XP Startup Problem

[KenB1234]

On occassions, Windows-XP starts loading. It is in the Windows-XP display screen with the scrolling blue icon showing it is loading. Then the scrolling blue icon freezes for a second and the system goes back to the Motherboard BIOS. On next boot, Windows complains of improper shutdown and offers me the Safe Mode boot screen. Eventually I can get Windows to boot okay. May take a few tries though. The system will continue to successfully restart and run for awhile Then for some reason, the same scenario happens. Quite frustrating.

I keep suspecting the memory. Maybe some incompatibility issue. Any other thoughts or directions someone may offer to fix this issue? By the way, the BIOS startup memory check never indicates any memory errors.

ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe MB
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ CPU
Asus Extreme N6800 GeForce 6800 PCI Express 256MB Video Card
PNY DDR400 2-512MB PC3200 Memory Modules
IBM Hitachi Deskstar 7K250 250GB Serial ATA
Ultra ULT31638 600W ATX Power Supply
NEC ND-3520A 16X Double Layer DVD±RW
Tsunami VA3000BWA Mid-Tower Case

 

[pcthuglife]

dude those kinda issues are the worst because there are so many different possibilties.
could be the ram, cpu, mobo, a hardware compatibility issue, or maybe just a corrupt xp install.

the first thing i would do is reseat the cpu (take it out and plug it back in) and take out one of the memory sticks and try to boot off of 1 512. If it still doesnt work try the other 512 stick. if that doesnt work try each stick in a different DIMM. if that doesnt work unplug any extra hardware such as cd-roms, printers, scanners, yada yada yada, anything you dont need. after that unplug any additional fans leaving just the cpu fan plugged in. you have a beast power supply but one of the connectors could be causing a short.

the fact that it freezes before the computer restarts kinda points to the hdd or OS, but wiping your drive is always the last thing you want to do, and doing the steps above will only take about 15 minutes. good luck hope this solves the problem.

 

[Smilin]

A system that is cranky about booting but is then "mostly" stable often points to a failing PSU.

Although not 100% perfect for troubleshooting, what do your voltages read in BIOS?

 

[KenB1234]

> Although not 100% perfect for troubleshooting, what do your voltages read in BIOS?

The ASUS AiBooster monitor utility shows:

CPU: 1.58 V
Memory: 2.70V
PCIE: 3.33V

The ASUS PC Probe utility indicates:
+12V: OK
+5V: OK
+3.3V: OK
VCORE: OK