do a clean format. I did this yesterday and got everything [more or less] back to normal. I installed Nod32, Comodo Firewall, Windows Update, IE8, FF3. Also, WMP11, Winamp, K-Lite Mega Codec Pack & uTorrent was installed.

Now, I managed to use my PC this morning to listen to music. I went home for lunch today and find WinXP to freeze again at the loading screen.

I've currently left my PC running hoping to see if it eventually manages to get to the desktop when I return home (at work atm). However, in the meantime I am currently searching Google for potential answers to my problem. I don't mind another format, but I want to know why it could be happening to prevent it happening again.

More info; I changed the graphics card and RAM about a month ago and have had no problems with it yet.

Thanks

bledd · 4 Nov 2008 at 15:42

possibly a HD issue?

run the manufacturer's hard drive testing cd

chiggz · 4 Nov 2008 at 16:18

safe blad.. Oops, I mean thanks bledd.

1 - Unplug PC totally for 5 mins
1.b - Check event logs
1.c - Run memtest
2 - Run 'chkdsk /r' with WinXP CD
3 - Run Hard Drive testing utilities

I'll follow the above steps when I get back home. Any other tips would be great. Thanks!

Knubje · 4 Nov 2008 at 16:20

I had a similar issue recently although it was down to me not having formatted in about a year.

Clean installs seriously for the win.

I am still not out of testing yet, as I haven't ran all my appz/gamez but seems to be ok thus far.

It really sounds like a memory problem, so I would check RAM + HDD first as bledd recommended. Possibly the OS install is on a bad sector of the HDD?

As with all things computer related I don't think you are going to have a clear cut "It's X problem", you are going to need to test it for yourself. Fault find ***!

chiggz · 4 Nov 2008 at 18:51

Thanks guys.

Looks like I can get in if I take the plug out for a while (don't get why :s).

When I get a chance I'll do a full scan of hdd/ram and see whats up..