Problem starting Win XP Computer

For some time now i have had an intermittent problem (about once a week) with my computer hanging on startup, it seems to be booting okay and as the XP windows logo dissapears it just seems to stop at a blank screen with the hard drive and cd lights permantely on also the screen light stays blue implying that it is getting a video feed but the screen stays blank.
I have run a software diagnostic check on the hard drives and it appears okay.
It usually only happens about once a week but last night it happend twice on startup,Is there any software that will monitor the boot process and report at what stage the problem is occuring. any help would be welcome.

alboy

 

Hi alboy,

Do you know how the drives are configured on the IDE cables (primary master, primary slave, secondary master, secondary slave)? It sounds to me like a drive configuration problem (both lights staying on).

Matt

 

Many thanks PeteC and Mattman for your interest, it is definitely not a drive issue Matt as the drives are configured as master and slave correctly and as you say PeteC because it happens so infrequently sometimes not for 2 weeks or longer it is very difficult to pin down the cause, but I will keep trying and will post back if i have any success.
regards
Alboy

 

If you boot into Safe Mode, one of the options is to "enable boot logging ". You can read about it under Startup Options in Help and Support.

It may be the antivirus trying to check files on the CD drive.

Have you changed the drive configuration at some stage (added another harddrive). Some programs try to run files from their original installation location and if that drive has been changed/removed the program crashes (MS Office is good at this ).

It will be worth reseating the drive cable connections and if the Secondary drive cable is not in use I would try the CD drive as slave or master on that cable.

Matt

 

Matt
I normally leave a cdr in the cd drive, it is the drive on which the light stays on so you may have spotted the problem if the Anti virus is locking up trying to read the files on the cd.
I have removed the disk and will see what happens although I think i tried that some time ago and it made no difference but I will give it another try.
I have not added or changed any drives since getting the computer.
I will also try your other suggestions and will post back if I have any improvement although it may take a few weeks as the problem only arises once every couple of weeks or so.
regards
Alboy

 

My computer once had an intermittent start up problem.
It turned out one memory stick was faulty.
Try running memtest to check the memory.

Another thing to try is removing the mobo from the case and reinstalling it. Something may be touching somewhere.

Finally try using a small wooden dowel to lightly tap/push/prod various components while the computer is on.
If one component is making marginal contact it may be observable.

 

Chuck_W
I have tried a memtest several times but the results are always okay,but i will try the poke test you never know !!

Regards
Alboy