xp machine only boots into safemode, fails otherwise

[abc]

wondering what it could be?

it's not like we just installed some new peripheral and we have to blame the drivers...

it's not like we overset the displays resolution mode and the crt cannot handle it...


its just goes in a loop when you click load last known config.


but it gets into safe mode fine....


wonder what's the problem then, what could I check... corrupted OS files somewhere?

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

Can you provide more information please? Has this system run well previously? If it has and no new hardware has been installed ( like you mentioned), then I would not dismiss virus/spyware as potentially the cause. When you boot to safemode, can you boot to safemode with network support? Things worth trying:

1) Running spybot S&D or Adaware. (Be sure to use the latest updates for the scan)
2) Running an online virus scan at HOUSECALL or one of the other free online scans.
3) Check for error messages in control panel/adminstrative tools/event viewer.

Try those suggestions in whatever order you choose. Post back with more detail and/or anything you've tried with its results.

 

[johnjkr1]

Did you try the system restore feature of XP?

 

[abc]

hi detroit... an online virus scan? haven't heard of that...

the pc is a friends computer, been working fine, not a 'new' build, no new hardware installed no pc changes before this happened.

thanks, i had forgotten to check the event viewer...



Johnjkr1, thanks too, again i forgot about the system restore....!


I'll look into this...


thanks for spending the time to type...

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

hi detroit... an online virus scan? haven't heard of that...

Haven't heard of an online virus scan? Housecall from trend micro is a very useful tool. Its not a real time scan as you have to access the site, but it offers a great second opinion to your resident AV software .... or as a first opinion in the case your AV software doesn't detect. I like HOUSECALL because it uses the same definitions as PCillin, which won cnet's editor's choice awared for AV software in 2004. You can check it out HERE.. However, now-a-days, almost all the major players in AV software offer an online scanning tool.

Please don't dismiss spyware as the culprit either. More insight to the nature of the problem could be gained if you downloaded the latest copy of HijackThis and posted an HJT log. HijackThis shows a list of running processes, start-ups, BHO's, and downloaded active X controls which is helpful in sorting out software related problems. The drawback to HijackThis is it takes considerable knowledge and skill to use it correctly so its not the tool for most.

I'm hesitent to recommend system restore unless other things are tried first. Yes, its a very useful tool .... but in the case of viruses and spyware, often times a copy of the infection is stored in the system volume too. If it comes down to a format/reinstall to fix this system, you're better off using Norton Ghost right after you've got everything installed. Its a whole lot quicker to use a ghost image of your fresh install than to format/reinstall every time your system acts up. Sure, you can create a restore point with system restore that would do the same thing. However, after a while, old restore points are purged to make room for your new ones and in a short time you won't be able to use that fresh install restore point you took the time to make.

P.S. Bad/corrupt drivers can also cause the symptoms you've described. Event viewer might give you extra insight as to what is going on. Keep posting as one of us here should eventually help you get things all sorted out.