[Graffiti]

Hi
I have been working with the malware staff for some time to resolve an issue with my Boot process. I originally thought it was a virus or rootkit but my system has been deemed clean.

When I try to boot to normal mode I can get as far as the logon screen (usually) then the computer just shuts down like turning off a light switch. Specifically, when the cpu and memory usage would be highest and the fan would increase speed is the point of shutdown. The fan is clean and working, and, as long as I am in safe mode or one of its iterations I can use the computer for hours.( At least the portion available in safe mode ) I have tried System restore, Repair My Computer option both on board and with the disk. Both of those options allow me to choose a language then it shuts down.

This is a reposting of this topic since I recieved no response and it was deleted by the system.

This is the link to my topic in the Malware Forum:[url="http://www.geekstogo...-t269233.html"]

Thank You in advance for any help before I throw this thing off a bridge.

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When you boot in safe mode, Windows does not load any third-party drivers, only the bare minimum of internal drivers are loaded which Windows needs in order to run, so that the user can remove the offending driver or application which is preventing Windows from starting normally.

You'll have to use a process of trial-and-error to find the bad driver or application and remove it in safe mode. Try to think of what you installed recently that may have caused it, particularly anything involving a driver. And remember, it's not only new hardware that requires drivers to be installed; Some applications like CD-burning software install drivers too, as does disk-cloning software etc.

[phillipcorcoran]

When you boot in safe mode, Windows does not load any third-party drivers, only the bare minimum of internal drivers are loaded which Windows needs in order to run, so that the user can remove the offending driver or application which is preventing Windows from starting normally.

You'll have to use a process of trial-and-error to find the bad driver or application and remove it in safe mode. Try to think of what you installed recently that may have caused it, particularly anything involving a driver. And remember, it's not only new hardware that requires drivers to be installed; Some applications like CD-burning software install drivers too, as does disk-cloning software etc.

[Graffiti]

Asside from malware removal tools, which were loaded after the problem began, the only things that were knowingly added were Microsoft Updates and AVG anti-virus updates. AVG has been uninstalled and I have no access to the Microsoft Updates in safe mode.

[happyrock]

try this... run sfc /scannow...

This command will immediately initiate the Windows File Protection service to scan all protected files and verify their integrity, replacing any files with which it finds a problem.

for vista...
go to the run box and type in cmd
instead of hitting the Enter key press Ctrl+Shift + Enter You will be prompted with the obnoxious User Account Control dialog… but it will then open up a command prompt in Administrator mode...then type in sfc /scannow

NOTE THE SINGLE SPACE BEFORE THE /

[Graffiti]

Hi
Thanks for the quick response. I ran the file checker which found a long list of problems but said they were repaired. We tried this in the Malware Forum also but when the verification stage finished the DOS box just disappeared without a report. I tried rebooting from the start menu but that failed. Then I tried it from the power button which gave me the option of start up repair. I tried the start up repair option but while it was scanning it shut down again. I am now back in safe mode with networking.

[happyrock]

try letting the computer cool off for a hour at least...then try the start up repair again...we are just making sure its not a heat issue...we could also try running chkdsk /r and then test the ram...

[Graffiti]

I let it cool completely, ran chkdsk /r, and ran the memory test in the default settings. Even from cold it shut down on start up repair, the memory test showed no errors, and chkdsk ran in the safe mode loading process but produced no report that I am aware of unless it's buried in a log file like sfc was. Still no luck booting into normal mode.

[happyrock]

I want to see the chkdsk log
go to Control Panel...classic view...Admin Tools...Event Viewer (prompt)
left panel, click the pointer in front of Windows Logs under the above,
click Application middle column, scroll to find the list that
says Wininit or chkdsk left click on Chkdsk or Wininit...
right panel, under Event Chkdsk, click Event Properties a new window showing
you the log ...copy and paste that log back here

[Graffiti]

Apparently it did not save a log from chkdsk. I ran chkdsk again and still no log. I checked for both chkdsk and Winit. On restart the driver files loaded in safe mode then I had about 1 1/2 hrs. of disk activity before it attempted to start on its own. That would have been in normal mode but it shut down as usual. I then restarted in safe mode to search for the log file to no avail.

[happyrock]

give me the make and model of your computer...we are going to run a hard drive test...

[Graffiti]

Gateway MT3705 The Disk is listed as HTS421210H9AT00 ATA Device

[happyrock]

quickly determine whether or not a hard drive is really malfunctioning, Drive Fitness Test (DFT) — part of the drive fitness technologies -- uses a PC-based program that accesses special hard drive microcode, enabling users to diagnose proper drive operation.

DFT can be integrated into system diagnostic packages, which system integrators can distribute by diskette, CD-ROM, or in a special, protected partition on a hard drive. Users can then invoke DFT at the direction of the system integrator's telephone support staff.
A version of DFT with a menu for users is also available for downloading here (select "download").
scroll down and click on cd image...download it and then go here and get burncdcc ..a small FAST no frills iso burning program...


NOTE...do not put a blank cd in until burncdcc opens the tray for you
1. click on BurnCDCC.exe
2. Browse to the ISO file you want to burn on cd/dvd ....in this case its ftool_215.iso
3. Select the ISO file
4. click on Start

make sure in the bios the cd drive is the first boot device....put the cd in the cd drive..boot your computer
run the extended test

Edited by happyrock, 22 April 2010 - 07:23 PM.

[Graffiti]

I downloaded and ran the tool but it only gave me basic info on the disk. The only test available to run was the temp test which I did. That did not go above 39C.

I think I found the problem..ftool_215 is the feature tool for changing settings. The diagnostic tool is dft32_v416. Will try that and be back.

Edited by Graffiti, 22 April 2010 - 08:34 PM.

[Graffiti]

I ran the Advanced test in dft_v416 and it returned a Ox00 (no errors)

[happyrock]

we will have to try the start up repair again...this time ask someone you know that runs vista to burn a recovery cd for you and boot from that cd and try the start up repair option again...