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General discussion

Vista reboots before splash screen - install disk freezes

Aug 6, 2010 8:31AM PDT

Ok, here's the deal... I have been unsuccessful to get my computer into windows for more than 10 minutes for a few months now. I have tried quite a few things and will list them here. At this time, I am to a point where I can get to windows option (choose install - I have reinstalled a couple of times during this process) and I choose the install I want to boot, then get the options (i.e. safe mode, last good, etc) and whatever I choose, my computer reboots.

So, on to my install disk of Vista to try repair or reinstall... As I've said before, I have at times gotten to a point where I could start the reinstall process and it would freeze at different points. Now, it simply freezes at the 'loading windows' screen that initially comes up... the bar fills up, then nothing happens. Left it setting there for over 30 minutes, and nothing happened.



I can set in the bios menu forever and the computer works fine. I can also boot up a diagnostics disk I downloaded and use its various tools without fail...

I have so far tried every piece of memory I have (verified working in another lap top) I have bought a new hard drive and ran diagnostics on the whole system and nothing comes up save for one thing... Once in awhile when running the system diagnostic is says the RTC cmos battery is missing... it incidentally is not... Now, while I do plan on replacing this (its been rather difficult to find my specific models battery) I have not seen anything that would suggest that the CMOS battery would cause such problems... in fact, my sys date and time are always correct and my settings never revert. I have unplugged the battery for over 15 minutes and plugged it back in, updating my settings once again along with the sys date and time and still, nothing works.

BTW I have also had the same problems with a Win XP disk... which makes me wonder why the boot diagnostics disk works and BIOS works but windows just wont.


Here is my setup... any ideas are greatly welcome

Dell Inspiron 1720

Intel dual core 2.3 GHZ processor

1 to 4 gigs of ram, I have tried 5 different sticks and can put in however much ram you tell me too

250 gig hard drive western digital - also tried brand new 500 gig maxtor drive

Nvidia Gforce video card... can't remember exact build but can get for you later

Ok, please help... all help is appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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forgot
Aug 6, 2010 9:25AM PDT

Forgot to say its a laptop

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The "10 minutes" is a clue.
Aug 8, 2010 11:49PM PDT
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Did you actually do that
Aug 9, 2010 4:33AM PDT

"At this time, I am to a point where I can get to windows option (choose install - I have reinstalled a couple of times during this process) and I choose the install I want to boot, then get the options (i.e. safe mode, last good, etc) and whatever I choose, my computer reboots.
So, on to my install disk of Vista to try repair or reinstall... As I've said before, I have at times gotten to a point where I could start the reinstall process and it would freeze at different points. Now, it simply freezes at the 'loading windows' screen that initially comes up... the bar fills up, then nothing happens."

There is a major difference in what you said:
(1) reinstall means that you used the RECOVERY DISKS. These would attempt to reinstall a complete OS (factory fresh, you loose all your installed programs, files, photo's, settings, etc data). For these to crash indicates a problem with the DVD or your hardware.
(2) Rebooting from an unsuccessful boot, in effect powering down, will logically present an option selection which would include "safe mode, safe mode with networking, last known good configuration, etc".

Some of the Dell's have a non-destructive recovery process (you lose no personal programs/files/data". Am not sure exactly what you did?
Again, I am concerned by your comment: "BTW I have also had the same problems with a Win XP disk... which makes me wonder why the boot diagnostics disk works and BIOS works but windows just wont".

Did you actually try an XP install on that Vista machine? Or was that an off-topic (your Dell Inspiron 1720) comment?

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I'm not shua79
Aug 9, 2010 5:39AM PDT

But yes I have actually dis-assembled far too many machines since about 1972. From a GE-210 to present day machines the story about cleaning vents, re-seating heat sinks with fresh compound continues to help many machines.
Bob

PS. If you meant to reply to shua79 take care which post you reply to.

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opps, thread learning curve now better
Aug 9, 2010 11:27PM PDT

Sorry, it was meant for Shua79.