Have you tried to start this computer in the safe mode by tapping the F8 key at bootup? Also, have you run the Dell diagnostics by tapping the F12 key at bootup? I would do both and see what you come up with. Almost sounds like a driver or program that windows cannot load or start. If you can get booted in the safe mode and have a virus program loading then disable it from starting and see if it will boot normally then.
I didn't see you mention model PC, but check to make sure all 4 diagnostic LEDs are green. Depending on model, they may be on rear of tower.
You might want to unplug from mains, press/hold power button in on front of tower for ~15 sec and then open the case. Blow out all the dust bunnies with canned air and maybe carefully remove and reseat RAM modules and PCI cards in their slots.
If that still doesn't do it, you may have to do Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files won't be lost but you will have to reinstall all XP updates and fixes. Boot from XP CD, press Enter (not R) at first screen. You should see the XP user license appear. Press F8 (if I remember correctly) to accept the license and then press R for Repair/Reinstall. Once that's done and you get back to desktop, make sure your firewall and antiviral software are running and then go directly to MS update site to get all the updates.
Another alternative is to put this drive into another PC as a secondary drive. Back up your personal files to CD, then put the drive back in original PC and run PC Restore (Ctrl-F11) to reset it to exactly the way Dell shipped it. Reinstall all updates, additional software you need and personal files.
Next time you see that error message, copy it down exactly and post the full text.
dbramlet
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December 28th, 2006 16:00
BeTheBuddha
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December 28th, 2006 17:00
Ran the diagnostic too - didn't show any problems.
RoHe
10 Elder
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December 28th, 2006 18:00
Also try "last known good" from the same F8 menu where you picked Safe Mode.
Ron
BeTheBuddha
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December 28th, 2006 19:00
On ocassion I'll get an error message that says something about a duplicate file, but I don't always get it.
BeTheBuddha
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December 28th, 2006 22:00
It's a Dell Laptop - Inspiron 8500
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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December 28th, 2006 22:00
You might want to unplug from mains, press/hold power button in on front of tower for ~15 sec and then open the case. Blow out all the dust bunnies with canned air and maybe carefully remove and reseat RAM modules and PCI cards in their slots.
If that still doesn't do it, you may have to do Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files won't be lost but you will have to reinstall all XP updates and fixes. Boot from XP CD, press Enter (not R) at first screen. You should see the XP user license appear. Press F8 (if I remember correctly) to accept the license and then press R for Repair/Reinstall. Once that's done and you get back to desktop, make sure your firewall and antiviral software are running and then go directly to MS update site to get all the updates.
Another alternative is to put this drive into another PC as a secondary drive. Back up your personal files to CD, then put the drive back in original PC and run PC Restore (Ctrl-F11) to reset it to exactly the way Dell shipped it. Reinstall all updates, additional software you need and personal files.
Next time you see that error message, copy it down exactly and post the full text.
Ron
Message Edited by RoHe on 12-28-200604:43 PM