>> and then a DOS-like message that Windows did not successfully start the previous time << i suppose you mean it did not shutdown normally ?
then look here : http://www.aumha.org/win5/
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Windows restarts after POST.
Hello:
I recently purchased a new Compaq desktop computer on the Internet. I installed a fresh copy of Windows XP Professional, and the memory and added a graphics card. The computer works perfectly, with no errors, freezes, blue screens, etc. I have run MemTest86 and found no errors.
Sometimes, after the computer has been off for a few days, it has trouble booting. It passes POST, begins to read the hard drive, then there's a pause with a black screen, and then a DOS-like message that Windows did not successfully start the previous time and a menu screen for Safe Mode, Normal startup, etc. I should note that this issue never arises during a reboot or when the computer has been off for a short while, only when it has been off for a few days. It never happens twice successively, and it always starts normally when I select that option.
Does anyone know for sure what is wrong? Please answer only if you have resolved this problem in the past. Is there a log file that may point to the problem. Is it possible that a hard drive sector is bad, and that I need to run a sector repair utlility? Is the graphics card to blame?
Thank You.
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Answers
nobus: I don't mean that the computer didn't shut down properly, because in this case the computer does not boot successfully. The computer spontaneously restarts even even before the "Windows" logo appears, at the very beginning of the startup process.
asmodeusnz: You may be right, because the CMOS is a few years old even though the computer has never been used. I would think, however, that a failing CMOS battery would cause the computer to lose its BIOS settings, which does not happen.
I will replace the CMOS battery, just to be sure, and replace the hard drive.
Thank you for your comments. I will wait a bit longer for further comments.
After re-reading my own question, I should clarify it. After the computer pauses with a black screen at the beginning of the boot process, it reboots and repeats the POST process (successfully). As it begins to start Windows again, I receive the error message something like a DOS message that "Windows did not successfully start the previous time. . ." and a menu screen for Safe Mode, Normal startup, etc. I can select Normal startup and the computer runs perfectly.
This could be anything. Power supply or faulty motherboard. Or faulty hard disk. Or even memory.
It's like something has not quite come up to power or temperature and can't handle startup and forces a reboot. On the reboot the power and temperature is there and it is OK.
In a situation like this you replace with known working components and see if the fault goes away. For example, you could try another PSU if you had a spare on hand.
You could check your BIOS to see if there is a slow boot operation to slow startup down. You could also remove your memory and wipe the sticks clean with a dry static free cloth and blow out the memory slots (you could be getting a momentary short from dust there - it happens to me).
This problem could be very difficult to fix, since it only happens occasionally. I agree, it is as if a component does not reach full power or temperature. All of the components are new and name brand, there is no dust, and I do not have replacement components. I should also note that I added extra fans to the case, chipset, and graphics card, so there is no excessive heat.
I think I will run BurnIn Test for a while to see if any errors occur.
I did NOT replace anything. Instead, I decided to wait and see after I disabled quick boot. I have not seen the problem again. Perhaps the slow boot, which looks more like the conventional POST process of memory test, drive identification, video, PCI, etc., gets current flowing in the system's circuits more effectively. I'm not sure if this is the right explanation, but it seems to be working normally after another week of testing.
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by: dbruntonPosted on 2009-04-15 at 17:52:41ID: 24153795
You can test the hard disk yourself.
Get the UBCD http://www.ultimatebootcd.
Download links are the icons at the top of the page above Overview. Browse the page and see what utils are there for you. Check the memory and hard disk utils especially.
Make the CD and boot from it.
Then test the hard disk with the correct manufacturer's util for your hard disk. Do the long test. Some of the hard disk utils will repair the disk for you.
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Open computer and disconnect/reconnect all power/data cables to hard disk in case they have worked slightly loose.
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Graphics card unlikely.