Resolved XP SP3 hangs on reboot

running XP SP3; recent problem - it hangs right after splash screen on reboot (hot or cold) only way out is to press esc on splash screen which forces it to list available HDs that I have and then select primary drive, everything else seems to work just fine. I even went to msconfig > startup and unchecked all those that looked new since last time I did this, same result. I've had this box for 6 years with no real problems except a couple of hardware items which I replaced.
Any ideas?
thanks

 

Sound's like a failing CMOS battery (I'm assuming the hang is during the BIOS splash screen?).

Since the system is 6 years old it's very likely you'll need to replace the battery, you shoujld be able to pick one up for a couple of bucks from any electrical/electronic/computer store.

 

changed out CMOS battery, still same problem. not finishing boot.

 

Stupid question I know but you have gone to the BIOS setup and set boot sequence then exiting & saving setting haven't you?

This appears to be a BIOS issue not an XP one though.

 

well that was the first thing I did & it looked OK, also ran a CHKDSK no error

 

problem solved - it was indeed the BIOS
many thanks and be well