Topic: XP keeps restarting... not BLASTER!

[ketamininja]

Hey people!

A machine I received has XP Home on it (just installed).
Installed OK, but when loading into Windows for the first time (Safe or normal), the XP screen "Starting UP" (with the cursor before username selection shown) is shown, and then the computer restarts. There doesn't appear to be a BSOD quick "flash".... just restarts.

I'm looking at the hardware as I type, but wonder if anyone has any suggestions first....

[Adept]

First port of call is the event log K.

You may find a clue to the problem in the system log

[Sandra]

Do you mean that it never gets into windows at all either in normal or safe mode K ?
Or is it just the first start that it restarts and then runs ok,if it never gets into windows you wont be able to access the event log  

[ketamininja]

IT doesn't get into windows in safe mode or normal mode.
Of course I can't view the event log from dos because its in a NTFS partition!!

But thats all ok, because I have already stuck it in my HDD caddy, and can get direct access to the evt files.

Although this has already proved useless coz they seem to be corrupt according to my event viewer. I don't know if they are, or if its just unsupported in this context (XP can connect to other machines, but it must interface with the product ID or something?)...

And of course EXCEL is no good at reading those unsupported formats.... well, not in this case....

Any one have any other ideas??

Memory has so far test OK to all tests including stress.

[Sandra]

I wonder if its something to do with this K :

After you upgrade Windows XP-based computers to Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), a Windows Installer file that is deployed by using Group Policy may not automatically restart the computer after the package is installed. The computer may not restart even though the application log contains an MsiInstaller event ID 1005 entry with this message: "The Windows Installer initiated a system restart to complete or continue the configuration of Update.msi."

Found on knowledge base :

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811996

[ketamininja]

ooooooo... that reminds me..
(Clasps hands around mouth so that all pc pals hear)

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF AN XP EVENTY VIEWER FROM A DOS-LIKE FORMAT???


That would be excellent if I could get a hold of that...
I'm thinking linux perhaps... which also reminds me... I found a downloadable linux boot CD... boots straight into lunix so you can play about, very nice.

Cheers

[Sandra]

Found this as well K but I think this is happening before the point that you are getting to so may not be applicable :

SYMPTOMS
When you start your computer, the Microsoft Windows XP start up screen appears, and then the computer restarts. The Windows XP logon screen does not appear.
CAUSE
This error can occur if the Kernel32.dll file is missing or damaged.

Again from the knowledge base here :

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310396

[ketamininja]

^ I forgot the link, but I'll find it if you want it... just shout

This XP version is straight outta the packaging and a clean install... no uprgading to SP1 been done yet (SP1 is not included in this version), so sorry but thats a good article to keep bookmarked in my XP Troubleshooting folder  

[ketamininja]

OOOOOO... now that may be more like it.

Thats the exact symptoms  

I'll get back to you shortly!

[ketamininja]

Curses.

That didn't fix the problem unfortunately... still won't load normal or safe mode.  >

Just continuing with all the normal hardware diagnostics for now.

Any other suggetions?  

Thanks!

[Sandra]

Does it always restart at the same point K ?
Can you pinpoint it precisely,is it after the detecting drives and bios screen or after the first windows logo appears ?

[ketamininja]

SYMPTOMS
When you start your computer, the Microsoft Windows XP start up screen appears, and then the computer restarts. The Windows XP logon screen does not appear.

What you said doesn't show the LOGON screen, but absolutely everything up to that - including:
the bios
XP logo (and moving bar)
blue background with mouse
the "Starting up" message

The message disappears, the mouse is still there, then BOOM restart!

 

[Sandra]

I think thats the video drivers point K,but that should still allow it to start in safe mode so its a bit puzzling  
Can you try a different card ?

[ketamininja]

Good idea, I haven't actually checked Graphics.
Get back to ya tomorrow...

[ketamininja]

Couldn't seem to nail the problem.
Looked at Windows 98 to see if similar problems found...

sort of.

A20 Himem.sys issue when installing.

Went to BIOS, turned A20 Gate from NORMAL to FAST.
Works fine with 98 now.

Never tried XP again on that system.... the person is happy.