Resolved XP won't boot unless Reset button is pushed

Hi all,

Well, this is a new one: I built a computer and rebooted and shut down many times and everything was OK.

Now when it starts there's just a black screen with a flashing cursor in the upper corner. When the reset button is hit, it boots normally.

What could cause this and how do I fix it? It's my friends computer.

 

Are there any USB devices connected to this computer? I've had USB drives to cause my computer to hang and show the same screen you are seeing. After I removed the drive(s), the machine booted normally.

 

Hi James,

Nope; nothing in the CDDVD drive or USB.

 

I wonder if the CMOS battery is suspect.

Here's a link with some things you may want to look at...

Windows XP won't boot, Blinking cursor in top left corner

 

Hi jpChris, Try ALL connections are clean and secure. Sounds like a dirty or bad connection. Neil.

 

I don't think it's the battery because it a new MOBO (mfg. 2013) and completely new everything. Could be a faulty battery though: I'll have to check it out.

When my friend took the computer home, he hooked everything up, booted to XP and all was OK. The black\cursor thingy just happened about 2 days ago.

I'll have him double check the cables, though; you can never tell.

Thanks, guys.

 

Update

Hi all,

Here's what happened: My friend just continually hit the Reset button (while the computer was off) a couple dozen times and now, no blinking cursor and boots right up!?!

I'm going to mark this as Resolved (until it isn't anymore).