[dccards]

My Dell laptop is freezing at the "Windows is starting up" screen. I have tried to run System Restore from safe mode but it freezes at the Admin log-in screen.

I am running Windows XP professional. I do not have the installation disc.

Help.

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1. Run memtest: http://www.techspot....topic62524.html

2. Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD, and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, which is not listed, try using Hitachi tools.

[Broni]

1. Run memtest: http://www.techspot....topic62524.html

2. Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD, and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, which is not listed, try using Hitachi tools.

[dccards]

How do I tell which type of hard drive I have from safe mode?

[Broni]

Using another computer, go to Dell's site, enter bad computer's service tag number, and it may tell you.
If not, turn the laptop up side down, open hard drive bay, and take a look.

[dccards]

The dell site helped......thanks.
How long does the memtest normally take?

[Broni]

The best way - leave it running overnight.

[dccards]

Ok.....you thinking it may be a hardware problem?

[Broni]

I can't say for sure, but we have to start somewhere

[dccards]

I ran the Seagate tool. It found one error, fixed it and the computer is back to normal.

Thank you for your help Broni!

[Broni]

Excellent