[Torturedsoul802]

Dell Dimension 2400, Win XP Home. Refused to boot, froze on black loading screen. Wouldnt run ERD Commander, Hiren or Ubuntu LiveCD...
Reinstalled Win, now it either locks up on black loading screen or boots to desktop and freezes within 10 minutes.
Anybody have any clue as to how I can find out the cause of this problem?

 

[makinu1der2]

Check the motherboard for any damaged capacitors (leaking,bulged,domed)

Test/Replace the CMOS battery.

Is this the original Dell PSU?

Test the RAM using Memtest

Test the hard drive using the manufacturer diagnostics.

Hard Drive Utilities

 

[Torturedsoul802]

thanks for the quick reply =)
Upon inspection, it DOES look like one of
the capacitors is bulging. I'm not well versed in them though, so I'm attaching a photo for verification.

 

[robertjrussell]

Does it normally beep on startup? and if so count the series of long to short beeps in in order. Is the inside caked with dust? check the CPU heatsink cooling fins for dust?
Buy a can of compressed air available at most computer stores. Do not spin the cooling fans with air, the voltage generated can wreck chips. Use a pen to hold fans still. Take both side covers off when cleaning.

 

[Torturedsoul802]

No beeps on startup, and I've cleared all dust out of the case properly.

 

[makinu1der2]

The center capacitor is your pic is definitely domed and the one beside it appears to have some leakage (may be dust can't tell)

Closely inspect the board for any more.

I would also suggest testing the RAM and hard drive using the earlier links.

 

[Tyree]

If the PC won't run the Linux disc (that bypasses the Hdd) that lets out the Hdd.