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Can't start Windows, getting Windows Protection Error, System Halted
Hi,
I have a Dell Dimension 8100, running Windows Me.
I can't get my PC to load to the Windows desktop (I'm writing this email on a different computer). Here is exactly what happens:
I press the power button. The Dell Logo (w/setup, boot menu) comes on.
The Windows Me Startup menu comes on the screen (with a choice of Safe Mode, Normal, etc) and a message, Warning: Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt.
No matter which mode I choose (safe or normal, or if I let the 25 second time run out) I get the same blue screen with the message:
"Windows Protection Error. You need to restart your computer. System halted."
I can go no further than this --- can't start in safe mode or get to the desktop.
It's just frozen at this screen.
I didn't install or download anything new on the computer. It was working fine yesterday. When I turned it on this morning, this is what I got. I checked the Error Code lights on the back of the computer and they were all green, indicating system is OK.
I would really appreciate any help, as my warranty is expired and I have already read through the manual (on the Dell website) and searched this forum database.
I have a Dell Dimension 8100, running Windows Me.
I can't get my PC to load to the Windows desktop (I'm writing this email on a different computer). Here is exactly what happens:
I press the power button. The Dell Logo (w/setup, boot menu) comes on.
The Windows Me Startup menu comes on the screen (with a choice of Safe Mode, Normal, etc) and a message, Warning: Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt.
No matter which mode I choose (safe or normal, or if I let the 25 second time run out) I get the same blue screen with the message:
"Windows Protection Error. You need to restart your computer. System halted."
I can go no further than this --- can't start in safe mode or get to the desktop.
It's just frozen at this screen.
I didn't install or download anything new on the computer. It was working fine yesterday. When I turned it on this morning, this is what I got. I checked the Error Code lights on the back of the computer and they were all green, indicating system is OK.
I would really appreciate any help, as my warranty is expired and I have already read through the manual (on the Dell website) and searched this forum database.
5150Guy
446 Posts
0
July 14th, 2006 02:00
Yes, this generally indicates hard drive failure, or a drive controller. This does not mean everything on the drive is lost, but you will probably have to get a new drive and install Windows new with your restore CD's. The you can use your broken drive as a secondary or "slave" drive, and hopefully rescue your data.
5150 Guy
Julzie
381 Posts
0
July 14th, 2006 02:00