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Computer only boots in safe mode

26K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  mack1 
#1 ·
I have a PC that the only way to boot into Windows XP, is by booting into Safe Mode. If I don't boot it into Safe Mode, it will try to boot normally but it would freeze/hang at the Windows XP splash screen (where the blue bar is going across from left to right) and then there is nothing on the screen (no image). It just disappears. Once this happens, I noticed that the HD activity light in front of the case would not blink/light up.

What can be the cause to this problem? Again, I can boot into safe mode only. "last known configuration" also wont help.

Thanx in advance guys.
 
#3 ·
Hi Techie19,
If chkdsk don't fix the problem, try going to msconfig and under the Startup Tab, uncheck unneccessary items. Normally, you can uncheck all but your virus and malware programs. If you need to know what each item is, go to the links below:

http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
http://www.castlecops.com/StartupList.html

You can also do a system restore to an earlier time when your computer was working properly.

See if any of this helps.
Best regards,
Mack1
 
#4 ·
I reinstalled Windows XP just to start fresh I guess. Everything looked to be OK after doing the fresh install of XP. After the computer being up and running for about 10 to 15 minutes I did a system restart just to make sure everything was in fact OK. Well, I got this message on boot up: STOP C0000218, Registry file failure hive (file), C:\SystemRoot\System32\Config\Software or its log or alternate. It is corrupt, absent, or not writable.

I'm very confused being that I just did a fresh install of Windows XP.

Please help..........
 
#6 ·
The computer is an older HP Pavilion 7850. I tried checking in the BIOS for the temps but it doesn't list the temps.

I would of not had thought that it could be because of overheating, but I'm willing to accept any suggestions to narrow down the problem.

What else can it be?
 
#7 · (Edited)
Hi Techie19,

I would of not had thought that it could be because of overheating
You're probably right, but something seems to have caused a bad entry into the registery during a new install. Since the registery is constructed during the installation process, it has to be something did it wrong and a more reasonable cause would be a weak memory stick or a bad place on the harddrive.

First thing you might do is open the computer up and clean it out with canned air. If you've never done that, be sure to touch the bare metal case before touching anything inside the unplugged computer to discharge any static electricity. Reseat the data and power connections to the harddrive and CDrom. If the drives have a jumper for master/slave, reseat them also. Reseat the memory sticks. Clean the fans with q-tips and alcohol. Be sure to blow out the processor heat sink and the power supply. While you are in there, reset the BIOS by either removing the battery for a few seconds or use the shorting jumper. See your owner's manual for the jumper location. This is a lot of work, but your computer will thank you.

Turn the computer on with the side off to make sure all the fans are turning.
Download memtest86, install it, and test your memory.
Download the harddrive diagnostic program and run it.
Download speedfan to see if there are any problems with cpu heating.

Get memtest86 here: http://www.memtest86.com/
Get speedfan here: http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
You can get harddrive diagnostic programs here:

Samsung http://www.samsung.com/global/busine...ort_HUTIL.html
Seagate/Maxtor/Quantum http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...oads/seatools/
Western Digital http://www.support.wdc.com/download/
IBM/Hitachi http://www.hgst.com/hdd/support/download.htm#DFT
fujitsu/Seimens http://www.fcpa.fujitsu.com/download...es/#diagnostic
IBM/Hitachi http://www.hgst.com/hdd/support/download.htm#DFT

When this is done, do a repair install of Windows to clear up the registery problem.

If you need any instuctions on doing the repair install, post back.

Best regards,
Mack1
 
#8 ·
Hey huys. I have done the following,

I have cleaned out the entire interior of the computers case with a can of compressed air. I also confirmed that all fans are working and spinning (cpu, psu, and case fan). I also tested the memory, and got no errors.

I was thinking of replacing the harddrive with a new one and reinstalling windows again. Do you guys recommend this? I'm seeing this as my last option.

Thanks for all the help guys...
 
#9 ·
Hi Techie19,

Did you do the harddrive diagnostic test? That will tell you about your HD.

Did you do the memory test?

Also go ahead and run speedfan to look at your temperatures and voltages while running for a short while.

One of these three items should narrow the problem.

Best regards,
Mack1
 
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