main screen comes on then goes to start windows normally or last good configuration, but last configuration screen goes black and won't load
2007-01-03 03:48:33 · 12 answers · asked by gary d 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Agreed with the above. A Pentium II 300MHz should not be running Windows XP in any form. You will be miserable with it even if you get it to work.
If you plan to keep that system, consider Windows 2000 with 128MB of RAM and your system should run much better for general home/office use.
As for your start up problem, if you're unable to get it to load the last known good config. then you can insert the original XP CD and try to repair your Windows installation. Chances of recovery aren't great from my experience, but it's worth a try. If not, then you will have to clean install again. Delete the partition, reformat, and reinstall the OS.
One thing to note is that your motherboard BIOS may be old and not correctly recognize XP. I've worked on many older systems and noticed that some of them around made around 1997-1998 just don't work right when you put XP or 2000 on because the BIOS was not designed to be compatible with them back then. A few work perfect, but sometimes you get flaky problems like this, and other times just a black screen "No operating system found" after installation, so this might be the case here as well. Keep in mind, when 300MHz P2s were around everyone was using either WinNT, Win95, or Win98 so that's what they were developing them for. Some motherboards work better than others, but really nowadays, it's not worth searching for a new (old) motherboard to get that to work with this machine.
The cheapest PC you can buy today is a much better deal and you'll have far less headaches.
2007-01-03 05:44:09 · answer #1 · answered by anonfuture 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, P2, 300 Mhz. How much memory? What OS (last good config would suggest NT, and that processor I'm guessing NT4 or maybe 2000)?
Do you get the single beep? If so, the video is loading. If not, check the video card. Try hitting F5 or F8 before anything loads. F5 will allow you to load (or tell it not to load) each driver and program one by one. F8 (depending on OS) will let you get to Safe Mode (or other start up options). If you can get to safe mode, see if it will start there. If so, it's likely a hardware / driver conflict.
After that, it's hard to say where to go - the machine doesn't have a dollar value worth bringing it to a computer shop to fix, as you can get a new machine from Dell for $300 and a new laptop for under $500.
You'll have to weigh the costs / benefits and go from there.
2007-01-03 06:07:13 · answer #2 · answered by webpager 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a step-by-step solution to your problem...
1. Unplug everything from the computer.
2. Remove the cover so you see the inner workings.
3. Pour in 1/2 bag of QuickCrete and 1 gallon of water.
4. Replace the cover.
5. Shake vigorously.
6. Take the computer and get in your car.
7. Throw the computer into the river on your way to Best Buy.
8. Buy a new computer.
Hope this helps. ;)
2007-01-03 04:22:08 · answer #3 · answered by jerryreneau46816 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really is time for a new computer. Prices are way down. You can probably salvage all the data from your hard drive anyway.
When the main screen comes on, hold down F8 of Del (it varies by machine and OS) then try booting into safe mode and see if it comes up.
2007-01-03 03:51:49 · answer #4 · answered by Mr 51 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Choose Start Windows normally. Are you running Windows NT?
2007-01-03 05:06:24 · answer #5 · answered by Shawn H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's way to slow for today's OSs and applications.
You can pick up a cheap refurbished computer on refurbdepot.com to run surfing and email. Usually XP is pre-installed.
2007-01-03 03:59:29 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a GREAT system to install http://ipcop.org on and use as a real secure FIREWALL for your home network!
http://cheaptronicsdepot.com sells Dell systems (complete with keyboard/mouse!) that are twice as fast, with full warranty, OS included, for $64.00!
I recommend http://pclinuxos.com for systems faster than 400Mhz, and Damn Small Linux or Knoppix Lite for systems from 133Mhz to 400Mhz. See them, along with all 310 FREE distros at http://livecdlist.com
2007-01-03 04:40:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say its time for a new computer. 300Mhz processor? I doubt it can run Windows XP without crashing.
2007-01-03 03:51:14 · answer #8 · answered by Michael F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Lord are you in a cave somewhere? Get a new machine, bro
2007-01-03 03:56:27 · answer #9 · answered by Lane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an old PC. It is possible that you have had hard drive failure.
Time to upgrade :)
2007-01-03 03:51:48 · answer #10 · answered by ignoramus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