XP computer crashes before startup Solved/Closed

Question

HI, I have an XP computer with dual AMD processors on an ASUS A7M266-D server motherboard.
For some reason, the computer starts booting fine, POST all clears, but as soon as the "Windows XP" loading screen starts the computer crashes (pretty much switches itself off).

I have tried different (known working) RAM in varying slots, different video cards, with & without CD drive, with & without accesory PCI cards, and I have also tried two hard drives, but the probelem does not solve or differ.

The computer can't boot in safe mode (or any mode, for that matter) and if I try to re-insall using the XP CD, the computer crashes as soon as "Now starting Windows XP" shows in the bottom bar.

I'm hoping that this isn't a motherboard issue, I'ts seccond-hand but brand new (to me).

If you can suggest something, please do.

weecho · Accepted Answer

Just thought I'd relay my experience with a similar problem I had. I wasn't able to get into windows through regular startup or safe mode, it would just blue screen right after the windows loading screen appeared. Also couldn't get into recovery console through the xp cd, it would also blue screen when loading... So I went into my bios and somehow my SATA HDD mode had been changed from compatibility mode to enhanced mode which apparently doesn't work in my system. Changed it back to compatibility and all is well. I think I cleared my CMOS by mistake so just a suggestion if you're having a similar problem: Check your bios first!

realiser · Answer

hi there,

as you have already tried almost all

try also the hard disk itself 

if it works then you'll have to change the hard disk 

or enter your bios mode and check if drives and memory checking is available if so the do these tests

Thanks

Hop · Answer

I'm running Windows XP Home Edition, 32-bit. I swear my desktop has a personal vendetta against me. This is a custom build, btw. I've owned it for over 10 years, and am moderately computer savvy. I seldom ever turn my computer off, and one day, for no apparent reason, it just turned itself off. I went through an entire list of things trying to solve this mystery. I still cannot figure it out. It won't even boot to any 'Safe mode' options, so even the 'Last known good' approach fails. I have unplugged every external device one at a time; then I disconnected and reconnected both hard drives one a time; I re-seated my memory cards; I looked at my BIOS -(and yes, the SATA setting was incorrect, so I changed it back); I replaced the old power supply; and I pulled the CPU, cleaned it and the heat-sink, and applied fresh thermal paste between the two. I still have the same problem. I can boot to the OEM installation CD, but the instant that it tries to boot from the hard drive, the computer immediately turns itself off. I have tried different hard drives - and I have tried everything from the Windows XP OEM installation 'Repair' option to actually re-partitioning a couple of hard drives and made several attempts to re-format and re-install Windows. I absolutely love Windows XP so I am now in the process of buying refurbished parts to build a new gaming system, one piece at a time, one month at a time. There came a point when I finally had to give up on my old system, may it R.I.Pieces. lol. Guess I'm stuck using my 'D3ll' laptop that runs Windows 10, which will never be as good as Windows XP, in my opinion. Anyway, if anyone can think of anything else that I could try, please offer your advice! Thank you!

XP computer crashes before startup

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