Octopus Overlords

I have an interesting problem.
When I start my PC, it loads into the login screen (I have XP). Whether or not I log-in or leave it idle, the machine freezes on me within the same time period once this screen loads up.

I was having a hell of a time getting into safemode last night (I couldn't remember the button to press) so I haven't tried safemode yet, but does anybody on here have any idea what else could be at fault?
Could it be overheating of some sort? Something loose in the case?

Turn off all the power-saving modes and such.

Could be almost anything. F8 gets you into the boot menu. Try it in safe mode and see if everything boots up. Have you done any updates from MS lately? Maybe one got borked. Add some more details when you get them.

Okay, I got it running in safe mode. That's a plus. Did a virus scan, that didn't help.
I started it again in normal mode, and it seems there is a program that freezes the machine whenever it starts.
I did also get a bunch of "Critical Updates" from Microsoft. Is there any info about them borking computers?

I'm going to start turning off programs during startup and then turning them on, trial and error.

Ed - I think you and I were having the same problem a few months ago.

Trying to play Windows Media files would lock the system. This sounds VERY similar.

Just before nuking my PC, I updated the BIOS.

And now, it runs like a well-oiled machine.

Something in the Windows XP updates wasn't working with my motherboard.

If it is something that runs on startup, try running msconfig. It allows you to disable startup programs (like Realplayer that NEEDS to be in your startup).

If you have more than 1 memory stick i'd be tempted to suggest removing all of them bar one then rinse and repeat to see if the machine boots up. If all cause the machine to boot up when seperate I would suggest unmatched memory - otherwise hopefully the bad memory (if it is) will come to the fore.

I was testing memory prior to ebaying it this weekend and one stick without fail would cause this behaviour (at random points)

Tals

I've had this same problem, and doing what EvilHomer suggested is what fixed it for me. Run msconfig, click over to the "startup" tab and uncheck everything that isn't essential. Then restart, and if it boots fine then you can try turning those startup programs on one by one until you figure out what the culprit is.

tals wrote:If you have more than 1 memory stick i'd be tempted to suggest removing all of them bar one then rinse and repeat to see if the machine boots up. If all cause the machine to boot up when seperate I would suggest unmatched memory - otherwise hopefully the bad memory (if it is) will come to the fore.

I was testing memory prior to ebaying it this weekend and one stick without fail would cause this behaviour (at random points)

Tals

You might also try Microsoft's RAM diagnostic tool. Run it on another PC to create a bootable floppy, then see if you can boot off that floppy and let it run awhile. It'll let you know if your RAM is screwed

How long are you waiting before you decide it has frozen? Could it be that there are updates being applied on reboot, and that takes a while?

Okay, some updates for all you helpful people.

I said it seems like there is a program that freezes the system when it starts, but if I leave the log-in screen alone, it freezes just the same. The cursor usually turns into an arrow with an hourglass, and bam.
However, like I said, the system runs fine in safe mode.
I considered the RAM, and switched my 4 sticks out. Each time I had the same problem. Does this mean it isn't the RAM? Could it mean that all my RAM is bad?
I've backed up most of my files in safe mode, and I'm planning to wipe the drive (like I should have done a few months ago). Is this too drastic a step?

By the way, I'm kicking myself for turning system restore off.

Eduardo X wrote:Okay, some updates for all you helpful people.

I said it seems like there is a program that freezes the system when it starts, but if I leave the log-in screen alone, it freezes just the same. The cursor usually turns into an arrow with an hourglass, and bam.
However, like I said, the system runs fine in safe mode.
I considered the RAM, and switched my 4 sticks out. Each time I had the same problem. Does this mean it isn't the RAM? Could it mean that all my RAM is bad?
I've backed up most of my files in safe mode, and I'm planning to wipe the drive (like I should have done a few months ago). Is this too drastic a step?

By the way, I'm kicking myself for turning system restore off.

If it runs fine in safe mode its not a hardware issue. Try updating your drivers for everything, but then again reinstall maybe quicker than trying to guess all the patches... Have you installed something new lately?

Byrns wrote:

Eduardo X wrote:Okay, some updates for all you helpful people.

I said it seems like there is a program that freezes the system when it starts, but if I leave the log-in screen alone, it freezes just the same. The cursor usually turns into an arrow with an hourglass, and bam.
However, like I said, the system runs fine in safe mode.
I considered the RAM, and switched my 4 sticks out. Each time I had the same problem. Does this mean it isn't the RAM? Could it mean that all my RAM is bad?
I've backed up most of my files in safe mode, and I'm planning to wipe the drive (like I should have done a few months ago). Is this too drastic a step?

By the way, I'm kicking myself for turning system restore off.

If it runs fine in safe mode its not a hardware issue. Try updating your drivers for everything, but then again reinstall maybe quicker than trying to guess all the patches... Have you installed something new lately?

I fear I have, but can't remember what. I know I got the new Critical Windows Updates, but that was about 5 system reboots before this crash.

Reformating the hard drive worked.

After applying updates like that, it's a good idea to make sure your hardware has the latest updates: BIOS, Video, Sound & Networking Drivers. SafeMode doesn't use the usual sound and video drivers, so they COULD be causing your problem. Glad you got it fixed but you might want to keep that in mind when you do the windows update again.

Bakhtosh wrote:After applying updates like that, it's a good idea to make sure your hardware has the latest updates: BIOS, Video, Sound & Networking Drivers. SafeMode doesn't use the usual sound and video drivers, so they COULD be causing your problem. Glad you got it fixed but you might want to keep that in mind when you do the windows update again.

Thanks for the advice. I don't want to be wiping my harddrive all the time like this, so I'll definately remember this.

Misbehaving spyware could also be a problem. msconfig should have allowed you to eliminate the problem, but some spyware does hide from msconfig.