Software/Hardware Errors on Startup

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a problematic startup issue on a Windows XP PC, specifically focusing on application errors and potential hardware failures. Participants explore various diagnostic approaches and possible solutions related to software and hardware components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes experiencing multiple application errors upon logging into Windows XP, suggesting potential issues with the hard drive or memory.
  • Another participant suggests reinstalling Windows XP as a possible solution, while also recommending the use of diagnostic tools like Ultimate Boot CD to check RAM and hard drive health.
  • A different participant proposes using system restore to revert to a previous state before the update, although a later reply indicates that this attempt was unsuccessful.
  • Concerns are raised about the age of the hard drive, with one participant linking the I/O error code 0x000009c to possible bad sectors or corrupted data on the hard drive.
  • Some participants mention trying safe mode and disk check utilities, but report that the issues persist even in safe mode.
  • One participant shares their experience with bad RAM and suggests that similar symptoms could arise from memory issues.
  • Another participant confirms that the motherboard indicates the hard drive is failing and expresses intent to replace it while attempting to salvage data.
  • There are discussions about the implications of reinstalling the operating system and applications on a new hard drive, with some preferring to salvage documents instead of transferring the entire system.
  • One participant suggests using the failing hard drive as a slave in a docking station to facilitate data recovery.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the issue is likely related to the hard drive, but there are multiple approaches and opinions regarding the best method for troubleshooting and resolving the problem. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore different potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainty regarding the exact nature of the errors, the effectiveness of proposed solutions, and the condition of the hardware components involved. The discussion reflects varying levels of experience with Windows XP and hardware diagnostics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals experiencing similar startup issues with older Windows operating systems, particularly those involving hardware diagnostics and troubleshooting strategies.

Kurdt
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My parents PC is having a problem I've never encountered before and I have no idea what could be causing it. Just wondering if anyone here had experienced anything similar.

The PC is running windows XP service pack 2. It seems to start up fine but when you sign into your desktop there are loads of application errors like Rundll32.exe and all the usual startup stuff. After that its unusable since windows explorer keeps crashing. Apparently before this occurred they were updating WMP 10 to WMP 11. Also the error box states there was an I/O error status in 0x000009c.

I've had a good look on the internet for similar problems but nothing is quite the same. Hopefully one of you guys will have some knowledge about what's happening :smile:

Anyway I'm thinking its either hard drive or memory but I haven't got any spares to test at the minute or something to do with that download. Any suggestions?
 
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well, it could be just windows XP... re-installing it may solve your problem.

but before you do that, it's very easy to check if your RAM and H.D. are fine -
use Ultimate Boot CD (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html)
use memtest86 and one of the H.D. diagnostic tools...
 
Cool I'll give it a try.
 
Do you think XP system restore is enabled and you could use is to revert the system to a state preceding the perhaps problematic update (you can access it via safe mode if can't get it going after logged in)? If nothing hardware related is found. Then might continue doing a repair install using the XP setup disk as a next option (and don't know if you can get something going with the recovery console in this case, just a thought), although that's probably getting close to the effort of pulling a re-install (depending on how much stuff you've got in there ... and need to backup everything before starting those repair etc. operations).
 
I should of mentioned I tried a system restore from week before the update but the problem persisted.
 
Kurdt said:
My parents PC is having a problem I've never encountered before and I have no idea what could be causing it. Just wondering if anyone here had experienced anything similar.

The PC is running windows XP service pack 2. It seems to start up fine but when you sign into your desktop there are loads of application errors like Rundll32.exe and all the usual startup stuff. After that its unusable since windows explorer keeps crashing. Apparently before this occurred they were updating WMP 10 to WMP 11. Also the error box states there was an I/O error status in 0x000009c.

I've had a good look on the internet for similar problems but nothing is quite the same. Hopefully one of you guys will have some knowledge about what's happening :smile:

Anyway I'm thinking its either hard drive or memory but I haven't got any spares to test at the minute or something to do with that download. Any suggestions?

How old is the hard drive in that computer? The 0x000009c I/O error makes me want to think that there is a bad sector on the hard drive... corrupted data.
 
B. Elliott said:
How old is the hard drive in that computer? The 0x000009c I/O error makes me want to think that there is a bad sector on the hard drive... corrupted data.

Its only a couple of years old but I'm beginning to suspect the same. There were initial concerns with the hard disk when it was built. I'll be having another look tomorrow when I go there.
 
Have you tried starting up in safe mode and running the disk check under the Tools window. If XP doens't allow it during operation in Windows, it usually allows one to schedule it on startup.

I have a problem with bad RAM recently which could be consistent with a low number like 0x000009c.
 
I have tried it in safe mode and the same problem persists while in safe mode so I can't do anything. I'm now pretty sure its the hard disk but I'll find out tomorrow when I check it with the boot CD.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.
 
  • #10
Well I have had another quick look earlier today at the PC and it does appear to be a hard drive problem. The motherboard is claiming the hard disk is bad and needs replacing on start up now so hopefully I can salvage the data and fit a new one at the weekend.

Thanks again for the suggestions I really was stumped to begin with.
 
  • #11
With regard to RAM, I had to remove the memory stick, clean it (and dry it), and then replace. I had the computer running again for a few hours before it froze. It's replacement should arrive tomorrow.

If you get a new HD, you'll have to install the OS and Apps. I've done a copy of the XP to a new and larger HD, but the OS was already screwed up having had the XP SP2 update done on top of SP1. Not a good idea - but MS never warned people not to do that. That's the OS that's gone bad at home.
 
  • #12
I think I'll just salvage the documents if i can then re-install everything rather than try and transfer the lot. I don't mind the extra time it takes. :smile:
 
  • #13
Jump the bad HD to slave and put it in a docking station or caddy (USB).

A new HD can get a system with a fresh install which is the best way to start.
 

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