JeremyS

I just finshed building my computer. I install Windows XP Pro. Everything goes fine..Everything runs fine, but as soon as I restart it, It'll do the "reading memory" ordeal, and then the screen will just go blank. The only way to get back to Windows, is to reformat it. Anyone know what could be wrong, and how to fix it? Thanks.

NeoRete

You'll probably want to post more info per the rules of Tilted Computers:

OS: What version, have you patched it?
Processor: Intel, AMD, Mhz, overclocked?
Motherboard: what type...
RAM: how much and what type. PC100, PC133, PC2100, PC2700, how many sticks.
HD: size, type, partitioned

Especially explain what "building your computer" means. Built from just-ordered parts? Moved your old system into a new case? Did it all work at some point?

Right off the bat from what you described you might want to check if you have defective memory. Try running the computer off one stick at a time and see if that fixes the problem. Booting from a clean install could be a driver issue but makes me think its hardware related.

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bushboar

What was the last thing you did before restart? Did you just install a driver which required a restart, or alternatively a program that required a restart. In that scenario it is possible that you are installing something which is not 100% agreeable with windows XP. Maybe also scan the drive for boot sector viruses, fdisk your master boot record, or seek hard drive manufacturers low level formatting utility/erasing utility to try to totally blank the drive including Master Boot Record.

JeremyS

Xp Pro, no SP
AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Kingston PC3200, 1GB, 2 Sticks
HD: Right now, I'm just running my 40GB

by building, I mean, i got each part, and built it one by one. It will start up..and I can install stuff, and it runs perfectly, but when i restart, it'll go to the scanning memory, and where its supposed to go to the Windows XP Professional logo, my monitor is just blank, my computer is still on, and I can hear it running. I've reformated, 3 different times to get into windows, I've gone without installing any drivers at all. I've gone with installing my video card drivers, and my motherboard drivers, and another with just my video and motherboard drivers. It continues to do it.

jonjon42

is the Ram in correctly? is your PSU adaquete to your needs? You should consider running memtest on your ram for a couple hours.

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JeremyS

How could it be my RAM, if I can install XP, and go through a lot of things? How can I run memtest? My PSU is 450w.

Thanks.

soopafreek

memtest comes on the ultimate boot cd, with a slew of other tests, which can be acquired here:

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

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JeremyS

I fixed the problem. Kind of...

When I got into XP after a reformat, I added /basevideo into boot.ini, and it boots now fine. However, everytime I restart, I have to change my resolution back, and everything like that. Now I just installed the latest drivers for my motherboard, and I got the blue screen. Now I have to reformat once again. Anyone know what could be goinng wrong?

soopafreek

have you checked your system event viewer? it should be able to tell you what's going on....

maybe you have bad memory? try just one stick? or in the case of your latest problem, maybe try a different video card???

i dunno.

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aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!!

tspikes51

Check your RAM temperature and try substituting some. One block may be bad, causing a crash when you try to use that section.

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JeremyS

The problem was occuring with two different things. 1 - Bad ram, I had to take a stick out, then everything worked perfectly. 2 - Once I get in Windows, If I install the drivers for the motherboard, it does it. I think particuarlly the AGP driver. I've tried the drivers on the disk that come with my motherboard, and the newer ones on the website. They both do the same. Anyone know what the deal could be?

NeoRete

First of all; what motherboard is in your system, what is the version of the old drivers, what is the version of the new ones?
You should patch the system up to at least SP1 before installing drivers, SP2 if you're feeling brave. The service pack could possibly have the drivers that you need without having to install them manually.
Glad to hear you solved at least one of the problems with checking the memory.

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JeremyS

It's a SOLTEK SL-K8AV2-RL motherboard. As much as I hate Service Packs, I'll try it out and see if it helps.