XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen

GazRicey · 06-08-2009, 11:21 AM

Hi,

I have a computer that runs Windows XP Pro and when I start it up and go to log on, it freezes. The icons to click the account don't even show up. I have no CD for the computer as I bought the computer a few years back and got no CD to reboot it with.

The computer is:
Dell GX 270,
384mb RAM,
2.8 GH Processor,
40gb Hard drive.

I have a hard drive with Windows XP Home from an old computer of mine. If I was to insert this hard drive would this still work or would it need activating again?

Many Thanks
GazRicey

**jarod** · 06-08-2009, 12:04 PM

Most dell comes with a recovery CD but since you dun have it anymore, check your manual for the computer. Some computers come with a special section in the hard drive that contain the restoration files. Check the manual to see how to access that drive. Perhaps from the BIOS, you can initiate a restoration process on the computer

Taking another hard drive from another computer and put it in another computer won't work. The computer won't even boot using the hard drive with the working XP. Part of microsoft piracy protection.

**spike2me** · 06-08-2009, 12:19 PM

Try booting into Safe Mode. (press F8 at bootup) If that works, then go to Start/Run and type CMD. At the command prompt type in chkdsk /f/r choose run Check Disk at next bootup. This will try and correct any problems with the file system. Also listen to the Hard Drive, is it making a clicking or Scrapping sound? If so that would imply that the hard drive is failing. You will need a Windows CD to go further.

GazRicey · 06-08-2009, 12:30 PM

I can't access safe mode. It's not making a clicking sound it sounds normal

**spike2me** · 06-08-2009, 12:37 PM

The first part of my post does not say you need a manual or a disk.

GazRicey · 06-09-2009, 02:34 AM

I have managed to get hold of a copy of Windows XP now.

Riskyone101 · 06-09-2009, 02:54 AM

Enter bios, by pressing F2 when pc first turns on.

Change boot order to this:
cd/drive
floppy
harddrive
other devices (optional)
save and exit bios

put xp cd in and reboot pc
press enter to boot from cd

Repair xp:

1. Boot up from xp disc and enter recovery console when it gives you the option by
pressing R.

2. Next, you'll see a prompt to enter a number corresponding to the Windows XP
installation that you need to repair. Enter "1" and then supply your Administrator password.

3. In recovery console type: chkdsk /f /r
Note: 1 space between k and /, also between f and /.

This only replaces the system files.

06-08-2009, 11:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
GazRicey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Liverpool, England Posts: 54 OS: Windows Vista Home Premium	XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen Hi, I have a computer that runs Windows XP Pro and when I start it up and go to log on, it freezes. The icons to click the account don't even show up. I have no CD for the computer as I bought the computer a few years back and got no CD to reboot it with. The computer is: Dell GX 270, 384mb RAM, 2.8 GH Processor, 40gb Hard drive. I have a hard drive with Windows XP Home from an old computer of mine. If I was to insert this hard drive would this still work or would it need activating again? Many Thanks GazRicey __________________ "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it." "Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance? "

06-08-2009, 12:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
jarod TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Malaysia, Klang Posts: 517 OS: Win XP service pack 2 My System	Re: XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen Most dell comes with a recovery CD but since you dun have it anymore, check your manual for the computer. Some computers come with a special section in the hard drive that contain the restoration files. Check the manual to see how to access that drive. Perhaps from the BIOS, you can initiate a restoration process on the computer Taking another hard drive from another computer and put it in another computer won't work. The computer won't even boot using the hard drive with the working XP. Part of microsoft piracy protection. __________________ Optimus Prime: Were we so different? They're a young species. They have much to learn. But I've seen goodness in them.Freedom is the right of all sentient beings. You all know there's only one way to end this war. We must destroy the cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest.

06-08-2009, 12:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
spike2me TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,482 OS: XP SP3, Vista SP2, Windows7	Re: XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen Try booting into Safe Mode. (press F8 at bootup) If that works, then go to Start/Run and type CMD. At the command prompt type in chkdsk /f/r choose run Check Disk at next bootup. This will try and correct any problems with the file system. Also listen to the Hard Drive, is it making a clicking or Scrapping sound? If so that would imply that the hard drive is failing. You will need a Windows CD to go further. __________________ Spike Baron A Plus, MCSE, MCAS (office 2007) MOUS, CNA

06-08-2009, 12:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
GazRicey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Liverpool, England Posts: 54 OS: Windows Vista Home Premium	Re: XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen I can't access safe mode. It's not making a clicking sound it sounds normal __________________ "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it." "Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance? " Last edited by GazRicey; 06-08-2009 at 12:39 PM.

06-08-2009, 12:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
spike2me TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,482 OS: XP SP3, Vista SP2, Windows7	Re: XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen The first part of my post does not say you need a manual or a disk. __________________ Spike Baron A Plus, MCSE, MCAS (office 2007) MOUS, CNA

06-09-2009, 02:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
GazRicey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Liverpool, England Posts: 54 OS: Windows Vista Home Premium	Re: XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen I have managed to get hold of a copy of Windows XP now. __________________ "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it." "Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance? "

06-09-2009, 02:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
Riskyone101 Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 3,675 OS: XP Pro SP3, MCE 2005 sp3, Vista Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate My System	Re: XP Pro freezes on Welcome Screen Enter bios, by pressing F2 when pc first turns on. Change boot order to this: cd/drive floppy harddrive other devices (optional) save and exit bios put xp cd in and reboot pc press enter to boot from cd Repair xp: 1. Boot up from xp disc and enter recovery console when it gives you the option by pressing R. 2. Next, you'll see a prompt to enter a number corresponding to the Windows XP installation that you need to repair. Enter "1" and then supply your Administrator password. 3. In recovery console type: chkdsk /f /r Note: 1 space between k and /, also between f and /. This only replaces the system files. __________________