computer crashes at start up- dell inspiron with winXP media centre 2005

Hi there xqqui8

 

Could be failing hardware issue e.g. RAM or hard drive  :emotion-40:

Anyway do the following using:

 

Dell OEM Windows XP CD & Resource (Drivers & Utilities) CD supplied with computer purchase

 

1. Press F2 key during boot process to enter System Setup

 

Navigate to Boot Sequence, make a note of drive sequence list then make CD–ROM drive 1st in list

Place the Resource CD in CD–ROM drive

Exit System Setup & save settings, computer should auto reboot

 

2. During boot process

 

When you see the screen prompt, “press any key to boot to CD–ROM“, immediately press the Enter key (if not done in time you will need to reboot again)

 

3. On screen diagnostics Test Options will appear

 

Select the “Express” test to start with (should only take 10 minutes)

If you receive “All tests Passed” then hardware should be OK

If required you can run extended test (but can take a while to run tests)

 

4. If diagnostics test(s) don’t report any hardware problems then:

 

Remove Resource CD & insert Windows XP CD & close CD–ROM drive tray

Use Power off button to shutdown computer, then power back on

 

5. Follow step 2 again

 

Windows Setup process will start (can take a few minutes), 3 options appear

 

Select option 2 by pressing the letter R key to launch Recovery Console

 

The command prompt C:\> will appear on the screen

Type in the term chkdsk /r & press Enter key (blank space between chkdsk & /)

 

Screen will indicate that CHKDSK is performing checks & recovery

The process can take anything from 1 to 8 hours to complete & provide an error/fix report

 

When completed, at the command prompt C:\> type in Exit & press Enter key

 

6. You can leave Windows XP CD in the CD–ROM drive but don’t press any key at the prompt

 

Boot process will successfully load Windows if diagnostics test(s) were OK & CHKDSK fixed corrupt/missing files

 

Open CD–ROM drive & remove Windows XP CD

 

If Windows does boot load

Suggest you backup ALL personal data to external media (USB flash drive, CDs etc) as soon as possible (some hardware may be heading south)  :emotion-55:

 

On next reboot, repeat step 1 to restore boot sequence back to original noted drive sequence

 

thanks BELL BOY

for detailed reply and procedure. my another problem is that my CD drive is not working, and hence i am stuck with current installed version. is there another way to work around it with usb? i can have access to another desktop comp (and its optical drive) and a usb key upto 2GB/ external HD with 10 or 20 GB partition.

thanks...

Hi again xqqui8

 

Don’t think you mentioned Inspiron model?

 

Anyway, if it’s important that ALL personal data is recovered, then you may want to consider removing hard drive & connect it to “other” computer to copy over your data before trying any recovery/repair/reinstall options

 

You can use an external connected USB drive device only if motherboard (mobo) BIOS recognises/allows external USB boot type drive device

You need to use F2 key during boot process & check System Setup (BIOS) boot sequence options

 

The drive device also needs to be formatted & contain required boot sector files

 

Procedure details for installing XP using a USB flash drive are available from many web sites, like this one here

 

You would also need to copy Diagnostics Utility to a USB drive for doing (first part) hardware checks

 

You don’t mention what the CD-ROM drive problem is?

 

If mobo doesn’t allow booting from external connected USB drive devices then suggest you get your CD–ROM drive repaired or buy a refurbished replacement (not too expensive)