Windows 2000 Blue screen system halted message on start up

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lee MacMillan
  • Start date Start date
L

Lee MacMillan

Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine if it
starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2 or 3
times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main screen),
I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
hardware vendor."

I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that was
in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same error.
I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.

From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but since
it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
 
The repair install isn't guaranteed to cover all situations of hardware
replacement. I'd backup and start a clean installation.

To do a clean install, either boot the Windows 2000 install CD-Rom or setup
disks. The set of four install disks can be created from your Windows 2000
CD-Rom change to the \bootdisk directory on the CD-Rom and execute
makeboot.exe (from dos) or makebt32.exe (from 32 bit) and follow the
prompts.

(Note: If your drive controller is not natively supported then you'll want
to boot the Windows 2000 install CD-Rom. Then *F6* very early and very
important (at setup is inspecting your system) in the setup to prevent drive
controller detection, and select S to specify additional drivers. Then later
you'll be prompted to insert the manufacturer supplied Windows 2000 driver
for your drive controller in drive "A")

Setup inspects your computer's hardware configuration and then begins to
install the Setup and driver files. When the Windows 2000 Professional
screen appears, press ENTER to set up Windows 2000 Professional.

Read the license agreement, and then press the F8 key to accept the terms of
the license agreement and continue the installation.

When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup screen appears, all the existing
partitions and the unpartitioned spaces are listed for each physical hard
disk. Use the ARROW keys to select the partitions Press D to delete an
existing partition, If you press D to delete an existing partition, you must
then press L (or press ENTER, and then press L if it is the System
partition) to confirm that you want to delete the partition. Repeat this
step for each of the existing partitions When all the partitions are deleted
press F3 to exit setup, (to avoid unexpected drive letter assignments with
your new install) then restart the pc then when you get to this point in
setup again select the unpartitioned space, and then press C to create a new
partition and specify the size (if required). Windows will by default use
all available space.

Be sure to apply SP4 and these two below to your new install before
connecting to any network. Internet included. (sasser, msblast)
http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/6/A/E6A04295-D2A8-40D0-A0C5-241BFECD095E/W2KSP4_EN.EXE
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-043.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-049.mspx

Then

Rollup 1 for Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...CF-8850-4531-B52B-BF28B324C662&displaylang=en





--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"Lee MacMillan" wrote:
> Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine if
> it
> starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2 or
> 3
> times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main screen),
> I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> hardware vendor."
>
> I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
> was
> in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
> error.
> I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
>
> From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but since
> it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
>
>
 
Some motherboards don't like a mix of ram
Check the mobo manual specs for supported ram & compare that with what you
have

"Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
> Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine if
> it
> starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2 or
> 3
> times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main screen),
> I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> hardware vendor."
>
> I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
> was
> in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
> error.
> I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
>
> From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but since
> it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
>
>
 
Lee:

Enable Boot Logging as described here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485

Then check the NTBTLOG.TXT file for the last driver that
was loaded. You can then often tell what caused the blue screen
and troubleshoot from there.

"Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
> Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine if it
> starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2 or 3
> times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main screen),
> I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> hardware vendor."
>
> I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that was
> in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same error.
> I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
>
> From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but since
> it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
>
>
 
But keep in mind that's the last successful driver loaded.

--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"V Green" wrote:
> Lee:
>
> Enable Boot Logging as described here:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485
>
> Then check the NTBTLOG.TXT file for the last driver that
> was loaded. You can then often tell what caused the blue screen
> and troubleshoot from there.
 
The RAM is all PC2100 though not all the same brand. I ran all these sticks
in this mobo when it was running XP. Thanks.


"DL" <address@invalid> wrote in message
news:ub$Gc2JfIHA.4728@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Some motherboards don't like a mix of ram
> Check the mobo manual specs for supported ram & compare that with what you
> have
>
> "Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
> news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
> > Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> > well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine
if
> > it
> > starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2
or
> > 3
> > times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main
screen),
> > I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> > hardware vendor."
> >
> > I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
> > was
> > in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> > sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> > network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
> > error.
> > I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> > Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
> >
> > From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but
since
> > it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
> >
> >
>
>
 
Not sure if this is significant. On my 2nd startup attempt today, I hit F8
then selected safe mode but it just hung at the "starting Windows" screen.
I did a hard reset and then it booted up ok. This was the 4rd try.

I will try this the next time it fails to boot. Thanks.


