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Question

Windows XP Not Starting up HELP

by Aug 12, 2013 8:35AM PDT

Hey
I've been looking at my dads computer and it will not start up, the loading bar sticks on the windows start up screen and can be sat there for hours frozen sometimes it just gets past the manufacturers page and just resarts the computer, safe mode has just started being like this too. there was a time i could get into safe mode and it would be ok but now its just stuck on the screen where it shows everything its loading, I've tried using recovery console, the installation disc etc etc I don't know what to do lol its driving me crazy
It has had virus' which I used malwarebytes to scan and remove them
His computer is a Dell optiplex gx280, I know its pretty old but yea!
Any insight on what this could possibly be?
Would a fresh install of XP be best or is it something hardware?
Cheers!!

Discussion is locked

2 Posts
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Clarification Request
About something hardware.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Aug 12, 2013 9:15AM PDT

Did you try the usual cleaning of the heatsinks? That is the usual first round before you try Dell's diagnostics.
Bob

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Answer
In addition
by Aug 12, 2013 9:46AM PDT

In addition to Bob's suggestion, the GX260, GX270 and GX280 models were all known to have serious issues with bad caps (google it). This issue seems an unlikely fit, but you should be prepared for what should have already happened to this unit unless it's been previously repaired.

The fact that this apparently happened shortly after removing something with malwarebytes means that the OS install is likely toast and will have to be reinstalled. Though the symptoms do seem consistent with a HDD failure.

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