XP Lock up

[goldenquest]

We have a dell deskstop running XP (downgraded). It's been working find for a long time, but now it locks up shortly after fully loading.

When I say locks up, I mean it becomes totally unresponsive apart from the mouse. Nothing can actually be clicked, CTRL+del doesnnt work, you can't do anything apart from hold the power button and start again.

The machine has been rendered useless. Any ideas on how to fix? Most importantly we want to release/return some of the software licences on it so they can be used elsewhere.

Many thanks

 

[leemason]

When Windows starts to boot up see if you can press F8 to go into the boot menu (you might have to do it a few times). If you can get into this then try booting up in safe mode.

 

[TechKing]

When Windows starts to boot up see if you can press F8 to go into the boot menu (you might have to do it a few times). If you can get into this then try booting up in safe mode.

and check for any errors/threats from it !! run npe in safemode for any heuristics threat...

 

[smo]

Does it ever recover its self, ie: after 10 mins it works again?

It sounds like a process is trying to load, perhaps AV or similar but failing and going into a loop which locks the system. I'd suggest the above advice is first port of call, safe mode and run AV/malware first, if this doesnt solve it then try a restore point from an earlier time, if that fails then remove software starting with the most recent first to see if it becomes usable again (all this using safemode)

 

[Davidoram]

I have similar difficulty with the Windows XP boot.
You must scan your PC for viruses. If you get a virus ensure you should a second scan.

I expect it can help!!!

 

[That Guy]

As said above I would boot into safe mode (instructions here) backup what you need to then re-install Windows XP (formatting the HD at the same time)

This is what I would personally do

 

[FatCatBroadcast]

Use the original boot CD with Windows XP.

 

[mark-simpson]

Formatting the hard drive and re-installing windows is not the best option. First you need to find out why the system is locking up. Is it caused by hardware or software? What if it is a hardware problem, would reinstalling fix it? The answer is no. A good diagnostics is the first step to take in fixing the PC. It could be a bad memory, it could be a failing hard drive. All these components have to be tested. Good luck

 

[That Guy]

Formatting the hard drive and re-installing windows is not the best option. First you need to find out why the system is locking up. Is it caused by hardware or software? What if it is a hardware problem, would reinstalling fix it? The answer is no.

Formatting and re-installing will rule out a software problem if it continues to lock up!

Then you will know its hardware.

 

[mark-simpson]

DIY can do just that, but if you looking for a permanent solution to the problem you will need to perform a hardware diagnostics. There are occasions where reinstall is not an option due to custom applications installed on the computer.