Vista Boot sporadic

azulvette · Sep 7, 2013

Hi, having boot issue with Windows Vista Home Premium. Computer will boot up to login screen and after entering paasword the login screen will not completely boot up. The cursor spins but doesn't start windows. This doesn't happen everytime I start up the computer. I've attached the zip folder and plan on doing the other tests while waiting for your reply. Thank you Azulvette :rose:

jcgriff2 · Sep 7, 2013

Hi Azulvette. . .

I found these errors in the Event Viewer logs and unsure of their exact meaning:

Code:

Event[203]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: ACPI
  Date: 2013-09-07T09:41:33.671
  Level: Error
  Description: 
IRQARB: ACPI BIOS does not contain an IRQ for the device in PCI slot 5, function 0. 
Please contact your system vendor for technical assistance.

Code:

Event[204]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: ACPI
  Date: 2013-09-07T09:41:31.984
  Level: Error
  Description: 
IRQARB: ACPI BIOS does not contain an IRQ for the device in PCI slot 6, function 0. 
Please contact your system vendor for technical assistance.

Have you added any devices to the system?

I suggest that you test HDD with SeaTools for DOS, LONG test - https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutorials/4072-hard-drive-hdd-diagnostics.html

Since no BSODs, I'm moving this thread to Windows 7/ Vista forum.

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

azulvette · Sep 7, 2013

The only device connected is a Seagate external drive which does not recognize C: drive. Hard drive tests come back Ok. Tried the driver verifier but the computer would not get past the welcome screen so had to manually shutdown. The second reboot worked (this is the behaviour which brought me here for help) and when windows started nothing happened with driver verifier so im not sure it ran.

azulvette · Sep 7, 2013

Forgot to mention that chkdsk r came up fine.

jcgriff2 · Sep 8, 2013

Did you run memtest86+ ?

https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutorials/3909-test-ram-memtest86.html

Have you given thought to backing up files & reinstalling Vista?

azulvette · Sep 8, 2013

Hijcgriff2,

Memtest came back good. If possible doing a reinstall would be a last resort. Our family business records are on this computer along with office software and associated company files. Is there any other options?

jcgriff2 · Sep 9, 2013

Hi Azulvette. . .

You can try a repair/install - https://www.sysnative.com/forums/wi...p-repair-windows-windows-7-windows-vista.html

However, I can't be sure whether we are dealing with a hardware or software issue (unknown hardware failure seems likely at this time).

If hardware fails, you could end up losing everything.

I strongly urge you to purchase an external USB HDD and back up important files that would be devastating for you to lose.

I recommend a Vista reinstall as it very well may help us determine whether hardware failure or some software issue is the likely cause.

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

Deek · Sep 9, 2013

Please run (from an admin dos prompt)

sfc /scannow
and
chkdsk /r

I would be interested to know if chkdsk discovers any bad blocks...also, based on those events, look for something in device manager like "unknown device" or something with an exclamation point next to it. If there is something like that, rt-click on it, go to properties > Details > and post the value string under the "device instance ID" drop down selection.

Deek · Sep 10, 2013

hmm...ok....have you looked at the smart data for the drive to see if it has remapped blocks? It's kinda ok if it does...just means you have to monitor the defect to see if it grows...Don't re-install at this point...that is just silly...

What about a malwarebytes scan...if it finds anything, run a eset online scan. ALSO, always run tdsskiller.exe (make sure to enable the driver signature setting and the tlds file system check in options) I see a lot of rootkits these days and that is the most common.

FYI - a backup of critical data is always a good idea!

Deek · Sep 10, 2013

If you have a dead external drive attached, that could be the cause of the boot problems...can you see the external drive in windows? I'm not sure what you mean by this:
"The only device connected is a Seagate external drive which does not recognize C: drive."

If you cannot see the external drive in windows, try disconnecting it and see if the issue persists...

azulvette · Sep 10, 2013

Sorry for not getting back sooner. I will try Deeks suggestions, but I do have a question before I do. Would it be prudent to upgrade to windows 7 at this point? If I do the upgrade will it overwrite My Documents, Pictures, etc...?

Deek, when opening the external drive software it does not recognize any drives other than itself and Yes I can see the external drive in windows under my computer.

jcgriff2 · Sep 10, 2013

Be sure to run - Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

Deek · Sep 11, 2013

A windows upgrade will not fix a hardware issue or a virus...or anything really...it can only make matters worse and possible hose your whole system. If you do decide to go with Win7, I recommend a fresh, clean install. How old is your hard drive...anything over 2years old and I usually put a fresh one in (unless its a 5 or 7 year warranty drive like a WD black or RE4).

Did you get a chance to look at the SMART data for your drive?

Deek

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