Windows XP Pro hangs after startup logo on cold boot

[RMSistight]

My first reaction is the hardware connectors aren't in place. My second reaction is to check the seating of the memory. But the system works fine on a reset or a restart from Safe Mode. Any sugguestions?

 

[LiLithTecH]

Have you ENABLED BOOT LOGGING in WinXP?

Have you checked the EVENT LOG for a clue?

Any USB devices connected?

Definitely leaning in the hardware direction (most likely a BIOS setting).

 

[RMSistight]

I haven't enabled boot logging or check the event log. How do you those? I think a keyboard is connected through the USB. I'm thinking it's hardware issue too. I might as well reset the BIOS settings back to optimal to see if it works.

 

[oboeguy]

I had something weird like this happen. I swapped out a Radeon 8500 128MB for a 9700 Pro and suddenly the machine would online boot properly if it was started shortly after shutdown (like seconds) or if it was officially restarted. I never did sort out the problem. The 9700 Pro went into a new system eventually and the old box went back to integrated video. Neither has the issue.

I guess my point is to ask if you have changed hardware lately. Anyway, good luck!

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: RMSistight
My first reaction is the hardware connectors aren't in place. My second reaction is to check the seating of the memory. But the system works fine on a reset or a restart from Safe Mode. Any sugguestions?

My first question would be, is this a new system or a new upgrade? Gut reaction is a Power supply problem. Sometimes this happens because a "suspect" Power Supply cannot generate enough power from a cold boot but once warmed up for a few seconds, can get over the power hurdle. I used to see some of the exact same symptoms on the old ECS K7S5A boards that people used with low quality PS's.

 

[LiLithTecH]

To ENABLE Boot Logging, Press F8 at Bootup, the Chose Windows Advanced Options \ Enable Boot logging

To Check the Event LOG, go to:

START \ SETTINGS \ CONTROL PANEL \ ADMINISTRATION TOOLS \ EVENT VIEWER
then click on SYSTEM (note any errors)
also click on APPLICATIONS (and note any errors)

If you post any Errors found here we may be able to better help you pinpoint your problem.
(post the ERROR EVENT ID & SOURCE)

 

[AxeMurderer]

Do you have a network card not connected to anything? XP will hang on bootup if it can't find a IP address.

 

[RMSistight]

The only new hardware added was a stick of 512MB DDR PC3200. Even if that was the case the power needed to run that stick is 2.5V. And plus, this is a recent problem that just happened 2 days ago. When I was working with his computer before I returned it, the computer ran fine with the new stick of RAM in. I'm assuming it's a loose connection during transportation or when I was working with the machine at his house.

 

[RMSistight]

Originally posted by: AxeMurderer
Do you have a network card not connected to anything? XP will hang on bootup if it can't find a IP address.

It's connected to a router.