"V Green" <vanceg@nowhere.net> wrote in message
news:uVjZg5JfIHA.5788@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Lee:
>
> Enable Boot Logging as described here:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485
>
> Then check the NTBTLOG.TXT file for the last driver that
> was loaded. You can then often tell what caused the blue screen
> and troubleshoot from there.
>
> "Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
> news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
> > Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> > well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine
if it
> > starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2
or 3
> > times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main
screen),
> > I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> > hardware vendor."
> >
> > I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
was
> > in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> > sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> > network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
error.
> > I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> > Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
> >
> > From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but
since
> > it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
> >
> >
>
>
 
"Dave Patrick" <DSPatrick@nospam.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4E08C70B-196B-4125-B9F1-EB8BEB9EC38F@microsoft.com...
> But keep in mind that's the last successful driver loaded.

In my experience, not necessarily. When I had to use it
once, it was this last driver that was refusing to initialize
or something. The driver was loading, but the UI that loads
separately to config it was causing the problem.

No harm, no foul to try it.

And, actually, since he's able to get it to complete the
boot process 66% of the time, he could get a complete
boot log from that and compare it to the boot log of
a failed boot to see what the next driver load will be.

>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
> "V Green" wrote:
> > Lee:
> >
> > Enable Boot Logging as described here:
> >
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485
> >
> > Then check the NTBTLOG.TXT file for the last driver that
> > was loaded. You can then often tell what caused the blue screen
> > and troubleshoot from there.
 
Good point the compare might help but I suspect the in-place upgrade just
didn't work and that the controller driver and or acpi and or hal is at
fault. The bugcheck code from the event log may also be of interest.



--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"V Green" wrote:
> In my experience, not necessarily. When I had to use it
> once, it was this last driver that was refusing to initialize
> or something. The driver was loading, but the UI that loads
> separately to config it was causing the problem.
>
> No harm, no foul to try it.
>
> And, actually, since he's able to get it to complete the
> boot process 66% of the time, he could get a complete
> boot log from that and compare it to the boot log of
> a failed boot to see what the next driver load will be.
 
Lee MacMillan wrote:
> Not sure if this is significant. On my 2nd startup attempt today, I hit F8
> then selected safe mode but it just hung at the "starting Windows" screen.
> I did a hard reset and then it booted up ok. This was the 4rd try.
>
> I will try this the next time it fails to boot. Thanks.
>
>
> "V Green" <vanceg@nowhere.net> wrote in message
> news:uVjZg5JfIHA.5788@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>
>>Lee:
>>
>>Enable Boot Logging as described here:
>>
>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485
>>
>>Then check the NTBTLOG.TXT file for the last driver that
>>was loaded. You can then often tell what caused the blue screen
>>and troubleshoot from there.
>>
>>"Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
>>news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
>>
>>>Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
>>>well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine
>
> if it
>
>>>starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2
>
> or 3
>
>>>times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main
>
> screen),
>
>>>I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
>>>hardware vendor."
>>>
>>>I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
>
> was
>
>>>in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
>>>sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
>>>network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
>
> error.
>
>>>I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
>>>Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
>>>
>>>From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but
>
> since
>
>>>it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.

It sounds like a faulty driver. It's unlikely to be a hardware problem
as you are reaching POST successfully on each attempt, ie your BIOS
recognises all your essential hardware. Or does it fail before the
Windows splash screen? When you boot up successfully it might be an idea
to have a look at System Properties/Hardware/Device Manager just to
check whether any device is showing up as faulty. It's also possible a
memory module or the graphics card isn't properly seated which might
explain why there is an intermittent error.
 
"Frank Booth Snr" <fbsnr@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:oJ6dnaKB39Uz_VbanZ2dnUVZ8qKvnZ2d@bt.com...
> Lee MacMillan wrote:
>> Not sure if this is significant. On my 2nd startup attempt today, I hit
>> F8
>> then selected safe mode but it just hung at the "starting Windows"
>> screen.
>> I did a hard reset and then it booted up ok. This was the 4rd try.
>>
>> I will try this the next time it fails to boot. Thanks.
>>
>>
>> "V Green" <vanceg@nowhere.net> wrote in message
>> news:uVjZg5JfIHA.5788@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>
>>>Lee:
>>>
>>>Enable Boot Logging as described here:
>>>
>>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485
>>>
>>>Then check the NTBTLOG.TXT file for the last driver that
>>>was loaded. You can then often tell what caused the blue screen
>>>and troubleshoot from there.
>>>
>>>"Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
>>>news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
>>>
>>>>Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
>>>>well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine
>>
>> if it
>>
>>>>starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2
>>
>> or 3
>>
>>>>times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main
>>
>> screen),
>>
>>>>I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
>>>>hardware vendor."
>>>>
>>>>I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
>>
>> was
>>
>>>>in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
>>>>sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
>>>>network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
>>
>> error.
>>
>>>>I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
>>>>Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
>>>>
>>>>From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but
>>
>> since
>>
>>>>it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
>
> It sounds like a faulty driver. It's unlikely to be a hardware problem as
> you are reaching POST successfully on each attempt, ie your BIOS
> recognises all your essential hardware. Or does it fail before the Windows
> splash screen? When you boot up successfully it might be an idea to have a
> look at System Properties/Hardware/Device Manager just to check whether
> any device is showing up as faulty. It's also possible a memory module or
> the graphics card isn't properly seated which might explain why there is
> an intermittent error.

