Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

won't restart after installations

by ffxjack Jun 4, 2005 11:23PM PDT

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on a peculiar problem but one that I can live with. I am running windows xp home edition and use selective startup option via msconfig to avoid all the useless programs that are impossible to bypass.

Anyways, I notice everytime I install a new application or windows update which requires the computer to reboot, my computer just sits on a black screen for many minutes. This happens whether I try hitting reboot or shut down first and then manually turn it on. For me to get up and running again, I manually flip off the power switch of my power strip for a few seconds, then turn on my computer again and everything works fine. Because of this problem, I rarely shut down my computer but instead use standby or hibernate.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
I have found this problem.....
by Michael Geist Jun 5, 2005 12:48AM PDT

in older machines whose motherboards are in the process of dying. During startup the motherboard calls for the needed voltages from the PS. An unplugging from the power source and a retry brings it back to life. It may be time to consider an upgrade.

- Collapse -
More info on the cause....
by Michael Geist Jun 5, 2005 12:59AM PDT
- Collapse -
Does this happen....
by Papa Echo Jun 5, 2005 1:23AM PDT

...only when you install new programs ? What if you use Normal startup ? What programs or services have you disabled when you used Selective startup ? Are you sure you have not disabled a required item or items ?

- Collapse -
old motherboard
by ffxjack Jun 5, 2005 5:57AM PDT

I have a dell which I bought in 2001 (not that old). I don't think the motherboard is the problem since I have no trouble coming out of hibernation or standby modes. I actually have never tried shutting down the computer and then turning it on. I usually just hibernate. The only time I shut down or reboot is when I install new programs that tell me that I need to reboot for the changes to take effect. Most of the windows updates require restarting as well. I only mention b/c I'm curious if anyone has any theories. I finally installed SP2 after holding off until I backed up everything (just in case) and then installed itunes and noticed the same problem w/each reboot.

- Collapse -
Happened after installing itunes ?
by Papa Echo Jun 5, 2005 8:39AM PDT

Then try uninstalling it.

- Collapse -
no problems after
by ffxjack Jun 5, 2005 9:21AM PDT

It just stays on the black screen afterwards after installing any program but after switching off the main power for a few seconds, the system reboots fine and works fine. I think of it as more of an inconvenient quirk more than anything else. Just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on why my system does this. It's not a big deal b/c I rarely fully shut down the computer and only install a new program maybe 5-6x/yr

Back to Windows Legacy OS forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info