[NEED help!] Computer fails to startup (restarts)

1st off: pls no pc talk, im not really computer literate

this morning i was on my computer and it randomly restarted itself, it got to the windows xp loading screen and restarts itself, and again and again. I contacted hp and was on hold for 2hrs just for them to say that my warranty is expired and it would cost $39 for the phone conversation for them to tell me how to fix it. they refused to tell me any info without me paying. I still have not resolved the problem, if you know anything about computers pls tell me

model: hp d530 CMT
release date: 2003
amount of ram currently in computer: 512mbs

 

It probably has to do with the amount of RAM. What were you running when it did it? (Program wise)

Also, when was the last time you cleaned the inside of it, it could be packed with dust and causing it to overheat, therefore shut down to prevent damage.

 

i was watchin a video on youtube, never had a problem before with amount of ram, i play WoW on this comp regularly i opened it up and it was as clean as a whistle. i tried switching the ram with each other and that didnt do anything

 

How often does this happen?

This happened to me before but I waiting a few hours and it worked, never happened again.

 

it does it in a loop, havent been able to get on since early this morning, havent tried to turn on again in a couple hours

 

i found something that might play a faction. i recently moved my computer from home office (where i am now on my work computer) to my bedroom. where it was for the passed couple days was a vent (that heat comes out of), i am starting to think the harddrive overheated. poor thinking on my part

 

I had this problem a few months ago, it came down to me having a replacement hard drive put in.

 

i dont have the money to replace that hard drive atm, around how much you think it would cost?

 

While starting your computer, hold F8. It should come up with a menu. Go down to "start in safe mode with networking' and press enter. Let me know if the computer boots.

 

nope, got done showing all those file names, then restarted itself

 

Your OS (Windows) isn't booting because your hard drive is failing due to something, perhaps damage from the heat.

It won't cost much to replace the drive, they're notoriously cheap these days.

 

Might be your OS files. Try reinstalling windows from scratch.

 

did u just update windows?

 

Solution A

1. Boot into safe mode (keep restarting and pressing F1 - F12 to find ur safe mode key)
2. Select safe mode no network
3. Start menu > run > type Msconfig Press Enter
4. Select Boot.ini Tab
5. Select Check all boot paths
6. Follow the prompts

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Solution B

1. Same as above
2. Same as above
3. Same as above
4. Stay on general tab
5. Select System restore
6. Restore to a point you feel confident when it worked

------------------------------

Solution C

1. Open your computer
2. Check all components and make sure they are securely fastened/plugged
3. Clean the inside of all debris/dust
4. Unattach your RAM and reattach
5. Check to see if your internal fans are properly ventilating
6. Smell your power supply, if it smells burnt - replace
7. Close your computer and restart

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I hope this helps. If it doesnt I may have some more solutions, providing you have more information on your system/problem.


-persia_ugly

 

If the hardddive was fried then it would not be able to start up at all. I opened up the computer, cleaned it, took out and put the ram back in and it still doesn't work, I do not have the disks for windows so I cannot reinstall it

persia - I cannot even get it2 safe mode, when it lists all those files, it restarts afterwards. I'm starting to think that just the ram is shot, for now a friend just to me to have the computer sit for a while unplugged and that is what I am going to do

I will post back here after 24 hours of comp sitting, been sitting since 9:00pm eastern last night

 

Damage hard disks can still partly boot, as could be your problem. What version of windows do you have? what does your screen say seconds before it restarts? Does it get to the point of the windows splash screen?


Ok try this.

As your computer starts and hits the first displayed boot screen press DEL, or any other key designated on your screen (Before windows tries to boot)
This should start an internal program (BIOS) and open a wide array of options, including the boot process. Scroll through the options and look for your boot process options. Scroll through the options It will auto display the options available with your hard drive as a selectable option. Choose your hard drive as the Primary boot (Master). Then if you have a Secondary hard drive select it as secondary boot (Slave) of coarse, if not set it as your CD ROM for secondary boot. Third boot option is not important at this point, but set it as your floppy drive A: or network boot.

(While your in the bois set your splash screen to "Off" and your quickboot "Off" This will allow you to see more information on your boot process)

Now exit and save your settings, try it out and see if it boots. If it still does not you will want to check your hard drives jumpers. You have to physically take out your hard disk and look at the back of it and look for pins and a plastic piece that connects a pair of them. Usually there is a diagram and/or markings saying "MA" and "SL" (Master and Slave) Make sure the primary hard disk jumpers (plastic piece) connect on the MA and secondary drive connects the SL. If your not sure you can google your unique hard drive to check the jumper specifications.
Once again, your primary drive has to have the plastic peice connecting the MA pins. (usually the far Right pins)
Now replace your hard disk(s) and try to boot it up. If this fails:
Go back into your BIOS and set the boot options as "Auto" save and restart.


Try this and let me know.


-persia_ugly

 

hAppened 2 me b4
i had 2 reinstall windows

 

Did you ever figure out what was wrong with your computer? After you saying it was on a vent I'm almost certain your hard drive is damaged and you will need to purchase a new one. You can get small hard drives (like 250GB and under) for around $50 or less.

 

Just give it some time to cool off, maybe it was running for a while and it overheated.

 

Problem: fixed

needed to reinstall the operating system

ty everyone