Double Boot Sequence when Computer's has been off for several hours

[jovenis9]

Two things happened recently:

1) I upgraded from 512mb RAM (dual channel PC3200) on Asus P4P800 Deluxe to 1.5gb (adding two 512mb PC3200; one Infineon and one Nanya)
2) I got the Stubby.B virus and some other spyware b/c I accidentally clicked on "Yes" to a ActiveX pop up. I think it's cleaned up but who knows.

Since then I've been having some booting problems (or annoyances). When the computer has been off (overnight) and I try booting, it will re-boot in the middle of the boot sequence (right after the WinXP Pro graphic) but ends up booting up correctly on the second try. This only happens when the computer's been off for a while. In order words, it doesn't happen with I shut down, wait a few minutes and boot again.

I'm wondering if it's a virus related problem or if it's the RAM. I haven't had any freezes or other side effects once I'm running XP.

I can't run memtest86 b/c I don't have a floppy drive (didn't think I would need one). Is there any other decent memory quality utility that doesn't require a boot disk? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: One other thing I did recently is upgrade the graphics card. But I don't think that's the problem.

 

[Smilin]

First, you've got something intermittent during a boot so it's likely hardware, not software - don't pull your hair out digging through drivers and whatnot.

I believe this memory tester from microsoft is CD based:
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

 

[MrChad]

Memtest86 provides ISO images that you can use to create bootable cds. No floppy necessary.

 

[fisheye]

If you turn off automatic restarts, it should give you an error message instead of just rebooting...can help a lot in pinpointing the source of the error.

system properties > advanced tab > startup and recovery settings button > uncheck automatically restart

 

[jovenis9]

Thanks. I'll try that tonight and see what error message I get.