XP Pro new install fails to reboot. Hangs on XP logo

[OregonPowerSupply]

So I have a new hard drive mobo etc....

AMD processor based with NVidia NForce drivers

I install windows XP....everything is golden...runs great...then I reboot...and then it will not restart back up...just hunts like it's looking for a network credential or something.

I am running a home wireless network......where my Access Point is a Linksys wireless and my main PC is Etherneted in on the linksys.

I have installed and Fdisked on the pc in question 3 times today alone. Anything network releated hangs the pc bigtime. Now I can't even boot it in safe mode command prompt.

HELP!

[GaryRouth]

For an XP install, use the Disk Management tools in XP Setup to get your hard drive ready [rather than fdisk - which is better for smaller drives and older versions of Windows]. So, if you have the tools that came with your hard drive (DataLifeGuard, PowerMax, SeaTools, etc) = zero-write the drive & try again. This time letting XP's Setup partition and format the drive.

You may also wish to try powering down your other PC and the Linksys wireless router, and unplugging any cat5 cable connected to the new box while you setup XP, just in case the problem wasn't network after all. Helps simplify the troubleshooting. If you can use a wired connection to the new XP box - I'd recommend that (more secure, & faster). If you go with wireless to a desktop - you'll be facing the interesting times that can be had with XP's "Zero Wireless Configuration Service" - which you may well find that you can live quite nicely with it disabled.

Check in the Bios of your new setup, too, for the Boot order: just to make sure it's not set to boot from a network device. If there are any network devices in the boot order, disable them.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[P.S. . . . noticed that this is your first post here: Welcome to the PC Mechanic forums . . . ]