Is my motherboard or HD the problem with these loading up freezes?

Question

Everytime I turn on my PC windows will freeze during the XP load up screen or within a minute after it has managed to load the desktop (the cursor just freezes). This does not happen at other times...and the only way to get past it in the past was to keep the computer running for a bit in its crashed state before restarting. I guess it needed a warm up. But now it seems to often freeze even during restarts when the computer has been on.

So I am thinking of getting a new MB but I want to be sure that is the issue (I am guessing it could be the HD or even the CPU, graphics card, ram etc...I wouldn't know).

The only way to shut down the PC is with the power supply so often the HD needs checking or the boot sector fixed or even a complete OS reinstall due to a neverending bluescreen/restart cycle when loading.

I would give more info if I knew what was important, but thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Most likely, the problem is corrupted files in your OS. Everytime you install and uninstall anything it will can damage the required files. The first thing you should do is back up your data, music, documents to a CD, DVD, external hard drive, etc.

Next, I would reload the operating system and reinstall your programs from disk. This always fixes my computers. You can go one step further and get a program that will make an "image" of your new install that you can "restore" in the future - like Norton Ghost.

If reloading your OS doesn't help, then you may be right that your hard drive or the hard drive controller on the mother board are bad. I would try replacing the IDE ribbon cable or the SATA cable first as a cheaper option before replacing a lot of components.

The problem you may find when looking for a motherboard is that they may no longer be available for your CPU or RAM type. At that point it may be time to take to the pros for repair.

Good luck

Answer 2

There is a good chance you have some junk in your startup file, or you may have a corrupt Registry.

Do not try to edit your Registry. this is beswt left for the pros. You may, however, be able to download a free registry scan. Try the site below for info on this subject.