Fresh format and install of Windows XP and it hangs

[alm99]

When Windows XP is loading up at the Logo screen with the green progress bar the computer freezes and does not move. Before this I had service pack 2 installed, rebooted everything was fine, but the moment I load antivirus software or any software and reboot it freezes and the logo screen. I have to do a system restore to get it back to a working machine again. Anyone know what the problem is?

 

[mechBgon]

You seem to be saying that you had a WinXP SP1 system with no antivirus software for a while. That isn't a good combination, bro :Q

How about try a free online antivirus scan at TrendMicro and see how that goes. If it detects stuff, note down precisely what it detected. Knowing what sort of threats you're up against is soooooooo helpful

 

[alm99]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
You seem to be saying that you had a WinXP SP1 system with no antivirus software for a while. That isn't a good combination, bro :Q

How about try a free online antivirus scan at TrendMicro and see how that goes. If it detects stuff, note down precisely what it detected. Knowing what sort of threats you're up against is soooooooo helpful

I used antivirus as an example, it could be any software, AIM, Pinnacle Video, it doesn't matter. The computer is a fresh format and install of Windows and SP2, no sites were visited, nothing installed other than windows. The moment I install ANYTHING the computer freezes upon boot up at the Windows XP boot screen with the green bar.

 

[mechBgon]

You don't have to visit sites for worms to attack the computer. If there's no firewall protection (a router or a software firewall) when you plug in your network cable between your computer and your modem, it's immediately vulnerable. Now, if you installed SP2 before making the connection, and left the Windows Firewall turned on as it is by default in SP2, then that's covered

Try that online antivirus scan? Nothing to lose but half an hour of your time.

 

[redbeard1]

You might download Memtest86+ and see if you have a memory issue. Though you just redid the system successfully, there still maybe a ram problem.

Do you have the latest drivers, and not just the Windows defaults, for all of the devices?

 

[alm99]

Originally posted by: redbeard1
You might download Memtest86+ and see if you have a memory issue. Though you just redid the system successfully, there still maybe a ram problem.

Do you have the latest drivers, and not just the Windows defaults, for all of the devices?

I ran memtest and it found no errors. I let it run for 4 hours. I am using the NVidia Unified Driver since I am using all onboard sound and graphics.