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Freeze at boot
I have a P4 1Ghz machine which had been freezing for a while, and then wouldnt boot, so I decided to format and do a clean install.
I attempted to boot from an XP pro disk, and did successfully, but then when it got to the "Select a Partition" screen, it showed the error (something to the effect of) "no disk". So I removed the drive and put it in another machine, where it worked perfectly (yes, I booted from the drive) and I installed XPpro on the HD. Everything went perfectly.
I then moved the drive to the original machine. When it boots, it will get past the initial test screens, and when it would normally go to the XP pro black splash screen with the windows logo and status bar, it instead just goes to a black screen. No activity is indicated by the LEDs, and the machine can sit there for an hour and not do anything. Its even unresponsive to pressing ALTCNTDEL or hard shut down with the power button (even holding it). The power supply has to be switched off to kill it.
When the machine boots a second time, it will get to the "Windows was not properly shut down last time... please choose an option.." screen. It doesnt matter what option i choose. The timer at the bottom will freeze, and so will the whole machine (see previous boot above). I've tried another bootable drive, so i know its not the HD, and it cant be an OS issuel, i'm thinking the chip had died, but im not sure. Anyone know this?
djcrossfader9
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Posted July 28th, 2005 16:00
Hello there. Well I do know alot about computers but then I again no one is perfect. Try giving Dell Support a call if it is still under warranty. A 1 Ghz proccess for Pentium 4 huh? I never knew that it even existed. I guess I learn something everday. Anyway, I think it might have something to do with the slow processor or it could be something on the motherboard, but what it is, I don't know. Like I said best thing to do is call Dell. Good Luck!MediaRocker
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Posted July 28th, 2005 19:00
well DJcrossfader9, yes there are :)
i in fact have one but it is of another brand (it was a gift)
now for the freeze at boot, what i recomend is first doing a memory check, there is an application out that can scan for bad memory modules or chips, this my be what is causing your system to seize. have you made any changes to your systems configuration? if so remove them and try to boot, then if it persits try to roll back anyupdates that you may have made. when it boots press F8 repeatedly, a menue should pop up and choose safe mode. in safe mode remove all recently installed software and updates. if it works after this contact dell for help on how to fix this conflict.MediaRocker
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Posted July 31st, 2005 05:00
Good luck with your computer :)
i keep my fingers crossed and hopes that it will continue to work :DMediaRocker
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Posted August 2nd, 2005 05:00
ok but remember... RAM is sensitive... when handeling it DO NOT touch the connectors...DO NOT place in direct sunlight or laplight or heat... DO NOT set it on your carpet.. DO NOT set it on plastic.
It is hazardous in all places..so i have a rubber mat that i set them on..i also have anti static bags from a computer catalouge..but all you need is a rubber mouse pad...flip it over.. BOOM! instant antistatic work pad :)
epalmerjr
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Posted July 28th, 2005 15:00