Windows XP startup problem - virus?

Question

I have a 2004 HP Pavilion a774x computer with a Windows XP os on it. However, when I get to the Windows XP loading screen, the computer restarts and keeps on going through a cycle.

The thing is, when I tried to switch user accounts from one to another on my pc, the screen went blank all of a sudden and I couldn't do anything; so I restarted the computer.

However, when I restarted it, the Windows XP system would not start up (or would abrupt suddenly) properly and the computer would restart again..

When I select safe mode on my computer, I still get the same thing: a never ending cycle. I tried the System restore option without any luck, and the system recovery (which I didn't fully complete b/c I'm afraid to erase all of my files) Please help.

Answer 1

I had this happen before, and unfortunately, it was a virus. I ended up having to reformat the HHD. One option is to boot from your XP disk. Another is to reinstall XP over your existing XP, but that option usually causes strange things to happen. It will however give you a chance to back up all of your music, pics, docs, etc and then do a reformat of your drive. I strongly suggest that you back everything up every 2-4 weeks in the future. You just never know when windows is going to crash on you!

Answer 2

I don't believe the problem was originally an XP problem although, with all those restarts during the time your computer is reading XP registry, it probably is now.



It sounds like a motherboard problem. Hopefully it isn't due to hardware failure. It could be that your motherboard's BIOS program has been corrupted. You can first try to reset your motherboards CMOS buy using the pulling and reinserting the correct jumper pin. If you don't know which jumper pin then simply take out the battery from the motherboard, wait about ten seconds and reinsert it. Still doesn't act like it should?



You may have to reinstall your motherboards BIOS program. That is a very tricky endeavor and I would not even try to explain how here.



Good Luck



Oh, if resetting CMOS works you will in all likelyhood have problems with Windows XP booting up. This is due to all of the restarting during registry readings.

Answer 3

I consider you must by some means transfer your knowledge from Windows XP on your Vista. after which reinstall Windows XP. I understand it's rough. But for a few rationale a few of your knowledge in Windows XP won't long past, however a few techniques (comparable to: Antivirus, and many others) will malfunction should you do reinstall the Windows XP. I additionally encountered this sort of hindrance earlier than and I remedy it by way of reinstalling the entire software...

Answer 4

system recovery will not erase your files but try booting from recovery disc