Computer won't reboot

would sfc /scannow with xp cd do any good at this point? can you do that in safe mode ?

 

I did as you suggested and loaded setup defaults but the same error came up. I then ran the Memtest86 on the PC. It took over an hour to run, but it then came up with the message 'Pass complete, no errors, press Esc to exit'.

That suggests that the RAM is fine? What else can I try?

Thanks again for all your help!

 

Whatever program gave you the fan error message might be causing this (the Asus Monitor program?).

Has the new PSU been installed?

I know Memtest said the memory is OK, but run the diagnostics in my signature. Does that BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error occur every time (there are no different messages)?

Do all the fans in the case seem to be spinning freely?

For another area, disconnect any added hardware (USB, Printers and take out any PCI add-in cards, in the white slots, not your graphics card).

Not many of us would think the motherboard is the problem. I would look at doing a repair of Windows or a reformat before changing the motherboard.

Do you know somebody that may be able to help you check the fans and make sure everything is connected well (reseat the RAM modules, reseat the drive connectors, reseat the power connectors).

Do a "repair" of Windows, if you get another motherboard you will need to use this exact same method to try to migrate Windows on the new hardware system anyway.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/en-us
If the repair won't work, try installing Windows to another folder, that way you can backup your data and do a clean install.

Matt

 

Hi!

Yes the ASUS Monitor programme had highlighted the fan problem. I haven't changed the PSU as yet? Would that make any difference? I've checked all the fans - the PSU and CPU fans are working - the chassis fan is not working. There is also a smaller fan about 2 inches square underneath one of the boards connected to the MOBO. It is also working.

The BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG message occurs everytime - even when I changed the RAM about, the same message kept occuring.

The other problem of course is that I got someone to build my PC for me a number of years ago - I didn't realise until later that it wasn't a legit copy of Windows - so that might cause a problem for repair and re-install! I was given a Windows XP Bootable Disc - I think I could reinstall Windows XP from that?

In the meantime I am trying to figure out a way of getting my info off the 2 hard-drives that I have....hoping to connect them to someone else's PC and get the info that way.

I'll try taking all the other boards out in the white slots and see what happens - I'll post any results.

I'm starting to think a complete re-format might be the only option!!

 

If your XP CD boots, you can either do the repair install or the install to a new folder, called a parallel install, so you can save your data, as suggested above. You will see in the process how the computer is working and if you have a problem doing either, it may help us diagnose what's wrong. I suspect all will work well if your CD is legit.

Keep running with the cover off for the time being, at least until you replace the dead fan.

Format is not always sufficient to prepare a disk for a clean install. It's better to delete the partition and remake it, using the xp CD, and then let the xp CD format the disk as part of the installation process.

 

I've removed the card from the white slot and re-booted, but no change to the error message.

I have also put in the Bootable CD - it run through various things and then come up with a Screen saying 'Windows XP Professional Setup' It searches from previous versions of Microsoft Windows and then comes up with the following information:

'The following list shows the existing partitions and unpartitioned space on this computer..
- To set up Windows SP on the selected item, press ENTER.
- To create a partition in the unpartitioned space, press C.
- To delete the selected partition, press D.

114471 MB Disk 0 at Id 0 on bus 0 on atapi [MBR]
C: Partition1 (Windows XP) [NTFS] 114471 MW (25500 MB free)

131070 MB Disk 0 at ID1 on bus 0 on atapi [MBR]
D: Partition1 (Video & Aud) [NTFS] 194474 MB (79516 MB free)

ENTER=Install D=Delete Partition F3=Quit

What do you advise that I do now?

Thanks

 

Before you go any further, I recommend a couple of other things be done, if only to be sure you don't proceed for naught.

1. Go back into the BIOS setup and verify that the proper date and time is set. Save changes (if needed) and reboot.

2. Upon reboot, use F8 to enable the advanced boot menu and again choose 'Last Known Good '. If no luck, proceed to step 3

3. Upon reboot, use F8 to enable the advanced boot menu and choose 'Enable VGA Mode'.

If you still don't boot successfully, proceed with a repair install. From the point you were at in your last post, you want to select the first entry, C: Partition1 (Windows XP) [NTFS] 114471 MW (25500 MB free), and press Enter. You will then have an option to press R to repair the installation. Once selected, setup will begin copying files. It will then restart your computer and begin settings up Windows. Follow the prompts.

Things to consider BEFORE proceeding with an operating system repair or re-installation. You previously stated that the installation is not a legitimate one. Assuming you got the cd from the same source, it's probable that the cd is not legitimate either. More often than not, when a repair installation is done, product activation is required to log on to the account. Activation can be done via the internet, or telephone, but you'll likely find Microsoft unwilling to do so. You *may* be able to access safe mode without activation if the repair is successful, where you could transfer any files you need from the C drive to the D drive. Then, once you obtain a legitimate copy of Windows, you could do a clean installation on C...... there's always the option of finding another comp to slave your drive before attempting anything else

 

Hi.

I tried steps 1-3 but no success. I have been able to put my 'c' drive on another computer and back up the data - so at least that proves my drive isn't corrupt?

If the RAM is OK, the MOBO is working....is it a case of a Windows XP getting corrupted? Would this cause the error message to appear?

It looks like my only other option would be to re-install Windows?

What would you advise now?

Thanks again for all your help - I would have been totally lost without it!

 

Since your data is safely backed up, I'd recommend trying a repair installation. If you can get a successful boot afterward, I would assume that your problem is not hardware related (ok, maybe you need a case fan) and that it was indeed a corrupted registry hive.

Should you require further assistance with the operating system however, you will need to get a legitimate copy of Windows. Forum policy (and personal ethics) prevent us from assisting with invalid copies/product keys.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/rules.php

You might want to take a look at the following topic as well.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=63685

 

Hi. Noahdfear - thank you very much for taking the time to help me out - I really appreciate it.

Latest update - I took my HDD and plugged it into another PC - it wouldn't boot up either - when I put their HDD back in, it worked ok - so that must been that my Windows XP has got corrupted - I have backed up all my documents etc - so I'm guessing a re-install of Windows (legit copy of course) is in order.

I didn't realise at the time that when I got the PC they had installed an illegal copy of Windows - of course had I known it then, I would have requested a legal copy - unfortunately it looks like I am going to pay for it now!

Hopefully the re-install will sort the problem. I will keep you posted!

 

Hi!

An update...I re-installed Windows and then went to the Windows web-site and purchased the Product key necessary to convert it to genuine. So far so good, the computer hasn't crashed yet!

Thank you so much for all your help. It has been much appreciated!!

 

That's great news!

You're most welcome.......happy to help. Thanks for posting back to let us know.