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WINXP bootup loop

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by gu1911 May 30, 2004 last reply Jun 4, 2004

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Computer boots up to windows logo page no matter which option you push for safe mode or back to last good config??? it will try to run disk scan then shows logo and returns to boot system. Last use of system shut down was normal, nothing has been added... although there was a storm and the phone line was connected with out a surge protector but system was shut down during the storm. could this be worm Sasser ??? or could lightening have run in phone line which I doubt because it does look like a good boot until it gets to the logo. Everything in CMOS is ok. Any ideals???

11 replies

by thechas May 31, 2004

I think you have a good suspect pin-pointed.

Even with the PC off, as long as the phone line is connected, lightning can get in and raise havoc.

It is VERY possible that your modem took a hit.
What is happening, is that Windows gets as far as loading drivers for the modem or PCI bus and then hits an error that locks things up.

Assuming that you have a plug-in modem, try physically removing the modem card, if the modem did take a hit, the system may now boot.

Even if the system does not boot, take a close look at the modem card. Do you see any burnt or blackened components or areas on the card?
If so, you took a lightning hit.

If you have an on-board modem, try entering BIOS setup and disabling the modem.

Keep in mind that even if the system boots without the modem, there may be weakened parts on the motherboard.
I suggest a FULL backup of your hard drive.
Then watch your system closely for a few weeks. If you start seeing strange new errors, it could be signs of the motherboard starting to fail.

I recommend external modems for ALL systems in areas prone to lightning storms. The more rural your location, the more critical lightning protection for the modem is.

Chas

by gu1911 May 31, 2004

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by sgt_shultz May 31, 2004

well, if you think sasser is possibility, seems likely, i would eliminate that.
boot with xp cd and press r to start recovery console. login with local administrator account and password (possibly still the default: blank)
from recovery console, run scandisk, maybe system file checker? i don't know if you can get at the restore from there or not...
also consider an inplace upgrade of xp to repair it..full details at support.microsoft.com

by oneonlysupermouse May 31, 2004

Try system restore.

by gu1911 May 31, 2004

Poster rated this answer.

by hereinoz May 31, 2004

I think the sarge has it, but scandisk does not exist in the recovery console. The utility is Chkdsk. This stands a good chance of recovering your system, particularly if you had a corruption while shutting down.

Alan

by gu1911 May 31, 2004

I finally got into safe mode. Got the following err message Driver for display device was unable to complete a drawing. Display driver for Intel740 Compatable Graphics Adapter seems to be responsible for systems instability. Sz Mod Name : i740dnt.dll ... Tried system restore had ne effect. If I am not mistaken this is a windows driver... so am I going to have to do a reinstall here??? or just try to reload the driver if I can find it. Any Suggestions???