weird bootup problem

Hi, I've just noticed that whenever I start the PC from a cold boot, the
error message comes up "we apologize for the inconvence but windows did
not start normally,blah blah, etc.. and it highlights the start windows
normally. I click that, then the PC reboots all over again, and the same
error message reappears! So, it seems to go on in a constant error
cycle. I've pulled my original xp disc out, started recovery console,
tried fixboot, tried fixmbr, but the problem keeps appearing! I've
checked the connections, the CMOS set-up, to make sure it's found the
HDD OK but everything appears normal. I'm suspecting a virus, but surely
fixing the mbr, would have sorted that out? I puzzled as to why this
keeps happening! If i persist with the cycle, keep pressing the "start
windows normally" after a while it boots normally! weird...
Graham A+

 

Could it be a faulty IDE cable? I had one that nearly destroyed over 200GB
of data before I swapped the cable.

David

 

Check your memory.

 

Could it be a seating problem, or a general problem with the memory?
Graham A+

 

Reseat it by all means, sticks can "creep" out of their slots over time but
I've never come across that problem personally.

I was specifically thinking of running "Memtest86" or similar to check the
memory isn't actually faulty. I don't know whether this is a general problem
but I've experienced a lot of faulty memory lately, not just generic either.
I've just swapped out two sticks of "Crucial" memory from separate machines
and have just returned a stick of my own "Corsair" high performance RAM
too.

Incidentally, my RAM was RMAd on Tuesday to Ebuyer and the replacement is
due on Monday, that's not too shabby and a bit of a surprise too.

 

Problem solved- I think!!! Swapped the sticks over, all seems to be
running OK now, it might be unseated just a bit....
Graham A+