Computer Won't Boot Up

[UncaBuffalo]

I inherited a computer lab with some semi-ancient desktops that have had a hard life.  I got a few of them running, but issues on the others...

First issue, computer that starts to boot up...gets to Windows XP screen...then drops out and starts over...ad infinitum...

Ideas?

[Rennhack]

Google "windows safe mode", that should get you started down the right path.

[UncaBuffalo]

Google "windows safe mode", that should get you started down the right path.

Thanks! 

[hamsamich]

Make sure there is no disc in the drive!  That one got me a few times...More recently a flash drive in my usb port caused this as well.  Not usually this simple but sometimes you get lucky...

[hamsamich]

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-things-you-can-do-when-windows-xp-wont-boot/6031733

[GLW]

Check for an "Enter" key stuck in the depressed position,...

I'm not kidding,...

Old Laptops,...soda spills,....rtl sticky keys,...last user just gives up on it,...

been there, done that,....stuck "Enter" key,...whodathunkit? 

[UncaBuffalo]

Okay, I haven't had time to try everything suggested, because I'm having to swap CRTs around to have enough computers working when the kids are here.

But, let me tell you where I'm at and see if it rings any bells...

I can get to the 'safe mode' choice by F8, but...computer keeps looping on all choices except 'debugging mode'.

If I use 'debugging mode', computer seems to boot normally.  Once I am logged in, things seem to work fine.  I attempted to 'restore' computer to a couple of different restore points, but both times it freezes about 1/3 of the way through the restore process.

Anyway, that's where I'm at right now.  I do have two similar computers that seem to work fine, so thinking next I'll try method #1 from the techrepublic.com article.  Does it really have to be on a floppy (the computer doesn't even have a floppy drive...it does have a CD drive), or will it work the same off a USB thumb drive?

Thanks again for all the help. 

[Rennhack]

A brand new computer is $400 at dell's outlet.

http://www.dell.com/outlet

[hamsamich]

I've used a thumb and an external to fix friends computers

[UncaBuffalo]

A brand new computer is $400 at dell's outlet.

http://www.dell.com/outlet

Yeah, I've been thinking about going that route, but there are rules against me just randomly buying things for the school.  Probably have to write a grant proposal to get it done...which puts us several weeks from having the new computers...  Seemed worth playing with what I've got on hand...even if I can't fix them, I might learn something...   

I've used a thumb and an external to fix friends computers

Cool.  I'll give it a try as soon as the students bring my thumb drive back.  They said (...at least, I thought that's what they said...we were speaking Khmenglish...) that they were walking over to the copy shop to get some things printed.  That was two days ago...   



THANKS, GUYS! 

[Rennhack]

Did you try booting into safe mode, then reinstalling the Operating System from scratch, or just booting to the operating system CD?

[UncaBuffalo]

Did you try booting into safe mode, then reinstalling the Operating System from scratch, or just booting to the operating system CD?

It won't boot in safe mode, only debugging mode...

...and I looked everywhere to see if I could find a copy of the operating system, but no dice.  The computer shop that originally provided the computers did all the software installations, so doubt the school ever had a copy.

[Rennhack]

I suppose you could use an 'alternative' download site to get a fresh copy.

[UncaBuffalo]

So...I played with the ideas you gave me and finally came to the realization that I should let the pros take over.  All the computers are cleaned up and running great...for only $10 per machine!  Sometimes it's really nice to be in an inexpensive country!

Thanks again for the help!