Computer freezes during boot

[Cephas]

I'm not very good with technical jargon but...

When the computer starts up, I type in the boot password, the screen where you can press F8 to go into Safe Mode flashes up, and then the loading bar comes up...

After about a second, the loading bar freezes in it's place and however long I leave it it stays there.

It doesn't freeze in a set position, just within the first quarter of the bar.

Similarly, if I hit F8 repeatedly on startup, it freezes on the screen that asks me what mode I want to boot on...

This is a serious problem for me... I can't use my PC!

Is there any way to save it WITHOUT saving the files on to an external hard drive and wiping in clean?

Thanks,
Pete.

 

[Cephas]

Bump...

 

[Route44]

Just for clarification are you saying that you can't even enter Safe Mode? It will freeze as you try to boot to Safe Mode?

 

[Cephas]

Nono, if I press F8 on the start-up options, it freezes on the screen that would allow me to choose starting with safe mode...

 

[Route44]

I had the same issue about a year ago and it turned out of all things to be corrupted memory. I suggest first running MemTest on your RAM to determine whether or not this is the culprit.

Access another computer and go to www.memtest.org and either install to a floppy or burn to a CD. Then boot up with either disk or floppy already in the drive. Since this test engages before Windows has a chance to load including what modes to run you should have no problems running it (knock on wood).

It must run for a minimum of 7 passes. 8 tests per Pass.

 

[Cephas]

I think that Memtest runs AFTER the loading bars to be honest...

When I tried to boot from the MT floppy the PC did the same as always, froze on those bars.

Any suggestions?

 

[Route44]

Memtest engages before the Windows splashscreen even loads. Just have it in the appropriate drive, boot-up, and it will take over.