Hi all, I hope that I shall receive assistance, it will be quite a long post, so please be patient. It started a few months ago after trying to update my Vista to SP1, I got no Graphics, so I took it in and I was told to replace my Graphics card. I done that and after a few weeks I reinstalled my Vista, tried to uodate again and got the same problem, so I borrowed my friends card and re-installed XP on my pc. Since then I have other bootibg problems like no Graphics or freezing in the boot up screen. If my PC does start and I burn a DVD it takes more than 30 minutes! so I replaced the DVD writer, and now the new one is doing the same, and currently mt pc is not booting. I often get this booting problem after installing sofware, then after the restart from the software my pc does not shut down, then if I reset - no boot. I have downloaded the Bios update to run that hopefully tonight.

Do you guys have any advice or suggestions?

System:
Intel Core 2 Dou 1.86
3 GIG DDR800 Ram
GeForce 9600 gt Graphics
Intel Isleton Mobo
3 Saegate Sata 2 HDD (2x250:1x500)

Thanks

I have heard that you need to format the hard drive before you install Vista. ie an upgrade won't work.

Also, I don't think you needed a new graphics card assuming it was working before you tried installing Vista...

If you logon to XP, put the XP CD in the CD drive and click Start > Run and type sfc /scannow ( note there is a space between the 'c' and the / )

Also when you logon if you press Ctrl + Alt + Delete what does it list your CPU usage at? CPU usage is displayed at the very bottom of the window, middle column.

It sounds like you have 100% CPU usage. This could be caused by a failing processor (if your PC is very old) or more likely an infestation of spyware, malware and/or viruses.

You should run antivirus and spyware scans. Download Spybot from:

The home of Spybot-S&D!

And run a scan with that too. Also click Start > Run and type msconfig and go to the Startup Tab and choose Disable All. Then go to the Services Tab, click Hide All Microsoft Services and then click Disable All. Then Apply + OK and reboot.

See if that improves it.

Some software can stop your computer shutting down properly. If possible, you should remove all unnecessary software (you can install it later) or uninstall them one by one and reboot after each install to pinpoint the problem. I have heard of ZoneAlarm causing problems at shutdown.

Thanks for the info, will try and see if I boot up this evening. I have Updated Norton and it does not pick up anything, all my software is basically the same-no big changes. Will let you know what happens.
Vista was installed on a new HDD, Vista SP1 seems to kill me.

Hello.

Do you still require help with this?

Could you post back and let me know if it is resolved/fixed/answered?

Thankyou.

Jelly Bean.