Startup issues with XP

[canuck]

I have a second computer running XP on an old HP Media Center Edition. I don't use it much, mainly to store old data etc. (data is also backed up elsewhere).

But recently there have been problems with startup: the screen freezes within a minute or two and then mouse and keyboard do not work.

Only solution is to do a hard shut down and start again.

Tried unplugging the machine and waiting awhile to start again.

Tried F8 to get to safe mode, but never make it in time before things freeze.

 

Any suggestions?

[Arthur]

If you can't move the mouse or type anything on the keyboard when it freezes I would test the RAM with MemTest86+. It might also be worth checking the HDD using the relevant manufacturer's diagnostic tool (UBCD has these).

 

Perhaps you could use this as an excuse to get a new PC.

[canuck]

Thanks. I guess you mean run Memtest and HDD test from the UBCD. I'll download the UBCD and see what happens when I run the CD in the CD tray.

 

I do have a (relatively) new PC, that's what I meant by the XP machine being the second computer.

[Arthur]

I guess you mean run Memtest and HDD test from the UBCD.

Correct.

[canuck]

Well I was lucky that the HP played the UBCD immediately, straight to the main menu. But unfortunately I had a hard time deciphering the menu, This stuff is a little beyond my knowledge.

Also had a hard time with the keys to use. Is there a menu somewhere that specifies what keys do what?

Anyway, the HP seems to work OK now. But it would be better if I could run certain of the diagnostic programs if they would help finding the problems.

[difinity]

Arrow keys and enter.