[RobertRFeeney]

I had this problem once last year...and all I do was a System Recovery, then it went away.

Now, I've had to do a system recovery twice in February and already once this month. And now I'm scared to basically move, in fear that it will do it again. Here is what is happening.

Basically my computer is fine until I shut it down. When I turn it on, it will load up to the 'Windows XP' screen. The blue line goes across like it does...but then it pauses for a split second, then goes again. My computer will then restart itself over and over.

I have/had McAfee on my computer...but right now I am afraid to put it back on my comp, because it is one of the two causes for the problem.

This restart issue only happens when I do a McAfee Update and/or a Windows Update. I can't update my windows, I can't update my McAfee; or else my computer will pull it's restarting trick on me.

I really would like to know what is going on, cause I don't feel very safe having cable internet without virus protection. If someone could please help me, it would be greatly appreciated.

Since that was a long way around my problem, here is the short version...
PROBLEM: Computer keeps restarting itself when it gets to the Windows XP loading screen.
WHEN: After McAfee updates and/or after Windows Updates.


Any other information you guys need, I will be more than happy to give you.

~ Robert

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Windows XP logon screen does not appear and the computer continuously restarts

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, the Microsoft Windows XP startup screen appears, and then the computer may restart. The Windows XP logon screen does not appear.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the Kernel32.dll file is missing or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the Windows Recovery Console to extract a new copy of the Kernel32.dll file from the original Windows XP CD. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start the Recovery Console. If you do not have the Recovery Console installed, start it from the Windows XP CD.

To do this, follow these steps:

a. Insert the Windows XP CD, and then restart the computer. If you are prompted, select any options that are required to start from the CD.

b. When the text-based part of the Setup program starts, follow the instructions that appear on your screen. To select the repair or recover option, press R.

c. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you must access from the recovery console.

d. When you are prompted, type the Administrator password.

2. At the command prompt, type cd system32, and then press ENTER.

3. Type ren kernel32.dll kernel32.old and then press ENTER.

4. Type map, and then press ENTER.

5. Note the drive letter that is assigned to the CD-ROM drive that contains the Windows XP CD. It is appears in a format that is similar to the following format:

D: \Device\CdRom0


6. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:

expand drive\i386\kernel32.dl_

Where drive is the drive letter of the CD-ROM drive that contains the Windows XP CD).

For example, type:

Expand d:\i386\kernel32.dl_

Note Include the underscore character after the "L" in Kernel32.dl_.

You receive the following message: Kernel32.dll
1 file(s) expanded.


7. Type exit. The computer restarts.

8. Remove the Windows XP CD, and then start the computer as you regularly do.

APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

[Retired Tech]

Windows XP logon screen does not appear and the computer continuously restarts

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, the Microsoft Windows XP startup screen appears, and then the computer may restart. The Windows XP logon screen does not appear.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the Kernel32.dll file is missing or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the Windows Recovery Console to extract a new copy of the Kernel32.dll file from the original Windows XP CD. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start the Recovery Console. If you do not have the Recovery Console installed, start it from the Windows XP CD.

To do this, follow these steps:

a. Insert the Windows XP CD, and then restart the computer. If you are prompted, select any options that are required to start from the CD.

b. When the text-based part of the Setup program starts, follow the instructions that appear on your screen. To select the repair or recover option, press R.

c. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you must access from the recovery console.

d. When you are prompted, type the Administrator password.

2. At the command prompt, type cd system32, and then press ENTER.

3. Type ren kernel32.dll kernel32.old and then press ENTER.

4. Type map, and then press ENTER.

5. Note the drive letter that is assigned to the CD-ROM drive that contains the Windows XP CD. It is appears in a format that is similar to the following format:

D: \Device\CdRom0


6. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:

expand drive\i386\kernel32.dl_

Where drive is the drive letter of the CD-ROM drive that contains the Windows XP CD).

For example, type:

Expand d:\i386\kernel32.dl_

Note Include the underscore character after the "L" in Kernel32.dl_.

You receive the following message: Kernel32.dll
1 file(s) expanded.


7. Type exit. The computer restarts.

8. Remove the Windows XP CD, and then start the computer as you regularly do.

APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition