How To Troubleshoot Hardware And Software Driver Problems In Windows XP
How To Troubleshoot Hardware And Software Driver Problems In Windows XP
After you install a new hardware device or new software, your computer may start to restart spontaneously, or you may receive error messages on a blue screen.
This is typically caused by a device driver that is not correct for the version of Windows on which you installed it. Or, the device driver may have been poorly written, which can cause Windows to stop working correctly.
To troubleshoot these issues, follow the steps in the following sections.
Check Third-Party Software or Drivers
If you installed any third-party software or drivers, try removing them or disabling them so that they do not load. Then, restart the computer to see whether that software or driver is causing the issue. If that software or driver is causing the issue, report the problem to the manufacturer of the software or driver.
If you cannot start Windows XP after you install the software or drivers, use one of the following methods to restore Windows:
Try Using The Roll Back Driver Feature
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Try using the Windows XP System Restore feature
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Try using Recovery Console
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Try starting MS-DOS
If Windows is installed on a partition that uses the FAT file system, try starting your computer to MS-DOS, and then renaming the problem software or driver.
Check New Hardware
If you added any new hardware after you installed Windows, try removing the new device to see whether you stop receiving the "Stop 0x0A" error message. If removing the new device resolves the problem, try any or all of the following procedures:
1. Obtain updated drivers for the device, if any updated drivers are available.
2. Contact the manufacturer of the device to determine whether there are any known issues with the device.
3. Run diagnostics to make sure that the device is working properly.
4. Examine the logs in Event Viewer to see whether there is any event information that might help you to determine which device or driver is causing the problem.
Try Using The Last Known Good Configuration Feature
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Try repairing the Windows XP installation. To do so
1. Turn off any antivirus program and BIOS-level antivirus protection. For help, see the appropriate software manual or online Help.
2. Make sure that the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive is the first priority startup device in your computer's BIOS settings. See your computer's documentation for information about how to do this.
3. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.
4. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" prompt appears, press a key so that your computer starts from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
5. When the computer starts from the CD-ROM, your hardware is checked, and then you are prompted to select an option. Press ENTER.
6. Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement.
7. Your current Windows XP installation is listed, and then you are prompted to select an option. Press R to start the automatic repair process. After Windows XP is repaired, you may have to reactivate Windows XP if you changed some hardware.
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