xp loading - then locks up

[Coxy01]

my machine will no longer load windows unless I am in safe mode, it starts the "loading progress" bar with the xp picture above it, the blue icon passes several times then it stops. Nothing happens after that, the machine is locked up and will not respond. It's fine in safe mode, therefore I am guessing the problem is software related.

Any further advice (without reinstalling xp if possible!!) would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[bcastner]

In Safe Mode use Start, Run, sysdm.cpl
Advanced, Startup and Recovery Options -- Settings
Edit

Add after /Fastdetect the additional parameters /SOS and /BOOTLOG

Now try to boot to Normal mode of XP. If it fails again, look to see if there is a paramter /noexecute=OptIn

If so, change OptIn to AlwaysOff

Save your changes and try normal mode. If it succeeds, repeat your steps and remove /SOS and /BOOTLOG

 

[linney]

Are you using SP2?

http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm#General

While in Safe Mode check out your Event Viewer for any clues.

Look in the System or Application folder. You can get to the Event Viewer via right click My Computer icon and select Manage.

Any errors logged in the Event Viewer can be expanded by double clicking on the error line.

Take any event error I.D. number and search for it on these sites.

http://www.eventid.net/events.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/ee/search.aspx

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Look at things like any third party CD burning software (InCD from Nero, if not updated can be troublesome).

If you are not at SP2, or it was installed some time ago, you might like to try System Restore to a point before the fault but don't go beyond any Service Pack installation date or that will be removed too.