xp install freezes on setup page

PJF · #1 07-28-2005, 04:03 PM

Please help:

I have an ADVENT PC with Athlon AMD 3000+ processor, 512mb ddr ram, nvida GeForce 2500 256 Mb graphics card, 120 Gb Seagate Barracuda harddrive.

This PC developed a problem whereby the monitor would display the message 'no signal' and the computer would attempt - unsuccessfully to reboot - would load as far as XP loading page then screen just went blank.
Following complete restore - i.e. writing zeros to format HDD, windows XP blue setup screen appears during final stages of install - one where dots progress from message 'Please wait while windows sets up (or something like that). Always on 6th dot computer 'hangs' until a forced shutdown is made.

I thought that this was a faulty harddrive but when I had this error repaired under warranty I was told it was a problem with the 'tattoo' (which I presumed meant Smart Image) but the problem reoccurred almost immediately.

One more thing.....
Following format, Seagate's 'Desktop' drive testing software reads no errors - drive passes test.

However, once XP has been loaded and set up fails, same test reveals 'critical errors' on the drive.

Please can anyone help or point me in the right direction of a solution. I have limited knowledge and experience in this area but have repaired several laptops and PCs however none has caused me so much trouble!

Many thanks!

Pete.

blinky54 · #2 07-28-2005, 06:17 PM

Have you done a barebones system test? There could be a number of things causing this problem.
1. Disconnect everything
2. Reset CMOS
3. Make sure ATX connector is seated correctly
You get the drift of what to do, report back and give us a heads up.

PJF · #3 08-01-2005, 09:06 AM

Blinky54,

Many thanks for your response - I only just received it today - however, over the weekend I got so annoyed that I did just what you suggested. I stripped the whole machine down and guess what...... it's now working fine. Don't exactly know what the cause was but.....happy days are here again!

Thanks again for your time and advice!

PJF

blinky54 · #4 08-05-2005, 12:14 AM

Glad to hear you're up and running!!!!