Can't boot-up...

Get past bootscreen, but no logon....

from WinCustomize Forums
Calling any PC experts, if they have a moment.

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 (5 years old?)as a second computer. Months ago I took off almost all software except XP and MS Works, waiting to have a use for the machine. I turn it on every month or so, and just make sure it still runs. Just tried turning it on many times and I can't get to the logon screen.

The machine turns on, the Dell setup screen shows, then the XP bootscreen runs, then the screen goes black and there is a "click" (as usual)from the monitor, the cursor appears, then......nothing. I can move the mouse around, click all around, but nothing happens. Tried "control-alt-delete" many times...nothing. When clicking the mouse around on the black screen I have a couple times heard a very faint "beep" noise , then the cursor freezes in place, and I can not do anything further. In all cases the only thing I am able to do is pull the plug and start over.

I am able to bring up F2 setup and F12 boot from the Dell setup, but do not have any idea what to try from there. I'm not sure, but I don't think this machine has LogonXP installed.

Any one have an idea I can try ??! Thanks in advance!
3,706 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi arcturus13, The first thing I would want to check out is the very faint beeps before your cursor freezes. Go toWWW Link

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks It's My Secret.....I'm at work, will try as soon as I get home to the "afflicted" 'puter!
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Turned on the "offending" computer, there are NO beeps at all- actually does not seem to now even show the Dell screen at all, but I can still make F2 and F12 work. When I turn on my other/"good" Dell 8200 there is one beep when it is on it's Dell setup screen.

(I should probably mention the machine that is not working has not been hooked up to the internet for months).

I'm still hoping someone out there has some ideas ?!
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A quick way of testing the hardware would be to use a linux live cd,if it is able to boot and run it would suggest your masterboot record is corrupted or you have logon installed or perhaps some other program that is causing conflict,as i see it you have two options reformat using the dell recovery options or remove the harddrive and run it thru an external case and attempt a disk check to repair any errors,personally reformat i think will be your best bet,as for finding a use for it why not install any of the free linux OS's ,you can run mutliple versions of linux on the one hdd with windows or make a windows recovery disk (for purpose of reinstalling back to normal if you decide) then wipe the hdd clean and just run linux installations,just remember if you decide to play with linux make sure you make xp recovery disks


I say run the hdd thru an external as there is a small possability that installing it as a slave on your main machine may cause problems when booting,basicly it comes down to trial & error

PS: You could try the options that you mention about was it F1 or F12 if you can get into safe mode you can run a disk check there after you look at any other programs in add/remove that may cause boot problems like the logon studio,basicly if it was fine before deleting software then that is where the problem lies
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
xscorpx...

Thank you for your response. I was only now, for the first time in 2 days, able to get it to re-start in safe mode. I have just restored to a May 6 point. I did uninstall a few programs May6, but it has worked OK up until now. After the restore it seems to be up and running OK !

I do have a kubuntu cd, and I was hoping to keep this machine and install Linux, but the sis-in-law decided she wants it back.

Thank you very much for your response and help !