Win XP random re-boots

[Chain777]

This just started happening. Every time I try and boot up XPpro, it goes fine (but slow as hell) to post, splash screen and then to the desktop. Then within about 5 - 10 seconds, it shuts down and reboots to repeat the same process.

This all happens with me not intervening at all during the boot up process. As a side note, I've noticed XP seems to be getting slower and more problematic with each update. I know about the XP update being discussed now and I'm planning on removing it as soon as I'm able to get XP up and running.

I know it's not hardware related, because I run a dual boot Win98se/WinXPpro and 98 runs fine. I've had this set up working fine for over a year, so I have no idea what could be causing it or how to fix it.

Any ideas? Thanks for any help.

 

[orion7144]

All I can recommend is a "repair" and see what happens. On another note Win98 is a little less stressfull to the hardware. I've had 98 run fine and XP crash due to heat and memory problems.

 

[Joemonkey]

even though you are sure it's not hardware, you should still test your hard drive and RAM

or just back everything up and do a format/reinstall and see if it still has problems

 

[johnlog]

Chain777

If after you updated XP Pro then it started running slower? If so this is the fix for that problem.

Click on Start/Control Panel.

In Control panel click on ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS.

In the Add/Remove programs menu scroll down until you find this program name:

Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q811493

Click on that name. You should see a shaded menu come on screen below it.

It says: To remove this prgram from your computer, click Remove.

Click on REMOVE.

A Wizard will come up on screen that automatically removes that update program from your computer. It may take a minute or two so do not be in a hurry. Do not touch your keyboard and wait until that update program is fully uninstalled. A message will come up telling you it is finished uninstalling.

Reboot your computer. It should now run as fast as it use to run before your computer slowed down.

 

[Chain777]

Thanks johnlog, I already did that. I have XP up and running now for about 12 hours, but I'm in the process of backing everything up because I'm ready for a reinstall of windows anyway; it's been over a year and it's a mess.

Besides, I'm not going to dual boot anymore; finally made the desicion to dump 98 altogether. My scanner will be useless, but I suppose I could always sell it.

I'm reasonably sure about the hardware; it's quality stuff, Antec PS-Crucial-new Maxtor, etc., but I'll check everything out anyway.

I have a question for you all. I have 2 hard drives installed, and have never really used partitions except to seperate the two OS's I'm running now. Do you think it would be to my advantage to make one partition (~10 gigs) for the OS, a second (the remainder of the primary hard drive) for program files and then use the secondary hard drive for data.

I've heard different schools of thought on this, and wonder what your opinions of the best way to install XP and be able to easily reformat and reinstall just the OS.

One last question, I want to do a 'slipstream' install of xp with sp1a. I've tried, unsucessfully so far, to create the data file to burn to a cd. I'm using nero, and have tried several different methods. Any links to a user friendly site that makes it possible for someone with next to know experience with dos commands?

Sorry for the rambling post, and thanks for the replies.

 

[orion7144]

Have you tried this yet to slipstream your copy?. As forthe partition, it's up to you. I run a mirrored RAID aray so I just use one partition and I don't wory about backups (well I still back up my docs and mail to CD).

 

[Chain777]

Thanks orion, I finally worked it out. After the reinstall it was like I had a new computer!

Can't recommendfull reinstalls (w/slipstreamed service packs) more. It was the first time I did it this way, in addition to the separate partitions, and so far I really like the results.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.