Computer Wont Boot

[blueman1388]

hello all.
i just build a computer and it keeps restarting right befor the windows startup screen. I cant figure it out.It wont boot in safe mode. Im on the hard drive now so i dont think its this hdd. I tried 1 mem stick at a time and nothing. My psu seems fine runs good. So im stuck. i read everywhere of what i can do but i cant figure it out. Everything is brand new. 2x2gb ram, amd 5100+ cpu, 500w psu, gigabyte s-series mb. any help would be appriciated

[KarmaKiller]

Hi there welcome to TIMO!
So your trying to use your harddrive from another machine, with the windows install on the new system?
If so, that's not going to work. That HDD contains all the drivers for your OLD system. Which obviously you need the drivers for the NEW system.
So your looking at a couple of options here.
1. Backup files you want saved, and wipe the HDD and start with a fresh install.

2. Do this.
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/...4/m/1400925745

3. Buy another copy of XP/Vista

(hint: number 2 costs no money)

Good luck

[Dj-Icer]

Welcome to TechIMO.

You said, it kept on restarting right before the Windows login? Do I understand it correctly?

You didn't receive any error message, did you? So, it shuts off all of a suddent, like a power failure?

This is just another suggestion though. I could be wrong but I think it's got something to do with 2 factors; the power supply or the RAM.

What I would do is, I try find an old RAM and try replace with the new ones that you bought. Trial and error to see if that's the case. Your power supply is fine and I know it works. But maybe it's too much power juice into your computer

[#43 fan]

Try testing the memory with Memtest.

[blueman1388]

Yes. Just before the windows loading screen it restarts. I changed the hdd to not auto restart and a blue screen comes up that says, If this is the first time you see this screen restart if not follow these steps, run chkdsk /f check for viruses blah blah blah. How am i supposed to run memtest if i cant boot?

[Dj-Icer]

Does it say run check disk?

Blueman,

Jot down the error code that you've received from the blue screen and put it at the search bar, yahoo.com or whatever. The result should show that you need help from Microsoft helpdesk. Follow the instruction given.

There could be something like a component or program that is incompitable with your machine, blueman. This is just a thought.

[Detritus]

You want to download memtest and create a bootable CD. Pop that disk in a boot to it. Memtest runs outside of Windows.

[blueman1388]

did memtest everything passes. Tested my psu, works fine on this computer. I try to follow the mb swap intructions but this comp keeps auto installing its own drivers so i cant keep them off. im guessing i have to reformat??

[Blitzkreig75]

Like KarmaKiller says, if you're trying to boot your 'old' HDD with an install of XP already on it in the new system, that won't work, (not without doing a repair installation, anyway). Or do what KK linked you to. Either way, some software work will be required to get the OS to run on the new hardware.

Now, if this is a fresh installation of XP (or Vista for that matter), then you can look at hardware malfunctions.

That being said, I didn't read anywhere if you've disclosed the origin of the data on the HDD you're trying to boot Windos from on the new uint. Fresh install or old OS?

[lemnhd]

I have the same problem , only it started slow I would be in windows then it would restart. Now it wont boot at all. I even went one step farther. I disconnected the HDD and tried to boot with same result. cant even get it to boot with a CD that I know will boot a machine.

[lemnhd]

I think mine is a mother board or Power supply. Can the RAM be blown and still count up properly in the POST?

[#43 fan]

I think mine is a mother board or Power supply. Can the RAM be blown and still count up properly in the POST?

If the RAM was faulty, Memtest would've picked it up.
How long did you let Memtest run?

[lemnhd]

I can't boot at all HDD or CD, So running tests/programs not possible. Or is it?

When I turn on the puter it goes thru POST then at the end of the POST, It all statrs over agian. I can F8 to get the startup selection, make my choice and POST starts its merry go round agian. I can also get into BIOS (DEL) with same result

[Big_Daddy]

Does it flash an error message?

Find a copy of Ultimate Boot Disk. It has all of the diagnostics you need and it boots unix