Windows XP won't Boot

Running Windows XP, today turned computer on, startup ran fine, windows loading screen running, and then a black screen with no noise or anything. Have seen quite a few errors with computers but never this.

Can you please suggest how to try and recover computer? Tried logging in with last known good config, same problem, tried safe mode, freezes while loading drivers.

 

I did a hard boot and Windows did load this time, but something is not right. Can't connect to the internet, and when I try to open my Belkin wireless internet connection tool it doesn't open. Network settings in control panel doesn't respond either.

 

Hi, try a System Restore as there seems to be a few experiencing similar problem. Cheers Neil.

 

Hi,

I do have an XP CD, how do I try a system restore?

 

I put the xp cd in and booted to that, it's giving me an option to repair or setup windows, I'm hitting R and it's not responding to my keyboard. Is it because it's a wireless keyboard maybe? Seems strange.

 

Evan Omo may not explained himself properly. You do not need the XP CD in order to a system restore.

How to launch system restore WinXP.

In my opinion, I would have the computer looked at by a technician before you go off trying random things *hoping* and *praying*. If the computer shuts down unexpectedly the way you describe - it is most likely a hardware issue in which case no amount of system restore is going to fix that.

If you have a computer shop in your area (or even a Best Buy Geek Squad - I shudder at the thought of it) you could ask them to test your PSU (power supply unit). A good decent PC shop as long as they are not scum bags trying to rip you off, should only charge a nominal fee to test it. Alternatively, you could test it yourself with a device like this one -- $20 plus shipping. A lot cheaper than paying someone else to do it.

 

Thanks, it didn't shut down, it froze up, and now rebooting does not work. Safe mode freezes while loading drivers, normal boot goes all the way to windows loading screen, then loads blank screen.
I got to the recovery console, but it's just a command prompt asking for a command, no idea what I am supposed to be doing. Power supply doesn't seem to be an issue, doesn't power off on it's on ever.

 

The link you provided shows how to do a system restore while you are logged in to windows, how do you do it if you can't boot to windows?

 

Thought there used to be a way to use windows console to try and "fix" or repair a damaged drive, but I can't remember how.

 

Thanks Arie, great suggestion. I made a bootable disk diagnostic from WD, ran extended scan, and no errors. Strange that I can now get XP to load, but network tools not working, but can not get safe mode to boot, just goes to driver load screen and freezes. Would WD have found a bad MBR? Should I try a fixmbr or fixboot from the recovery console?

One more strange item - tried to do a repair install from windows xp disc, you need to hit F8 to accept terms and conditions, but it does not respond to that command. I can esacpe out of it, but it doesn't recognize F8.

 

PS/2 keyboard.