Computer Freezes during Boot Process at Desktop???? HELP!

Question

I have had my computer for about a year now.  It is a Dimension 3000.  I'm not sure if this is a software or hardware problem, but I thought I'd start here first.   5 days ago the computer began freezing at the desktop loading screen after going through the initial boot screens like Dell, Windows XP...  After it gets to the blue screen and I select my user name, it will say 'loading your personal settings' and then goes to the wallpaper that's usually on my desktop, but then stops there.  I can tell that it's not 'thinking' because there's no hour glass or indication that any activity is going on.  At this point it will not shut down, it will just stay there.  The only activity I can cause to come up is the Task Manager, and from there cannot get any program to run.  In Task Manager CPU activity is listed as anywhere from '0' to '4%' and there aren't many processes running?????  The problem began when I inadvertently turned off the cable internet modem and did not close out Internet Explorer.  I'm not sure if that's what caused the problem. But anytime it does begin the shut down process it always says closing explorer.exe, but then says the program is not responding.   I have been searching the boards for a solution, and haven't quite found one yet.  I haven't seen a situation similar to my own listed and I've tried a few things like trying to run in Safe Mode to discover the problem, but it doesn't allow it.  I ran diagnostics tests from the boot menu after pressing F12.  It says that all functions are working properly, and I've checked the fans and they appear to be working properly.   I can't go much longer without my computer, I didn't want to have to call for tech support! PLEASE HELP!

mcommdec_1 · Answer

I did try the 'last known configuration' using f8.  That didn't still got to the wallpaper/desktop screen and sits.  To explain a little more about safe mode, all it did was take me to a blue screen listing 'administrator' as user, I selected that, it said it was loading personal settings, then a black screen came up with safe mode in all four corners.  But nothing else happened...

RoHe · Answer

If you can't boot in safe mode to run a System Restore, press F8 again and try 'last known good'. Ron Message Edited by RoHe on 11-14-200610:34 AM

RoHe · Answer

Disconnect all peripherals including modem except mouse, monitor, keyboard. Press F2 at boot and run BIOS setup. If modem was connected via ethernet port, disable the built-in network card (NIC) in BIOS, save settings and exit. If it doesn't boot to desktop try again but use F8 into safe mode...

If that doesn't help, your only option may be to boot from XP CD and do Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files and any software you added will survive, but all XP updates and fixes will have to be reinstalled. Unless somebody's got a better idea...

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 11-14-200607:06 PM

mcommdec_1 · Answer

Thanks to those who responded!  I used Ctrl + F11 and did a system restore.  Yes I did lose all of my data, but I don't mind because now I have my computer running again!  I've learned a valuable lesson, to be more careful about what I choose to download, and make sure my security program is working properly.  This is an opportunity to start fresh, I had too much junk on my computer anyway!   Thanks again!

RoHe · Answer

Glad you got it running again. Too bad about the data.

Remember, you need to download/install ALL the XP updates and fixes again after the PC Restore. Don't go surfing the net or reading email until all updates are installed or you'll likely get infected with every bit of malware that's out there! Get the firewall and antiviral software running first and then go directly to the MS update site. And there are 8 new updates again today.

Get in the habit of backing your data up onto CD, so it won't be so painful the next time.

Ron

mcommdec_1 · Answer

Thanks Ron.   So by the way what type of CD should I back my data up on, and what data should I back up?  How often would you recommen?  I did make sure to go to the Windows Update section of Microsoft's website and get the updates.

RoHe · Answer

The simple answer is to back up anything you can't afford to lose. Don't forget your email address book and browser Favorites list. Frequency depends on your personal PC habits. Keep reminding yourself that your PC is only as good as the last backup. As for choice of media, I'd use a name brand rather cheapo generics. Unlike music CDs, CDs burned on a PC are not really permanent, and there's a debate as to just how long they really last. Some people check that their CDs are still readable every so often (maybe 1-2 years), and make a copy if they suspect it's failing (eg, trouble reading a file). The really paranoid types use the gold colored CDs that are made under several brand names like Kodak.

Ron

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Computer Freezes during Boot Process at Desktop???? HELP!

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