Stuck on Starting Windows screen + XP only installs with non-ACPI

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
       #1

    Stuck on Starting Windows screen + XP only installs with non-ACPI


    So my PC crashes the other day, and I figure its just one of those routine crashes. I reboot the machine but on loading it gets stuck on the 'Starting Windows' screen (The one where the four colored balls join to form the Windows logo). I try to run Start-up recovery from the Win7 cd and once again it freezes on the same place. Finally I decide a format may be required and I boot from the CD and yet again it gets stuck on 'starting windows'.
    By now Im really concerned, so I decide to try installing another OS. I try XP, Vista and even Fedora Linux and they all get stuck about the time when setup should normally be loading files.
    I've tried all sorts of tests using the Ultimate boot CD and they all come out passed.
    I've also read in another forum that probably the PSU could be faulty so I try to boot up my pc with another PSU but its still the same problem.
    Then I read in this one forum where a user is facing the similar problem with XP, that I gotta hit F5 when it says installing RAID drivers and select 'Standard PC with c-step i486'. After I do this, the installation proceeds fine and I'm able to use XP now.
    However, on further reading, I realize that this installed XP on my PC without ACPI. And perhaps, Windows 7, Vista and Fedora Linux didn't install because they need ACPI support. However my motherboard does have support for ACPI, as I've used Windows 7, plus I had installed Vista and Fedora Linux in the past with no glitch.

    Is it normal for ACPI support to just disappear like that? What could be the problem with my PC? Do I need to upgrade the BIOS or anything of the such?

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2

    Sounds like your BIOS was reset from IDE mode to SATA mode. Try resetting the BIOS to default setting.

    For Win XP not installing in Sata mode, you would need to load Sata drivers at F6.
    SATA Drivers - Load in Windows XP Setup on Dual Boot

    For better help with problems, Can you post your specs.
    Filling out System Specs
    Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??
    VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the reply theog,

    I've resetted the BIOS settings to default by hitting F9 or something at the BIOS screen.
    It still gets stuck on the same place.

    About the Windows XP SATA drivers, yeah I'll probably need to try that out.
    Whats baffling however is that I never needed to load any SATA drivers or such while installing any OS previously, it would just install seamlessly.
    Also, I do remember reading something about changing the SATA controller to AHCI or IDE or something in another forum where a user was facing a similar problem.

    So all in all, is this a problem with my SATA drivers? Have they gotten corrupt or something?

    Thanks again...
    Last edited by SheldonLFC; 05 Aug 2011 at 06:16. Reason: Grammatical error.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #4

    As your spec's are unknown.

    In your BIOS there are modes for the Sata Controller, reset to the same mode you used when installing Windows 7.

    Types of modes the BIOS may have
    IDE
    SATA
    RAID
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Yeah sorry for not posting the specs, I'm currently using the internet at my workplace as somehow installing XP with non-acpi has made my default LAN driver a little weird.
    I get a 'cable unplugged' message even though everything is plugged in, the cable is working fine, and the modem is working fine. It just gives me a single orange light pulse when I remove and reinsert the cable.

    Anyway, once I get home I'll probably try the different SATA modes and see if it makes a difference. I'll post back with what I find.

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #6

    You have now installed Win XP, YES. So you now have a dual boot setup.

    Use EasyBCD is best used in Windows 7.
    How to dual Windows 7 & Win XP:
    Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP
    Use EasyBCD 2.0 in Win 7.
    Download EasyBCD 2.1 - NeoSmart Technologies

    Boot up using the Startup disk CD or Windows 7 DVD. (not the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disk) If you have a Netbook, you will need a CD/DVD drive.
    Make sure no USB drives are plugged in.

    Do a Strartup Repair to get Windows 7 booting:
    Startup Repair
    Note: You may need to do startup repair 3 to 4 times.
    Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

    If you have not made your Startup Repair
    System Repair Disc - Create
    Do you have a mate with Windows 7 & CD/DVD RW Drive, how could burn one off.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Sorry for the late reply but I just managed to get the internet working at my home.
    Anyway, I don't have a dual boot setup. As I mentioned, my Windows 7 wouldnt even get past the 'Starting Windows screen' so I installed the XP over the Windows7. So I can't exactly create the System repair disc or anything of the such.

    Also, after installing XP only with ACPI my PC has become terribly slow. It takes 10-15 seconds just for the My Computer window to load. So if anyone can help me with what exactly is it that ACPI disables maybe I'll know what's causing it to be so slow.
    I also got into the BIOS but I cant see any SATA controller settings besides Legacy and Native. I tried both these settings and I'm still facing the same problem. Any further help would be greatly appreciated.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #8

    Intel DG41RQ Sata controller settings are
    IDE
    RAID
    AHCI

    Stuck on Starting Windows screen + XP only installs with non-ACPI-intel-bios.png

    Check your ram.
    Memory Diagnostics Tool
    Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

    Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
    Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
    HD Diagnostic
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks for that info theog.
    I tried to find for that SATA setting in the BIOS so that I could change it. But this is all I find in the BIOS related to SATA(attached image).

    So is there any way I can find out what Chipset mode my SATA is operating on without going to the BIOS?

    Thanks!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Stuck on Starting Windows screen + XP only installs with non-ACPI-img229.jpg  
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #10

    Looking at your screenshot
    1) Why are you using your HD Drive as a Slave & not the Master?
    2) Are your specs right?
    http://www.intel.com/products/deskto...Q-overview.htm
    Last edited by theog; 08 Aug 2011 at 12:55. Reason: link added
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:41.
Find Us