Computer problem ($25 Reward PayPal)
 

I'm at a loss ... I defragged my main computer today and now it gets locked up on the Windows XP 'loading' screen. It WILL work in safe mode and I've tried system restore from several different points to no avail.

Does anybody know what I do or look for in safe mode to help fix this problem?

A quick $25 PayPal to anyone who can give me the solution.

boot in safemode cmd prompt only and run chkdsk

Sounds like some files were removed somehow..probably a format if the above doesn't work

Try booting the computer in command prompt and tell us what the last file loaded is before it crashes.

Boot up and hit F8 then select last known good configuration that should fix it

I'd recommend taking a look at event log. Perhaps some service hangs while starting.

It doesn't lock-up when booting to command prompt or safe mode ... only time it DOES lock-up is when trying to boot to 'safe mode with networking' (then it hangs on MUP.SYS)

If none of the other examples work, try the following:

Insert the XP CD, boot from it. Go through it like you were to install it again, but instead of formating or deleting the partition, you want to repair it. I'm not sure exactly which screen it is, but windows will repair your current installation and add any files that may be missing or corupt. It's always worked for me so the best of luck to you. :)

Thanks .. I will try that if all else fails :Oh crap

Not sure what Im looking for, but everything seems to be 'in-check'.

If you suspect the problem is with the networking, try disabling your network interface card from Hardware page.

i thought you tried this already, well if you didn't then this should fix it

Tried that, no luck ... thank you though

Guess I'll try that now ... thank you as well

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/31874/

There's a lot of answers there.... one that seemed promising was in the 2nd to last post:

I remembered I had been "playing" in the bios recently, possibly just before this error. I remember checking: "Configure for performance" Doh!!! I checked configure normal, no fixy. I reviewed every item, tried all the tricks in this thread (new to me by the way). no fixy.
Friend said: why don't you just reset your CMOS? Uh, what's a cmos.

CMOS reset resolved the issue - root cause of issue: over-confident husband in bios of machine.

did you just recently install SP2? and are you running an nVidia video card? I've noticed quite a few people that have had that problem ended up updating their nvidia drivers via safe mode and all was well

Yes and yes ... interesting.

It's just doesn't make sense thought that it would run fine like that for weeks and do this right after the defrag.

Yep thats what I've read alot also, most people that had that as the problem didn't have the failure IMMEDIATELY after sp2 install, very odd.

Also, it could just be shitty luck for me, but twice now since installing sp2 way back, i've ran defrag, left the house, and come back to windows being completely hosed. :Oh crap Defrag doesn't agree with me anymore.

I had a feeling you were going to post MUP.SYS .. that's why I asked.. :winkwink: It's not a fun one, I just had to reformat my drive for the very same thing.. What caused it on mine is I swapped out my ram and got the same error.

I found this fairly useful and you might find your fix in this topic.. http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/31874/ (number one resualt on google for mup.sys)

This seems to be a issue with XP and SP2.. seems to just happen at random times with no real one certian cause.. Have fun, but none of the fixes worked for me, I had to format my drive.

"Setup Cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD"

I assume I have to delete SP2 first right?

BTW mine kept crashing when I tried to format the drive, my only solution was to install another hard drive and then format the problem drive from inside windows while it was a slave.

I was lucky because m,y drive was a SATA which is hot swappable, so I let the computer boot on the other drive.. then plugged in the problem drive got my files off then formated it.

Yes your cd will only fix pre sp2 since thats what is in its filebase, i assume.

If you haven't tried that idea about upgrading/reinstalling your nvidia drivers I would try that quick before you go through and actually remove sp2, atleast it may give you a lead if it happens again.

25 whole dollars?

pffft.

you're so cool! :thumbsup

Not trying to be cool...

Have you run sfc in safe mode? Uninstalled SP2 in safe mode and tried your disks? Done any anything anyone remotely familiar with 2000/XP/2003 would do?

did anyone suggest "format c" yet?