I see the Windows splash screen before I get the blue screen. I did check
the device manager and the only thing that shows up as faulty is the
multimedia driver. The SDRAM clips are all set as is the AGP card clip but
I will push them all down firmly one more time. Thanks.
 
I noted in another post that the only problem in the device manager is the
multimedia driver. The IDE/ATA controller drivers show the VIA busmaster
controller and the Microsoft drivers. I will report back when I have some
more news.


"Dave Patrick" <DSPatrick@nospam.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:F284FDF4-44F4-440F-81E1-8220F3EB9A71@microsoft.com...
> Good point the compare might help but I suspect the in-place upgrade just
> didn't work and that the controller driver and or acpi and or hal is at
> fault. The bugcheck code from the event log may also be of interest.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
> "V Green" wrote:
>> In my experience, not necessarily. When I had to use it
>> once, it was this last driver that was refusing to initialize
>> or something. The driver was loading, but the UI that loads
>> separately to config it was causing the problem.
>>
>> No harm, no foul to try it.
>>
>> And, actually, since he's able to get it to complete the
>> boot process 66% of the time, he could get a complete
>> boot log from that and compare it to the boot log of
>> a failed boot to see what the next driver load will be.
>
 
Re: Blue screen system halted 3-3 update

Today I ran the Windows memory diagnostic test I got from the MS site. It
boots from a floppy then runs 6 different tests. Took about 15 minutes for
all 6 tests to run and it didn't find any memory problems.

The system booted up OK today but it did do a disk check even though it had
shut down normally yesterday. Not sure if that was a result of the floppy
boot or what. In the past, it has done a disk check when I had to kill
power after a system halt.

Thanks for all the help & suggestions. I'm sure we will get to the bottom
of this eventually.

Lee

"Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
> Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine if
it
> starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2 or
3
> times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main screen),
> I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> hardware vendor."
>
> I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
was
> in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
error.
> I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
>
> From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but since
> it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
>
>
 
Bootlog from successful startup

These are all the "did not load driver" lines from the ntbtlog.txt file from
a successful Win2000 startup. Not sure if this tells you anything or not.

Service Pack 4 3 3 2008 11:19:54.500

Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\NDProxy.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\lbrtfdc.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Sfloppy.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Changer.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Cdaudio.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\tga.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\parport.sys
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\PCIDump.SYS
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\redbook.sys
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\parport.sys
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rdbss.sys
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb.sys
Did not load driver \Device\mfefeatk01.sys

"Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
news:jrWdneqN98KQk1HanZ2dnUVZ_uevnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Today I ran the Windows memory diagnostic test I got from the MS site.
It
> boots from a floppy then runs 6 different tests. Took about 15 minutes
for
> all 6 tests to run and it didn't find any memory problems.
>
> The system booted up OK today but it did do a disk check even though it
had
> shut down normally yesterday. Not sure if that was a result of the floppy
> boot or what. In the past, it has done a disk check when I had to kill
> power after a system halt.
>
> Thanks for all the help & suggestions. I'm sure we will get to the bottom
> of this eventually.
>
> Lee
>
> "Lee MacMillan" <lmacmil@yahoo_X.com> wrote in message
> news:sO6dnWZSy-7rclfanZ2dnUVZ_vKunZ2d@comcast.com...
> > Recently had to replace a failed mobo and do a repair install. All went
> > well and I've got all the service packs updated. The system runs fine
if
> it
> > starts but about every 3rd start up attempt (I only use this machine 2 o
r
> 3
> > times a week), as soon as Windows starts to load (after the main
screen),
> > I'll get a blue screen with the message "system halted, contact your
> > hardware vendor."
> >
> > I haven't changed any components other than the mobo (an Epox 8KHA+ that
> was
> > in my WinXP machine for several years). As noted, if Windows loads, the
> > sytem runs fine with no indication of a problem. At first I thought my
> > network card wasn't fully seated but I pulled it out and got the same
> error.
> > I have 3 SDRAM sticks (2x256 and 1x512), a Radeon 9250 video card, 1
> > Seagate 80gig drive, 1 floppy and an HP CDRW.
> >
> > From my research I assume this is some kind of hardware problem but
since
> > it's intermittant, I don't where to start. All suggestions are welcome.
> >
> >
>
>
 
Lee M. wrote:

> I see the Windows splash screen before I get the blue screen. I did check
> the device manager and the only thing that shows up as faulty is the
> multimedia driver.

There lies a clue.
 
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