XP only boots in Safe Mode

[schmity]

I have an XP machine that will only boot in safe mode? How can I fix it?

[glc]

The first thing you can do is take the time to give us your system details and be a lot more specific - like - what exactly happens when you try to boot it in normal mode, any error messages you are getting, what the last thing you did was before the problem occurred, that kind of stuff. A one line question like that is just too vague to be able to give you any kind of answer that makes sense. Please help us to help you.

Without any background or details, my first inclination would be to suggest you reinstall Windows. That may be what you have to do, but it most likely will not be necessary.

[schmity]

I built the computer myself. Here are the specifics.

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 2.0GHz Socket 939 Processor
BIOSTAR TForce6100-939 Socket 939 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
WINTEC AMPO 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Desktop Memory
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Windows XP SP2

The problem started after the computer was turned off without properly shutting down Windows (It happened while no one was home...Not sure exactly). When the machine was rebooted, windows said that it was not shut down properly and gave a list of boot options (safe mode, normal, etc.). It is at this point that I figure out it will only start in safe mode.

Thanks.

[glc]

Boot it into safe mode, open a command prompt, and type:

chkdsk /r

Answer all prompts with Y and restart the computer.

[schmity]

Originally Posted by glc Boot it into safe mode, open a command prompt, and type: chkdsk /r Answer all prompts with Y and restart the computer.

I already did this. I couldn't just do it in safe mode because it complained that the hard drive was in use. However, using the Windows installation CD I booted to DOS and ran chkdsk /r. It said it fixed one or more errors but it still will not boot into XP normally.

[Auroxx]

my only selution is:

1. Click Start

2. Go to run

3. Type msconfig

4. System Configuration utility should show up. Then click BOOT.INI tab

5. in boot options if the /SAFEBOOT box has been checked uncheck it then click ok

6. then it will aks you if you wanna restart your computer and click restart.

this will only work if the safeboot box is checked, which meens you have asked your system to start up in safemode only.

[schmity]

Originally Posted by Auroxx my only selution is: 1. Click Start 2. Go to run 3. Type msconfig 4. System Configuration utility should show up. Then click BOOT.INI tab 5. in boot options if the /SAFEBOOT box has been checked uncheck it then click ok 6. then it will aks you if you wanna restart your computer and click restart. this will only work if the safeboot box is checked, which meens you have asked your system to start up in safemode only.

I wasn't clear on this earlier. It will attempt to boot normally, but it won't get past the "Starting Windows XP" screen. It will however boot in safe mode.

[Fatality]

What Auroxx suggested is the only thing I can say to do about your computer. This once happened to my friend and I told him to do the same so I don't know what is going on. Can you try and System Restore to an earlier time? I'm not sure if you can do that in Safe Mode but more than likely.

[glc]

I couldn't just do it in safe mode because it complained that the hard drive was in use.

That's why I said to do this:

Answer all prompts with Y and restart the computer.

It will run on restart if you follow the directions.

It's time now for a Windows repair reinstall, procedures are in the Tips and Tricks forum. You will not lose any data. If chkdsk found errors, you should also run manufacturer's diagnostics on the hard drive, it may be developing bad sectors and may need to be replaced.

[schmity]

I repaired the Windows installation with the Win XP CD, and now I am able to boot normally. One problem...When I boot up, windows suggest that a "chkdsk" be performed on the hard drive. Each time I let it run "chkdsk" it hangs at 39% every time (I let it run all night...39 % 12 hrs later). I looked in msconfig, but I couldn't figure out how to make XP boot without prompting for "chkdsk."

[glc]

Your hard drive has a problem and it is going to continue doing that until the problem is rectified. I would not be surprised if the hard drive has bad sectors or a mechanical defect - you need to run manufacturer's diagnostics on it. Go to www.wdc.com and download Data Lifeguard Diagnostic.

Do both the quick and extended tests. If they fail, replace the hard drive. If they pass, boot with the XP CD, use the Recovery Console to run CHKDSK /R again.

[schmity]

Originally Posted by glc Your hard drive has a problem and it is going to continue doing that until the problem is rectified. I would not be surprised if the hard drive has bad sectors or a mechanical defect - you need to run manufacturer's diagnostics on it. Go to www.wdc.com and download Data Lifeguard Diagnostic. Do both the quick and extended tests. If they fail, replace the hard drive. If they pass, boot with the XP CD, use the Recovery Console to run CHKDSK /R again.

CHKDSK hangs at 33% (for days without moving). Data Lifeguard Diagnostic hangs up (for days) when performing the extended test. I haven't tried chkdsk from XP CD...what is the key you hit to make it boot to the dos-prompt?

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by glc Do both the quick and extended tests. If they fail, replace the hard drive.

That is the magic statement in glc's advice. Since you're unable to run the tests completely, it's time to face the reality that you have a defective hard drive. Best to replace it. You can slave it once the new hdd is operational and you may be able to still salvage some files.

[schmity]

Originally Posted by Panama Red That is the magic statement in glc's advice. Since you're unable to run the tests completely, it's time to face the reality that you have a defective hard drive. Best to replace it. You can slave it once the new hdd is operational and you may be able to still salvage some files.

Ok...thanks for the help. Have I chosen a bad hard drive (Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM)....is there a better replacement?

[Panama Red]

I've been using the Seagate 16Mb cache SATA drives. Quiet and carry a 5 year warranty. WD is still good, I just like the extra 2 years of warranty coverage.

[schmity]

Originally Posted by Panama Red I've been using the Seagate 16Mb cache SATA drives. Quiet and carry a 5 year warranty. WD is still good, I just like the extra 2 years of warranty coverage.

Thanks for the help. Seagate it is.....

[GraemeM]

Originally Posted by schmity Ok...thanks for the help. Have I chosen a bad hard drive (Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM)....is there a better replacement?

WD is fine. Hard drives simply fail sometimes, it's not uncommon for any brand. As long as you backup your data regularly, it usually isn't a huge hassle to replace. And since you seem to be able to boot in safe mode, I'm guessing you can get the files of the thing.