Error Loading Operation System

[Russian Mafia]

I volunteered to fix my girlfriend's mom's computer. The problem with it is that whenever I turn it on it immediately says "Error Loading Operation System", I can't even access the BIOS. Is the hard drive corrupt or what? I was told that the computer never had an anti virus on it.

 

[Asus]

If you cannot get into the bios then something else is wrong probably rather than a typical virus on the hard drive. Like a failed HDD controller. Maybe a corrupt bios.

Before the PC starts to load the OS it first POSTs. And you also access the bios before the PC starts to load the OS. Does the PC have an internal speaker for system beeps? Hear anything when you start the PC up?

If you know the exact model number of the motherboard then you may be able to flash the bios. But if you mess up a step while flashing then it could make it worse.

 

[Moonraker]

well, since its trying to load an operating system it might have already passed that point. the POST (like stated above) comes first, then usually RAM check and then loading. i had a similar problem recently working on a system and it just turned out to be some faulty RAM. then of course the hdrive could have failed too, there are a couple of possibilities. try getting a hold of a boot disk and seeing if that can load.

 

[Russian Mafia]

When I start the computer I do not hear any beeps. So you are suggesting that I get an XP disk and see if it loads?

 

[TCfromBN]

You need to look for a way into the BIOS. Usualy the DEL key while the system is initially booting. If you can't get into the BIOS at all, you're out of luck completely. If you can get into the BIOS then most likely boot files are corrupted and you will need an OS disk to repair the problem. If that doesn't work look into what ASUS said with the HDD controlers.

 

[Rico]

What kind of computer is it? is it a Dell?

Some Dells require you use F8 or F12 to go into bios.

If you cannot get into the bios at all that way, try clearing to CMOS (refer to the motherboard manual for instructions. If you don't have it, look up the mobo's model on the net and find it online). Usually to clear the cmos you place a jumper on the pins.

If you absolutely cannot get into the bios through any of those means, you're almost definitely dealing with a faulty motherboard/hd/PSU

 

[Barney Fife]

Once you turn the computer on; if it posts BIOS then posts OS error, this means: The OS or the HD is damaged. Therefore replace OS or HD.

Once you turn it on:

1) If nothing happens (Dark-Screen) Try flashing BIOS by following the instructions IN THIS LINK.

2) Or, If "Checksum Error" is posted try setting BIOS to factory default settings or replace Cmos battery.

Good Luck. And may your Soon-To-Be-Mother-In-Law approve of you.

 

[Rico]

Allow me to correct my post, if you cannot get to bios and the PC doesn't post, it's not a HD problem (at least as far as POSTing is concerned) but a mobo or possibly a PSU issue(the PSU might not supply enough juice).

Your machine should post even without RAM or a HD attached, so those don't matter in that regard as of right now. Your first step is to actually be able to boot, then you'll probably have to reinstall the OS (reformat first) and if that gives you trouble, look into replacing the HD.

 

[MRG]

Good advice all around so far.

"F2" is also another common key that can to be pressed as soon as the PC is turned on to enter the Bios. IF when you turn on the PC & you don't see a screen that displays the CPU make & model, followed by the RAM, this could simply be because some motherboards have a "Spash Screen" which will show a pic of the motherboard company's logo, so soon as your PC is turned on, try pressing the "Del" or "F2" keys. In fact, on some mobo's, the "Tab" key needs to be pressed instead to enter the Bios. Experiment with different key presses to deturmine if you can even get into theBios.

As for flashing it, thats another good idea, but unless you have an old Floppy drive connected & working or your CD/DVD drive is set to initialize before your HDD, it might be rather tricky to flash the Bios, if indeed it is the cause of the problem.

Another good idea that someone here mentions was to clear your CMOS. Look at the link below to see how this is done. Refer to your mobo manual as well. 9/10 times it'll be a small 3 pin jumper or if it's a newer mobo, it'll be a small button you press for 5 seconds to clear the Bios back to it's default settings on your mobo thats next to the CMOS battery on your mobo. (Your battery might be bad as well, though thats a long shot as they rarely go bad & most often last longer the the life of the PC itself.)

Clearing your CMOS/Resetting your Bios.
http://www.technibble.com/how-to-recover-from-a-bad-bios-update/
http://www.thg***/mainboard/ddr2_memory_2006_rating/images/cmos_jumper.jpg
http://www.infopackets.com/graphics/cmos+jumper.gif

-MRG

 

[Russian Mafia]

Thanks for info, next time I'm over there I will check for the mobo model number. I'm pretty sure the computer is an HP.