How to Troubleshoot Windows XP When It Will Not Restart After Repair
- 1). Turn your computer on and listen for a beep. When your computer starts, it attempts to complete a power-on self test (POST). This is an internal test of basic circuits. When the test is successful, the computer beeps one time. If your computer beeps more than once, then you need to consult the documentation for your motherboard to determine the beep code meaning. If your computer does not beep, there is likely a problem with the power source or power supply. Check to make sure the computer is plugged in.
- 2). Watch for BIOS messages. After the POST test completes successfully, the basic input-output system (BIOS) takes over. It checks other circuits and the input-output processes. It will test these systems; if there are no problems, it will proceed to the next step. If there are problems, the BIOS will attempt to send a message to the screen. If you see nothing on the screen, you need to check your connections to your monitor and your monitor power cable. Many BIOS problems can be solved by going into the BIOS setup menu from here.
- 3). Look for memory errors. After BIOS completes its basic tests, it will test the memory. This will often appear as a series of numbers counting up on the screen. When done, the numbers will stop and most systems will say OK or Memory OK. If you do not see this or if BIOS reports a message there, the memory in your computer may need to be replaced.
- 4). Watch the lights on the front of your computer. After the BIOS tests are complete, the BIOS will attempt to find a boot sector. It will look on any removable devices (floppy, CD, DVD) first, then it will attempt to find your hard drive. If it finds a boot sector, the BIOS will send control to that and your operating system will start. If the BIOS cannot find a boot sector, it will send an error to the screen that says something about Unable to Boot. If no lights turn on on the front of your computer, there is likely a problem with the power cables to your drives. If the lights come on but BIOS reports a boot error, check the data cables that connect your motherboard to your hard drives.
- 5). Watch the screen for error messages. If the boot sector is found, a program will run that will attempt to start the operating system. If you receive any errors here, before the Windows logo screen, you will likely need to reinstall your operating system. If the system gets stuck during the boot process, you need to locate the problem in Windows.
- 6). Attempt to start using Safe Mode. When your computer starts, press F8 to start Windows in safe mode. This will attempt to load as few drivers as possible to get your computer started. If your computer will not start in safe mode, find a restore disk and reinstall your system. If your computer starts in Safe Mode, slowly attempt to start and install additional devices until your computer stops working. When it does, the last item you installed was the problem. Look for updates on the web to your program or your driver before you attempt to install it again.
Source...