Hi again guys,

A recent problem "forced" me to reformat my comp.

The problem:

when i boot things go smoothly untill the point when windows loads. That's when my comp. goes bleeeeep non-stop. Can't get into safe mode, etc, etc.

I suspect the culprit was CC-cleaner as the problem started after it cleaned up my registry.
I had planned a reformat anyways, so, i reformatted and everything was rosy...for a day.

This time i downloaded a trial version of Advanced System Optimizer and was playing around with it, cleaninig up registry, etc. and the same bleeep phenomenon appears.
I did a backup before doing the registry clean-up but what good is it for a n00b when you can't even start windows.

So, i simply, used my windows CD rom and reinstalled windows again (no format this time). Which works great except that my previously installed progs are not available on my program menu anymore and suddenly windows decides the admin (me) needs to password to enter account. All the programs are present in the "program files" folder, and the one's i tried to run worked nicely.

Now, i know, there probably are other yet to be discovered consequences to my above actions...

So, after this looong explanation here are some solid questions:

1. is the Bleeep phenomenon in your opinion due to the registry mess-up, as i suspect?

2. are programs like CC-cleaner et. al. a nuisance? is Registry clean-up a hazard? any other maintainance products around that you'd reccomend?

3. Is there an easier way of dealing with the bleep phenomenon than reformatting or re-installing XP-pro?

4. Can i get my programs back on the programs list?

5. how on earth do i stop windows logging in automatically (this probably is the n00biest question of all, i know) i want the pleasure of typing my passwd!

So that's it for now, advice towards the improvement of my windows-skills are greatly appreciated

zurzu

Beeping prior to Windows is a BIOS issue and has nothing to do with Windows or any software.

This is a BIOS issue and or Hardware.

CCleaner is one of a very few programs I've never had a problem with.

I would never use any other "maintenance" software.

Any Clean Install of XP will wipe out third party programs. You need to reinstall them.

The logon options are found under: Control Panel > User Accounts > Change the way users log in or out.

Originally Posted by jephree

Beeping prior to Windows is a BIOS issue and has nothing to do with Windows or any software.

This is a BIOS issue and or Hardware.

CCleaner is one of a very few programs I've never had a problem with.

I would never use any other "maintenance" software.

Any Clean Install of XP will wipe out third party programs. You need to reinstall them.

The logon options are found under: Control Panel > User Accounts > Change the way users log in or out.

ok, i see. So is it a coincidence that the beep problem started each time after a registry clean up? How come re-installing XP rectified the problem? finally, what's the best way to avoid bios issues of this sort?

Thanks for advice

Beeping is caused by BIOS errors. A successful boot will beep once then Windows loads.

The only other time a BIOS beep will occur after Windows is loaded is a point where Windows will shut down via a hardware sensor for heat or some other hardware failure.

Windows does not generate beeps. If you damaged the registry to the point where Windows is not bootable then this might result in beeps from the BIOS as it cannot boot the hard drive.

I'd suggest a Clean Install of XP with a Full Format and then leave the thing alone. Do not use Registry Cleaners or supposed system optimizers.

After a Clean Install you need to load Windows Updates (SP3) and load your motherboard drivers.

Then add your programs and just leave it alone.

I downloaded and opened and tried out System optimizer and after my computer rebooted all my Icons and startup menu script was in ALIEN GREEK TYPE SYMBOLS THAT I COULDN"T DECIPHER FOR ANYTHING!
Had to use system restore to discombubilate the damage I had done running that software program. So Jephree is right on the nose about leaving the registry alone. Needless to say I uninstalled the software.

Thanks for the sound advice. So, finally all the registry fixes & defrags are not the great salvation for smoother computing. I guess bios-updates are a must, right? Also, is there a way to create some sort of repair or restore CD that can save the situation in case of beep?

In any case, done a clean format, re-installed and updated. So far all is smooth sailing

Thanks again, guys for advice.

zurzu

Defragging is good to do every month or so. Use the XP defragger.

Also clear your IE folders often.

Your XP CD is all you need for Recovery Options.

You can backup your registry with ERUNT:



[ERUNT] Registry Backup and Restore for Windows
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/


[ERUNT Download URLs]
http://www.aumha.org/downloads/erunt.zip
http://www.aumha.org/downloads/erunt-setup.exe


[Installing & Using ERUNT]
http://www.winxptutor.com/regback.htm
http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_eruntuse.html
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-on...runt/erunt.txt


Hope this helps.