Basic Microsoft Windows XP troubleshooting
Issue:
Basic Microsoft Windows XP troubleshooting.
Additional information:
This document has been created as a location of general steps that can be taken to help you with problems you may be experiencing with Microsoft Windows XP that are either general problems and/or problems not documented elsewhere in the Computer Hope database.
Below are some reasons why a user may follow the steps in this document.
1. Unknown or undocumented problem with computer running Microsoft Windows XP.
2. Performance issues with the computer, for example, the computer running slowly.
3. Users who wish to run maintenance on the computer or potentially speed up the computer.
4. Users looking for steps to help resolve an issue or that may help locate the cause of an issue.
Users may find explicit documented questions and answers on our Windows XP Q&A page. Additional information about Windows XP can also be found on our Windows XP main page.
Solutions:
Error messages encountered during boot before Windows loads
Before following the below steps please make sure that the error you are encountering is not already documented on Computer Hope by performing a quick search for the error and by looking through our Windows XP Q&A page.
1. Ensure that your computer BIOS settings are correctly configured to the hardware that is installed in your computer. Improper settings in the BIOS may cause various types of errors when first booting an IBM compatible computer. These errors often occur as the computer is first booting and may stop the load process of the computer.
Error messages while Windows is loading
Errors that occur while Windows XP is loading and/or or prevent Windows XP from loading are likely being caused by a configuration error in the registry.
1. If you have recently changed or installed something that could have caused Normal Windows to stop loading, try loading the last known good configuration. Additional information about how to do this can be found on document CH000627.
2. If you are unable to get into Normal Windows and believe that removing or uninstalling a program or changing a setting may help enable you to get into Windows, boot the computer into Windows XP Safe Mode. Additional information about Safe Mode can be found on document CHSAFE.
3. If your computer has worked fine in the past but recently has been experiencing the issue you're encountering, run the System Restore option to restore the computer to an earlier date. Information about how to do this can be found on document CH000589.
Other error messages that occur while Windows is loading or after Windows is loaded
Errors that have occurred while Windows is loading and/or after Windows has completed loading are often caused by a program that is automatically loading each time Windows is loading, problem or misconfiguration of a hardware device, or computer virus.
1. If errors occur but Microsoft Windows still loads, verify no issues or conflicts exist in Device Manager. If errors are found, read through our Device Manager page for steps on resolving issues.
2. Ensure that if programs are loading automatically that these errors are not associated with these programs. Many times utilities such as virus programs may attempt to load when Windows first starts and cause errors to occur. If you believe that your startup errors are associated with another program, please refer to our basic software troubleshooting.
3. Make sure Windows XP is up to date by checking Microsoft Windows update page. Additional information about updating Microsoft Windows can be found on document CH000545.
4. If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems. Information about updating your antivirus program can be found on document CH000533 and information about what antivirus programs are available can be found on document CH000514.
5. If your computer has worked fine in the past but recently has been experiencing the issue you're encountering, run the System Restore option to restore the computer to an earlier date. Information about how to do this can be found on document CH000589.
Other error messages
If you are experiencing other error messages, it is likely these errors are being caused by the software program you are running and/or a hardware device you are attempting to utilize. It is recommended you see the basic troubleshooting section for your hardware device or software program.
Computer running slowly
1. Make sure your computer has at least 500MB of free hard disk drive space. If your computer has less than 500MB free, it may cause the computer to operate more slowly. Additional information about regaining hard disk drive space can be found on document CH000528.
2. Run Microsoft Scandisk and Defrag on the computer. Additional information and help with these commands can be found on our scandisk page and our defrag page.
3. Close any programs that are running in the background and/or disable background programs from automatically loading each time your computer boots. Information about doing this can be found in document CHTSR.
4. Click Start, Search, and click For Files or Folders. In the search window, search for files named *.tmp and make sure you are searching or looking in the local C: drive. Once search has completed, delete any files found.
5. Ensure that no errors or conflicts exist in the Device Manager.
6. Make sure Windows XP is up to date by checking Microsoft Windows update page. Additional information about updating Microsoft Windows can be found on document CH000545.
7. Ensure your computer has the latest drivers for the hardware devices installed in your computer. See document CH000546 for additional information on what drivers should be updated on your computer.
8. If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems. Information about updating your antivirus program can be found on document CH000533 and information about what antivirus programs are available can be found on document CH000514.
9. If your computer has worked fine in the past but recently has been experiencing the issue you're encountering, run the System Restore option to restore the computer to an earlier date. Information about how to do this can be found on document CH000589.
Issue with hardware device
If you are having difficulties with a hardware device, please see our basic troubleshooting section for steps that can be taken to help resolve your hardware issues.
Other
If you are still running into errors or unable to resolve your issue, please search our web page, check our on-line help section, and check our Q&A section for additional help and/or recommendations. If after checking these locations you are still unable to resolve your issue, feel free to contact our support team.
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