Computer Constantly Restarts (Problem)

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abudhu

[H]ard|Gawd
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Oct 28, 2004
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Hey all, hoping you can help me with a problem that just started a few days ago.

Everytime the computer boots it will get past POST and when it is on the initial Windows Load Screen (Win 2003 Server) (That screen being the one with the Windows Flag and repeating blue bar), right after it completes the computer will reboot.

Thinking it was a windows problem, I removed the HD, stuck in another with Windows XP only to find the same thing would happen. I ran MemTest86 but that produced no errors. I couldn't run Prime95 since that requires Windows to actual work (Unless there is a DOS Bootable one someone can direct me to?).

I also removed the BIOS battery and let it sit for 5 minutes, that did nothing. I had a power outage due to lightning 2 days ago, but the problem started the day before that.

The only thing I can think of is a Power Problem which I plan to investigate today. However, to see if it was a Power Problem I tried reinstalling Windows on the Second Drive (Win XP one) and it completed the entire install without a problem. Soon as the computer rebooted it got to the initial Win boot screen and rebooted.

So I am very confused. I'll try swapping the Power Supply today but as I asked earlier any one have a clue?

Thanks in advance for any help you can Offer.

This is a Dell Dimension 4600 That I use as a personal Server that I got for Free. It was working fine for the better half of this year.
 
Update: Just tried a spare 350Watt PowerSupply switch and that did nothing. Computer still gets to the Initial Windows Boot then the screen goes dead and the computer sleeps. Getting more confused. I don't know what else to try.

Update 2: Tried Knoppix LiveCD and it booted and ran just fine. So there must be a problem with Windows Boot. But I find that very odd, since as I said above I tried a completely different drive with a Different version of Windows (Server vs XP). :confused:
 
Update 3: Rebooting to safe mode i discovered that the computer hung on Agp440.sys. Knowing this I ran the repair console and disabled the service from boot time. Windows now loads but uses its standard VGA graphics. Because of this there is, obviously, no accelerated graphics so no Video card Drivers can be installed. So now I am stuck again. I can get into windows granted the agp440.sys is disabled, but I can't do anything graphically. Or I enable agp440.sys and the computer will hang at boot time.

I attempted to copy over another XP's version of agp440.sys but that did nothing. I also attempted to change when the agp440.sys service starts, but none of those worked. So, once again I am asking for some guidance and help.

:confused:
 
Try to repair the XP Installation (not the recovery console). When you try to install windows, it will detect a previous install, and give you the option to attempt a repair.
 
enginurd said:
Try to repair the XP Installation (not the recovery console). When you try to install windows, it will detect a previous install, and give you the option to attempt a repair.
Click to expand...


Didn't work. Its really strange too, because this problem just started out of the blue. If all fails I'll just through a Linux / Unix Desktop or Server Distro on there and call it a day. But this really sucks, I am most comfortable with Windows 2003 Server (for my server needs) but I guess when push comes to shove...
 
Update 4:

Old Windows Server 2K3 Install --> Fails on agp440.sys

Old Windows XP Pro Install --> Fails on agp440.sys

New Windows Server 2K3 Install --> Fails on agp440.sys

New LINUX (Ubuntu 6.06) Install --> Works Until I install Nvidia Drivers (I.e. AGP acceleration) then X server crashes.

New Windows Media Center 2005 Install --> Fails on agp440.sys

Repair of Windows Media Center 2005 --> Fails on agp440.sys

New Windows XP Pro Install --> Works perfectly on Boot. After Nvidia Drivers installed --> Fails on agp440.sys


So, what in the world is going on here? Why is a Fresh Install of Windows XP the only one that actually works without problems, even after Nvidia drivers are installed. The other versions of Windows hang on agp440.sys and old installs on XP even hang on the same file. Hell even Linux did.

This is most odd indeed. Makes me lean strongly to a mobo probably, but since the comp was free, I am almost 100% its not under warranty. I am also pretty darn sure by opening it / reinstalling an OS I voided it anyways.

So thoughts? Options? Have I stumped the [H] Community?
 
quadnad said:
were you able to try it with a different videocard?
Click to expand...

Yeah tried a Riva TNT / Geforce 2 / Geforce 4.

Sorry, I own no ATi Cards, but yes I tried with multiple Vid Cards.
 
abudhu said:
Yeah tried a Riva TNT / Geforce 2 / Geforce 4.

Sorry, I own no ATi Cards, but yes I tried with multiple Vid Cards.
Click to expand...

So you did a complete reformat and installed WinXP professional and everything is great, but the repair install didn't do the trick and neither did reformatting to any other operating system?

That sounds really strange....I'm trying to think whether it's the motherboard thats the culprit...
 
Maybe specificly with the agp port on the motherboard? Computers have some wierd issues sometimes. Atleast it is working with windows xp pro. Lets just hope you get a new motherboard by the time windows vista comes out :)
 
rfisher983 said:
Maybe specificly with the agp port on the motherboard? Computers have some wierd issues sometimes. Atleast it is working with windows xp pro. Lets just hope you get a new motherboard by the time windows vista comes out :)
Click to expand...

Perhaps, in truth I haven't even attempted to put in a PCI Vid Card. Seems a waste of time. In anycase, I won't be updating this Free Dell computer anytime soon. Its 2.40Ghz 512MB ram. Decent enough for a small web/file/print/media center server that I use it for. My main is in my sig. But still, Windows XP is not the preferred OS to have running on the rig.

And even so, if I ever wanted to go to Linux, I couldn't get AGP drivers to work there since they crash X. So, like it seems there is a major issue with the Mobo. I will try reflashing the BIOS today to see if that makes any difference / help. If not, well I suppose I can look into a cheap ass Mobo replacement.

But before I even consider buying something for this computer, I would like to exhuast every possible avenue and solution. So if anyone thinks of anything, please help me out. :)

Update 5:
Well I thought the XP Install I just did worked, guess not. After installing Nvidia's Drivers the comp fudge'd over again. Hanging on agp440.sys.
 
Alrighty, as per my suspicions and what every one else agree's one it was indeed the AGP port on the Mobo. Booted up Windows XP with the agp440.sys driver disabled, and a couple minutes in the entire screen went corrupt. Fiddled with the cable slightly and the monitor couldnt pick up a signal. Rebooted, reseated the card, rebooted again. No luck. Seems I can get a cheap $40 Mobo that will work, so not that bad.

Lol, go the (almost) one man thread.

If anyone has problems with their Free Dell machine, consult my thread :p
 
Update 6:

In the words of a Happy Man Somewhere in the world:
(Sorry for the caps but it is needed)

SCORE!
Well, I went back, took out the vid card, jostled the mobo a little, pushed on the AGP Slot, and inserted the Vid Card. And wouldn't you know it, windows boots back up and finds my GeForce 3, and everything is good.

Formatted to test it. Installed Windows Media Edition, Works, even after Nvidia Drivers.
Tested again with WIN2K3, Nvidia Drivers, works.

Happy Day.

Though I don't trust it, seeing as it might go on the fritz again I am looking into a 50 dollarish Mobo Replacement.
 
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