Why does my computer sometimes fail to load and other times it loads just fine?

Question

Sometimes, instead of windows loading, it just goes to a blank gray screen with a white flashing cursor in the upper left corner. Other times it has no problems at all loading. What is wrong with it and how can I get it fixed?

I get the regular Compaq screen and then it goes to the blank screen with the flashing cursor. It doesn't get as far as the Windows screen.

Answer 1

Try the chkdsk function I describe (far) below....

-----
If those answers about startup programs and downloaded programs were correct, your problem would appear more consistently.

When exactly does the flashing cursor appears? If you see the Windows start screen and then the flashing cursor, then the problem is likely from Windows. In this case I would first run antivirus and antispywear programs. You can find free antivirus scans on line from the major companies, and for antispywear I'd check out Spybot S&D and Lavasoft's Adaware (when your computer works, of course). You could also try performing a system restore to a date when the computer didn't freeze like that (open XP's help and type system restore and you can find it).


If however the cursor flashes before you see the computer boot up properly, then you may simply have a loose connection somewhere in your hardware. Open the computer, ground yourself by touching something heavy and metal (like the case of the power supply inside the computer) - you don't want to give a static shock to computer chips. Make sure the hard drive cables are seated firmly both in the back of the drive and on the motherboard. Also (after grounding yourself) press down firmly on your memory chips to make sure they are seated properly. Don't force anything or push to hard of course. Repeat this will all the cables. Be gentle and don't go unconnecting something you don't understand. Close up the computer and try it some more.

You might also have some hard drive errors. Try running chkdsk, the Windows disk checking program. When your computer is running (obviously!) click Start, Run, and type "chkdsk /f" (without the quotes). Windows will probably tell you it can;t run because the disk is locked, and will ask you if you want to run it when you reboot. Type the Y key and then close Windows and reboot. Windows will run the check on reboot.

Answer 2

you need to run msconfig and stop usless programs starting at start up you dont need over half of the ones that start up when the computer starts up. to do this go to start run type in msconfig then select startup menu then untick the programs that you dont need to start up

Answer 3

Too many programs and downloads from the internet