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Question

Have to restart XP PC 2, 3, or more times to get it running.

by Aug 19, 2011 4:28AM PDT

Each day I restart my computer for the 1st time it tells me I've an ATI Radeon 9600 Series video device driver problem. Sending the error info to Microsoft I get following response (translated from Dutch):
"You get this error when a hardware part in your computer makes Windows close unexpectedly and restarts again. This is a serious problem that mostly is called a "stop-error" or 'Blue screen". You can try to slove this problem in two way"s: 1) Install most recent video device-driver for your videocard. 2) Manually lower the hardware-accelator for your video adapter.

When trying option 1 I get at the AMD support website where I click AMD Radeon legacy Video card drivers for 32 bits Windows XP. It brings me to a site where I indeed can download AMD Catalyst Display Driver 10.2 for Windows XP Professional/Home edition for my ATI Radeon 9600 Series product. Two options can be downloaded:
- Full Software Suite, containing Display Driver, Catalyst Control Center and WDM Drivers.
- ATI WDM Integraded driver.
I've downloaded them both but get a message during installation from both that they are incompatible with my hardware.

When trying option 2 I completely switch off the hardware-accelator.

None of these options work so I suspect a hardware failure, but it seems unlogical to me that after 2,3 or more startup attempts it suddenly works again. Hardware is faulty or it isn't? Anybody any idea what might be wrong.

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Answer
That's a known symptom of BAD CAPS.
by Forum moderator Aug 19, 2011 4:32AM PDT

1. GOOGLE BAD CAPS.

2. Next time, turn the machine on then go make tea or coffee and give the machine 10 minutes to warm up. BAD CAPS recover after they are warm.
Bob

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Windows XP forum: Have to restart XP PC 2, 3, or more times
by Rini de Bie Aug 19, 2011 9:38AM PDT

Bob, thanks for the reply. I've given it a try. It seems to work. Very peculiar symptom, but also very simple to solve. I'll google for more information and understanding on this matter. Thanks again.
Rini

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The symptom is well known.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Aug 19, 2011 10:10AM PDT

There are a few million dead Dell desktops so techs across the world know this one.

Those BAD CAPS may be found on any of the boards as well as the power supply. The criteria for inspection is simple. Nothing but flawless capacitors are accepted. The slightest bulge and it's a BAD CAP.

I've heard (and read) folk that say "The cap didn't look that bad."
Bob

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