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General discussion

Computer hung during startup, why?

Jan 25, 2005 12:36AM PST

I'm using Windows XP. I started my computer, and it went to the Windows Loading screen where the bar goes across from left to right. However, when that screen would go off, normally Windows would come up, the first few times I started it, I would get a blank black screen. I'd wait and nothing would happen. I maually restarted the PC, and it came up with a screen saying that Windows failed to start correctly(or something like that). It gave me options to either start Windows normally, start Windows with the last known working settings, or start in Safe Mode. I tried starting normally, that didn't work. Then, I tried with my last working settings, that didn't work, either. Then, I tried in Safe Mode, and it started. I ran Check Disk, and found no errors. I really didn't know what else to do, so I tried to just restart. That time it worked and Windows came up like normal.
Anyone, know what the problem might be?
If you need more info, just ask.

Discussion is locked

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Jon, Is This A New Machine??
Jan 25, 2005 2:26AM PST

Is this the machine on which you reinstalled the operating system on a new hard drive..?? Your description of "the first few times I started it, I would get a blank black screen" makes it appear like the machine is new. If so, take it back and get a replacement..

If this isn't a new machine, please describe which SP Service Pack you are using (RIGHT click on "My Computer", choose "Properties". On the "General" tab, you should see the operating system and service pack version.)..and tell us more about what you've done recently which could have caused the issue.

Have you tried following the procedures in the links below to stop conflicts at start up and clean things up a little? If not, please do:

For Windows XP, ignore the first couple of sentences about checking "resources" in the link below but follow the rest of the procedures including the "Services" links at the bottom.

How To Shut Down Unnecessary Start Up Programs

How To Clean Unwanted Files From The Hard Drive

After following all the procedures above, run Error Checking/Chkdsk and Defrag to optimize the hard drive:

How To Run 'Error Checking/Chkdsk' On Win2000/XP

Hope this helps and let us know how it goes.

Grif

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Yeah, this is the new machine, but...
Jan 25, 2005 3:19AM PST

This is the new hard drive that I formatted. I meant "the first few times today". I should have said "when I first started it this morning, it hung during startup". Its been working fine, as far as I know, since I reformatted it. In other words, I've started it before and not had any problems.

I'm using Home Edition, Version 2002, Service Pack 2.

I'll follow those links, as soon as I get a chance. Then, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.

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Same Prob here...
Jan 25, 2005 3:29AM PST

I have service pack 2 and have had no probs for 4 mos since loading xp home on older compaq E500 notebook. This morning I had same exact situation but i cannot get it to even open in safe mode. As of right now it is stuck on"windows is starting" for over an hour! Please help the newbie!

Bryan

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Bryan, Try...Last Known Good...
Jan 25, 2005 4:01AM PST

Restart the computer and immediately start pressing the F8 key. When the selection screen loads, use the up/down arrow keys to select the "Last Known Good Configuration" option. Press the "Enter" key and follow any prompts to restore back in time.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307852

Hope this helps.

Grif

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I tried all options....
Jan 25, 2005 4:18AM PST

Tried that and others....no good. Then I took out battery, unplugged and then plugged back in and poof....started up. Nowwwww....every program i start locks up. The only thing i have added is Microsoft Money on Sat. I tried to open it up and it locks. I want to back it up but now i am afraid to shut down. BTW... I love computers!

Bryan

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Bryan, Since You've Now Got It Started...System Restore...
Jan 25, 2005 4:33AM PST

Have you tried SR yet?

If not, click on Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore. When that window loads, select "Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time", then click on "Next". When the next "Calendar" screen loads, select a date prior to when you installed Money. Follow the prompts to restore the computer.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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If i do how do i retrieve my Money info?
Jan 25, 2005 7:03AM PST

I spent 2 days getting the darn thing setup and i would hate to lose it. Have all my budgets and accounts set up. Well I guess i will lose it anyway if I can't get it to respond properly. This sucks!
Thanks for the feedback but still don't know why this is happening?

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Bryan, That's Why It's Important To Make Backups...
Jan 25, 2005 7:21AM PST

...of all your important documents...In my mind, whenever I make changes to important documents, I think....What would I do if the computer died right now? I backup important stuff to a CD frequently..

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Another Thought....The Money Documents May Not Disappear..
Jan 25, 2005 7:23AM PST

If you've actually saved specific documents to the "My Documents" folder, most files in that folder are not deleted when running System Restore...If the files reside there, then reinstalling Money at a later date may allow you to use them after the installation.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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That's odd...
Jan 25, 2005 4:06AM PST

We both have the same problem on the same day. And we both came here. Happy

Well, I hope you get it working.

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Well, I followed up on those links...
Jan 26, 2005 6:47AM PST

I did everything you suggested, and the problem has not occured again. So hopefully, its all good.

Thanks.

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(NT) (NT) Jon, Good Job, Good Luck, & Thanks For Posting Back
Jan 26, 2005 7:07AM PST