System constantly reboots - can't get to safe mode

This is a strange problem. an HP desktop running XP home. The system starts up, goes through post and gets to the hard drive. I see the Windows splash screen for a few seconds, then reboots. I try and get to safe mode by hitting F8, which works. but when the system gets to the Windows startup screen it still reboots. I can't run HJT because I cant get the system up to run any diags. Any suggestions?????

 

Unplug the power from the computer and remove the cover. Check for dust buildup in the processor fan and heatsink. Blow out any dust buildup inside the case with a can of compressed air for electronics. The computer may be overheating.

 

Thanks for the quick reply

That was one of the first things I did. Everything inside the case checks out. any other ideas?

 

Using F8 on startup, select Disable Automatic Restart.
It should blue screen instead of restarting.
Post the exact error message on the BSOD.

 

Error codes from BSOD

The drive is recognized by the BIOS.
Did I lose the MBR?

Here is the message from the BSOD:

Unmountable_boot_volume


Stop: 0x000000ED (0x82FD79E8, 0xC0000006, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)

 

Got an XP cd? Startup with the cd and go to the recovery console, then run a chkdsk /r command. See if it boots up correctly if successful.

 

yeah, I found that online. I started running it about an hour ago. It's running, but taking a loooong time. Right now at 63% on the third part of the process. I seem to remember going through this process on a system a few years ago, It comes up with all kinds of files that it puts into numbered directories, most of the system runs, but some of the apps have problems. this will probably take a few more hours. I'll pass on the results when it finishes. Thanks!

 

I just had a system with the same problem a couple days ago. It was caused by a bad sector on the hard drive, which chkdsk can usually fix. What data is lost in the repair is dependent on the information stored in that sector, and how many sectors are affected. If repairable, it's possible you won't see any difference at all. If this does repair the problem, you might want to consider shopping for another drive.

 

Thanks for the info. I ran chkdsk /R twice and the system came up with no problems (so far). It's a 4 year old system, so I probably will get another drive for it.
Thanks again!!

 

Glad to hear it.

Quite a few drive fitness test apps available. Probably wouldn't hurt to run one (or 2).

 

Safe mode/reboot

I U can stay long enough in Safe mode with F8 and SpyBot Search& destroy is installed on your machine, run it;it is most likely a Trojan Horse messing around.Good Luck (worked 4 me>)