Freezing at startup

[pjnix]

I have Windows Vista x64, and every time I turn my computer on in the morning (I turn it off before I go to bed...too loud) the computer locks up at the Windows loading bar. When I restart it runs fine...but having to do a hard restart every morning could prove detrimental in the long run. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations as to what I can do to alleviate this problem? Thanks!

 

[thrawn86]

Going to need more information, as per the FAQ:

from the troubleshooting section

Determine what the problem is.
Ensure that the BIOS and hardware firmware/drivers are current (supports your entire system).
Check (or recheck) all connections, both internal and external, and reconnect if necessary.
Visually inspect all components of your system. Check for any signs of damage or tampering.
Ensure that your hardware is free of dust, dirt, or debris. Clean what you can, and replace what you can't.
Perform a search, within the forum or on the Internet, to see if others have experienced your problems before.

Narrow down the source of the (potential) problem.
Run stress-test programs (e.g., Prime95, memtest86+, SpeedFan, HD Tune) to narrow down potential problem areas. If the parts are modified/overclocked, return them to their stock settings, then run the stress-test programs.
If you have extras, swap out parts. Temporarily replace suspect parts with working ones and/or run the suspected part(s) on a new system.
Run a "minimum" build. Attempt to power the machine using just the motherboard, CPU, one stick of RAM, one hard drive, and the GPU (preferably onboard). Add additional components, one at a time, until the full rig is reassembled or you run into a problem.

Try out some hardware-based "quick fixes."
Reset your CMOS and/or replace the battery. (Follow the instructions listed in your motherboard's manual.)
Uninstall and/or reinstall the (suspected) hardware drivers.
If you can, update the firmware/BIOS/driver. A new version may contain a fix to your problems.
Return all modified/overclocked parts to their stock settings.
Remove the suspected part(s) from your machine. Replace the part(s) if necessary.
Repair and/or reformat your OS installation. (This should only be done as a last resort.)

Be as detailed as possible. Tell us everything that's wrong. The more details you provide us, the less questions we have to ask, and the more details we can give you in return. Whenever possible, give us specifics like:

Temperatures of key components (e.g., CPU, GPU, northbridge) and/or the inside of the case -- also, whether or not you're overclocking and/or using exotic (i.e. water-) cooling
The voltages everything is running at
How long you've had your computer for
Whether or not you've tried diagnosing the problem already (e.g., from software, by finding a solution online), and (if so) what the results were

 

[ilovellamafood]

Are you actually shutting down or going into standby mode? Standby can cause similar issues you have described.