Computer restarts on XP Login/Password screen

**radium** · 27-12-2007, 06:44 PM

My Aunty dropped her computer off while I was at work for me to look at.

XP loads to the Login/Password screen them 5 seconds later it just reboots, I have text her for her password as she did not leave me it, but this rebooting thing is the problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks guys

**Speedy Gonzales** · 27-12-2007, 06:45 PM

Boot into safe mode and see if it reboots.

Get a hijackthis log if u can in safe mode and post it.

Sounds like its infected with something.

**wainuitech** · 27-12-2007, 06:47 PM

Could be damaged drivers, try starting in safe mode, if it starts ok, then 1 thing you can try is starting again as if going into safe mode, but select " last known Good Configeration"

Removing the password is easy, start in safe mode, log in the administrator account, go to Control Panel / User accounts / select her account, then remove password - you wont be asked for the original doing it this way.

Secure XP eh!

**radium** · 27-12-2007, 06:55 PM

Thanks guys, I remembered her password, yeah I had done that once before wainuitech with the password but I couldn't remember.

I tried safe mode, same thing happens, tried last known config- Soon as I go to type her password it just freezes up.

What can I do next?

Thanks

**Speedy Gonzales** · 27-12-2007, 06:59 PM

Remove everything in the case, besides the ram, the main hdd/videocard.

See what happens then.

If its freezes again, if theres 2 simms of ram, remove 1 simm leave the other in, then swap them around, if it freezes again.

**radium** · 27-12-2007, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Speedy Gonzales

Remove everything in the case, besides the ram, the main hdd/videocard.

See what happens then.

If its freezes again, if theres 2 simms of ram, remove 1 simm leave the other in, then swap them around, if it freezes again.

Okay, Tried that- only thing to take out was a modem - it's a Dell- need I say more. lol, swapped out the ram for my ram, I got past the log password screen this time, but then it just restarted - same in Safe mode?

What next - thanks guys

**Speedy Gonzales** · 27-12-2007, 07:31 PM

Take the hdd out and connect it to your desktop.

Scan it.

Remember to jumper it, if its IDE.

**radium** · 27-12-2007, 07:31 PM

I just hooked up on of my hdd with XP on and it works fine, So I'm guessing it must be software for sure.

**wainuitech** · 27-12-2007, 07:33 PM

You can try safe mode with command Prompt - try to run restore from that back a few days, it may allow it to at least get to a workable solution.

If this doesn't work you may have to reinstall after saving data to another PC.
Sometimes you have to know ( and this may be a case) when to save data and reinstall - other wise you can bugger around for ages.

Run System Restore in Command Prompt

1. Boot into Safe mode with Command Prompt – Keep Pressing F8 at start-up then with the arrow keys select Safe mode with Command prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
Press Enter. Follow the instructions given to perform the System Restore process.