Can't get past XP boot screen

[doomsday2024]

Hey,

new to this board cause all my other boards aren't able to solve this problem:

When the computer gets to the XP booting screen, it will flash the BSOD and then restart. Safe Mode doesn't work as it stops at IPFMON.sys and hangs. Now here's the weird part. When trying to reinstall XP using a Windows XP boot CD, it will load all the files but when it says "Starting Windows" in the bottom right, right before allowing me to select my options to reinstall, it just hangs. Which seems to me like a RAM problem.

But,

RAM tests OK in both memtest86 and Microsoft RAM tester
HD has no errors
HD defragged
BIOS reflashed
HD has no viruses

I have no idea what it can be, the only thing I think I'm going to try now is reseting the CMOS battery, but I doubt that'll do anything. Do you guys think you know what's up? THanks!

~Doomsday2024

 

[D3v1an7]

when did the problem start?

Try unplugging everything from the back of the pc except Keyboard, Video, and Mouse
I have seen systems hang on install because of some strange lan initialization problem.

Is what you have listed everything that you have tried?

Please list your PC's specs so we can troubleshoot further.

 

[doomsday2024]

This is a computer I built for someone else, so I have no idea how it started.

Duron 1.6
MSI KT4AV mobo
128 2100 RAM
40GB WD HD
Geforce 2MX Video Card
52xBurner
350Watt PSU

Ya, all that was plugged in was keyboard, monitor, and power.

Ya, everything listed is pretty much what I've tried.

 

[D3v1an7]

Hmm,

Can you boot up a stand alone version of linux like Knoppix? That would at least eliminate the board and chip from being the problem.

Do you have an extra PS around. It is a long shot but an unstable PS can cause some really strange problems.

You said you flashed the BIOS. Did you uses the newest version of the bios or the same version that was already on there?

Did the BIOS detect everything correctly on boot.

Maybe try disableing all the un-necessary perifials in the BIOS and then try to install.

Good luck

 

[doomsday2024]

Hmm,

Can you boot up a stand alone version of linux like Knoppix? That would at least eliminate the board and chip from being the problem.

Do you have an extra PS around. It is a long shot but an unstable PS can cause some really strange problems.

You said you flashed the BIOS. Did you uses the newest version of the bios or the same version that was already on there?

Did the BIOS detect everything correctly on boot.

Maybe try disableing all the un-necessary perifials in the BIOS and then try to install.

Good luck

I'll try the linux idea.

I might, just got to look through all my old computer parts, but ya, I remember reading my A+ study guide and it talked about how the PSU can be the problem in almost any case.

I flashed it with the same and the newest, because I built this computer recently.

Yes, BIOS was fine in detecting everything

If I disable the HD should the Windows XP installation still get to the hard drive selection screen?

Thanks for all the help!

~Doomz

 

[D3v1an7]

I have never tried to boot an XP cd with no HD. It might get to the selection screen before failing or it might tell you that you don't meet the minimum requirements to install XP and quit before doing any of the install.


BTW, you can get knoppix here. http://www.knoppix.net/get.php

maybe some of the video ram is bad. It is a long shot, but you never know.
Try swapping the card out and see what happens