XP Freezes at startup or reboot unless I beat on it.

[TCM]

I am running XP and when I start up or reboot I get to the Windows screen with the blue bar scrolling across the screen,  It will scroll across for a while & then freeze up.

If I go TV old school & slap the sides of the CPU as it goes through this process it will boot up & I'm good to go. 

I could do without the Gene Krupa routine on every start up.

HELP?

[patio]

I would remove a side panel and carefully remove and re-seat all components...make sure the heatsink/fan combo is secure and do some general housekeeping.
Use a can of compressed air...do NOT use a vacuum !

As always when working inside the case remove all power sources and take anti-static precautions...

Replace all components and hook up the power and power up.
Leave a side panel off for now to be able to check if all fans are functioning...

[billrich]

You should not Beat on your Computer.

Beat your wife but not your computer.