Windows XP problem

Sounds like a hardware problem and your solution may well be the best one.

For your info.. I'm typing on a Toshiba C55D-A5381. THis is a 1.4 Gig AMD, 4 GIG ram 500 GIG HD 15.6 Display full 101K plus KB (105 I think) Windows 8.1 box.

Deal of the week last month at Staples 250 bucks. (I think it's 400 now)

The HD alone is 350.

I had one program I tried that did not work... Did not try in compatiility mode. and Free Cell, Solitair and the other games I play are much different now.

But I'm starting to really like this box.

handsome51 wrote:
Why don't you just reformat the hard drive and then reload it.

Been there, reformat runs for about 5 seconds and computer shuts down or reboots. It is gone now to the local recycle center so I ain't worried about it any more. Hard drives in box in the garage awaiting destruction. One 40 gig and one 80 gig. Not worth fooling with any more.

shakyjay wrote:
I know you said it is old but just curious about when you did the SP3 update. I know there were some issues at times with SP3 installations that would corrupt drivers and cause a boot loop to occur.

Long ago.

Why don't you just reformat the hard drive and then reload it.

I know you said it is old but just curious about when you did the SP3 update. I know there were some issues at times with SP3 installations that would corrupt drivers and cause a boot loop to occur.

Well thanks for all the help tips, etc. After doing everything mentioned (mostly) I think it is just toast. It won't even boot up long enough for anything now. Just boots up and at first mouse move, reboots or just shuts down. It is an oldie goldie that I have not used in a long time, just thought I would mess with it again for funzies, but I've had it. Say goodnight Dick!!

I saved a few, using Mint Maya Mate.
Mint Maya which is based on Ubuntu 12.04LTS (LTS= Long Term Support), is quite stable. Mate is also very similar to XP desktop. XP users should adapt to it quickly.
If you live around Montreal, I will do it for you for free. I just hate e-waste. Just PM me.

I would suggest that you try Linux. My wife's Sony Viao would not do anything. She would have had to use it as a Door Stop. I deleted Windoze and Installed Zorin Linux, Problem Solved. The Reason I chose Zorin, is because it can be set to look and act like either WindozeXP or Windoze7. It makes for a much easier Transition. Zorin is the only OS that I use. It is free, regular Updates are issued and Linux cannot be taken over from the Outside, so it is next to impossible to get a Virus.

I bet on malware or virus.

Sounds similar to a hard drive failure that I had in the past. Not much you can do about it, hopefully you've backed up the data.

I wouldn't think it is a heat failure, as the computer seems to barely get running before it fails - not enough time to build up much heat. Nothing wrong with cleaning out the vents, though, and seeing if that makes a difference.

Just re-read the thread, you did backup the data... good job. I use Mozy online backup (same as Carbonite or other "cloud" programs) because I just couldn't remember to backup data on a regular basis.