Windows XP gets on XP loading screen

[joydivision]

E.g the loading bar gets stuck.

The PC had 256MB of RAM so I put another 512MB of RAM in, this where it got stuck. I then put the original RAM in still same problem, I then tried fixboot in the recovery console same problem. I then went into safe mode and it boots fine did a system restore and it still gets stuck on the loading bar.

Anybody got any ideas? The original RAM is a cheap make is very dusty so I replace both RAM sticks with a Corsair module. But has anybody got any quick fixes to get it working again? 9/10 times I find fixboot solves the problem after faulty RAM.

I've not tried checkdsk yet, I did degrag it before I put the new RAM in so I wonder if the fault is not RAM related but actually do with the defrag?

 

[ComputerClinic]

If safe mode boots fine, that's a big hint. Something is trying to load and getting stuck that isn't loaded in safe mode. I would suspect a driver issue. Check the event log, device manager, and mini dump folder for possible hints.

 

[joydivision]

Thanks so I wonder if the faulty RAM has currupted a device driver

Sometimes things the obvious things are so invisible when you have swearworded something up

 

[NickCat11]

Use safemode to narrow down what your issue is. Go into safemode and start to disable items that could be causing the problem (services, startup programs, drivers, etc.)

 

[Tweak]

Use safemode to narrow down what your issue is. Go into safemode and start to disable items that could be causing the problem (services, startup programs, drivers, etc.)

I'd opt for msconfig and diagnosing the issue with different changes made here and when leaving overnight I'd just pop in memtest and be sure memory wasn't a problem, could solve problems while you sleep then.

 

[apochimongitus]

I'd opt for msconfig...

+1 go start->run->msconfig and start turn everything off, check if system boots. Systematically turn things on until it breaks.... or vice versa.

Apochimongitus.

 

[bagellad]

Test the Ram, then if you can get into safe mode, try a restore, if you cant get into safe mode try chkdsk, then test the hard drive.

 

[Cue]

Test the Ram, then if you can get into safe mode, try a restore, if you cant get into safe mode try chkdsk, then test the hard drive.

+1
The new ram might not work with your system. Brand, mhz or some other factor.
Check your BIOS, load defaults. Perhaps there are some settings there specific to the old memory.

P.d did you take care that no dust got in the contacts when you inserted the memory?

 

[Blues]

I would test each stick of RAM individually if you can atleast boot to a memtest CD. This will tell us if either stick of RAM is faulty as I don't see where we get to this conclusion so far. Check to make sure that the PC supports the new RAM look online for this information. The issue of hanging at the Windows loading bar suggest it is hanging on loading a driver you. There may be some things you can disable and put back 1 by 1 until you find the issue. I would also suggest possibly reinstalling/updating many of the drivers. Running a chkdsk will help as it could be due to bad data sector on the drive. If the HDD supports it check the S.M.A.R.T. data for it to look for signs of drive failure. If all these things pass then it might be time for N&P route as I don't have any more ideas at this moment.

 

[joydivision]

It was a 256MB DDR module worth about £5 so I didn't bother. I just bought a brand new Kingston unit, ran fixboot and its running perfectly now