Windows XP Boot-up Problem

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I have Windows XP Pro SP2. I always use a USB mouse. However, last time I went to start up my PC, I got the error pictured below:

(pic unavailable)
Detecting IDE drives ...
PS/2 Mous error or no PS/2 mouse present


Firstly, it took over a minute to do the memory test above, a problem I've never had before, and now happens on a regular basis. It turns up OK nonetheless. Next, it gave me the above error, which I have also never had before. The only change I'd made was to install FSX the night before.

After pressing F1 to continue, I get this:

(pic unavailable)
Verifying DMI Pool Daa ......
DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRES ENTER

I put the boot disk in the drive, and nothing changes. I can't get my computer past this point. Suggestions?

Edit: I fixed the PS2 error by putting my USB into a PS2 adapter. However, Problem #2 still persists.

[Caius]

DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRES ENTER

Oh man, thats synonim of RIP EMFM HD. Last time I had that error, I had to buy a new HD.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Oh man, thats synonim of RIP EMFM HD. Last time I had that error, I had to buy a new HD.

If that's true, I'll be extremely angry - the drive I have now is a replacement for a Seagate drive I sent in on warranty.

[caravel]

Suddenly your BIOS cannot find a PS/2 device and is hunting for a boot device. Seems like a coincidence... I'm thinking that your BIOS has somehow been factory reset?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Suddenly your BIOS cannot find a PS/2 device and is hunting for a boot device. Seems like a coincidence... I'm thinking that your BIOS has somehow been factory reset?

So maybe I should hold off on buying the new drive? I installed FSX last night, played for a bit, and turned off the computer. This is the first time I've booted since then. It ran a full memory test as well, which it's never done before.

What should I do?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

For the record, if necessary, the new HD will be a Samsung HD753LJ SpinPoint F 750GB Hard Drive - 7200, 32MB, SATA-300.

[caravel]

So maybe I should hold off on buying the new drive? I installed FSX last night, played for a bit, and turned off the computer. This is the first time I've booted since then. It ran a full memory test as well, which it's never done before.

What should I do?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

For the record, if necessary, the new HD will be a Samsung HD753LJ SpinPoint F 750GB Hard Drive - 7200, 32MB, SATA-300.

The fact that it's running a full test indicates that either there is a problem, or that the full test is enabled in the BIOS. Usually the quick test is enabled. This also could point to some kind of factory reset or loss of settings.

Have you been into your BIOS setup and tried doing an HDD detection so see if it can pick up the HDD at all?

Also power up your machine with the side of the case removed and listen to the drive as it powers up and runs. If there is no sound whatsoever coming out of it, it could be a dead drive, if you hear any kind of scraping noise, especially any repeating scraping or ticking, clicking or buzzing noises this could also mean that the drive is dead.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I've removed the battery, and I'm putting it back in about five minutes.

[Caius]

Thats good. You will notice that your pc thinks it is in 1980, just change it to the normal parameters.

I'm not sure if that will work, but try it anyway.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Battery back in. I think the problem is fixed, but I don't want to get my hopes up just yet.

You will notice that your pc thinks it is in 1980, just change it to the normal parameters.

Yep, it's always dead slow when you have to restart everything.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I'm in the Windows Recovery Console, and I've entered the Admin password and the install I want to recover. What command do I type in after C:\WINDOWS> appears to begin recovery?

[Caius]

What are you talking about?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Nevermind - I booted from my HDD instead of CD, and everything is fine and as before.

Thanks to everyone for your help, especially Caravel.

[caravel]

So the problem was BIOS settings? I had suspected as much. Strange that they advised removing the battery, you could have tried loading optimised defaults first (I was going to suggest that next) and if that fails factory defaults before going for the CMOS battery removal. I wonder what caused it? Would anyone have been in your BIOS setup messing around?

Oh well, glad it's working again anyway.



p.s. when ciaus said 1980 he was referring to the date and time, ensure that it's correct in the BIOS.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Would anyone have been in your BIOS setup messing around?

Nope, the only person even allowed near my computer without my supervision is my father, when he comes up. I guess it was a malfunction of some kind. I think the problem was that it didn't recognize the SATA channels, and now it does, as well as my disk drive.

p.s. when ciaus said 1980 he was referring to the date and time, ensure that it's correct in the BIOS.

Yep, just restoring everything to normal, like telling it "No, I do NOT have a floppy drive."

[Caius]

My system says: Please check hardware. Needless to say that Im accesing org from other pc.

Nmd. I love you Caravel. I followed your steps mentioned and I have a computer again. Now, I iwll make backup.