Windows XP rebooting PC - and will not start - help please

BIOS Questions that don't belong in the other forums. Read them!
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IanL
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Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 24, 2003 2:46 am

:?:
Hi all,

Think my problem may be down to a fault with the DIMM in my PC - but before I go out and buy a new one tomorrow, would appreciate your opinions please ...
1. Whilst using PC today it re-booted - out of the blue so to speak,
2. On a reboot, Windows XP 'activity bar' = animated,
3. After a few seconds, PC reboots again (and again and again!!!)
4. I *can* access 'DOS PROMPT' (the virtual one) but that is all,
5. When I start in Safe Mode, PC locks up during file listing,
6. Tried a re-install (3 different operating systems) on different hard disks but get memory page errors and lots of 'cannot write file to Hard Disk ' errors,
7. Tried installing Win2K and Win98 and neither will complete installation

Has anyone had the same problem? I will change the DIMM tomorrow but, of course, this may be a MOBO error - any tests I could apply to prove/disprove this - any diag software you could recommend (Obviously, I have a PC with Internet access).

You will already have worked out that this has rather 'stuffed' my Friday night so even a few words of support would be nice!..

All the best

IanL
United Kingdom
Merseyside (home of the Beetles - Yeh Yeh Yeh)
soupy
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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Flash your BIOS at your own risk.
IanL
New visitors - please read the rules.
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 24, 2003 2:46 am

Many thanks - I actually discovered a posting recommending this after I posted - and downloaded the package last night. The screen was RED with errors when I ran it!

But - I also ran it on another of my PCs - and errors were found there also - but, admittedly, not as many - on the 'faulty' PC, no part of memory passed!

Anyway, off to the shop to buy some more RAM - fingers crossed that it is this and not the CPU - only 6 weeks old though so under warranty.

Again, many thanks for taking the trouble to reply.

Best Regards

IanL
IanL
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Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 24, 2003 2:46 am

It was the DIMM - put in a new one (identical spec) and ran the 'GoldMemory' check programme - and it reported OK.

Booted the PC and worked OK.

Swopped the chips again and, same problems generated.

Many thanks for the help and advice - hope this 'summary' helps others with a similar problem.

Best Wishes

IanL
soupy
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Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2002 1:06 am
Location: Ontario, Canada
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Thanks for the feedback.

This just underscores the need to buy quality RAM.
Flash your BIOS at your own risk.
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