Tech help requested: Windows XP Looks Like It's Running In Safe Mode When It's In Normal Mode

Self | Jan. 27, 2008 | Self

[jdm]

I reinstalled XP on a person's computer. When it logged in (yes, logged in!) I noticed that the graphics looked horrible, like it was running in "Safe Mode." And I couldn't connect to the internet or print.

Do I just need to download drivers at Gateway.com (it's a Gateway 310) and burn them to a CDR for use on this person's PC?

Furthermore, just burn the drivers (all exe files) to a CDR (as a data disc, not ISO) and then boot up normally, install them one-by-one, reboot and voila, the screen will look normal, I'll be able to connect to the internet, print and so forth?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[raybbr]

ping

[A_Tradition_Continues]

Appears you need drivers for video, modem, probably sound card.

[jdm]

Thanks. I punched in the serial number at Gateway.com and it lists these (download them all, just in case?)

My BIOS Downloads

Description

File Info

9528425.exe - Thrasher Motherboard BIOS Update Revision: SR84511A.15A.0020.P03 Supports:  All Operating Systems

7/30/2004 1,896 KB

My CD-ROM/CD-R/CD-RW Downloads

Description

File Info

xp_optical_drive.exe - Microsoft Windows XP Optical Drive Driver Information Supports:  Windows XP

1/7/2005 26 KB

My Modem Downloads

Description

File Info

9523936.exe - Smart Link 56K Modem Drivers Revision: 3.20.04.799 Supports:  Windows XP

4/12/2004 2,883 KB

9526568.exe - 9526568.exe - Intel(R) 537EP Data Fax Modem 1.6, Version 2.1.35.11 Supports:  Windows XP, Windows 2000

2/3/2004 1,683 KB

My Monitor Downloads

Description

File Info

7512093.exe - Desktop and Profile 4 Monitor INF driver Supports:  Windows XP

11/4/2002 234 KB

My Network Downloads

Description

File Info

9527022_9522927.exe - Integrated Intel(r) PRO/1000 MT/CT or Intel(r) PRO/100 VE Network Driver Revision: PRO/1000 - 7.0.36.0; PRO/100 - 7.0.26.0 Supports:  Windows XP, Windows 2000

7/13/2004 40,211 KB

My Sound Downloads

Description

File Info

9523937.exe - 310 Series - Realtek Audio Driver, Version 5.10.00.5190 Supports:  Windows XP

5/10/2004 4,974 KB

My Video Downloads

Description

File Info

9527020.exe - Intel(r) Extreme Graphics Driver Production Version 13.6.0.3722 (Driver Version 6.14.10.3722) Supports:  Windows XP, Windows 2000

3/30/2004 7,131 KB

[Jean S]

It sounds like you have the wrong video driver installed. You should be able to find the most current driver at Gateway’s website.

[A_Tradition_Continues]

download all and install each.

[jdm]

Don’t I want to use the one from 2004 - the one that’s listed - since that’s when the computer was purchased? A newer one wont’ hurt it?

[jdm]

download all and install each.

Even the BIOS one? That one scares me to death. It won't mess anything up, right? :)

[Jean S]

An updated version of the video card won’t hurt anything. I agree with you about flashing the bios, I only do that if absolutely necessary.
There may have been a problem during the reinstallation. I assume your reformatted the drive first. It wouldn’t hurt to start over.

[A_Tradition_Continues]

Hold off on the Bios update unless absolutely necessary. BTW...why did you have to do a reinstall?

[JRios1968]

When it logged in (yes, logged in!) I noticed that...

Well, since you're logged-in, my work here is done.

[jdm]

The computer had a bad malware infection a while back, which I believe compromised the OS beyond repair.

I used SuperAntiSpyware, AVG AntiSpyware, AVG Anti-Rootkit, AntiVir, online scanners like BitDefender, Dr. Web CureIt, Trend Micro Housecall, F-Secure, eset, etc. not to mention smaller utilities like SDfix, Combofix, SmitFraudFix, VundoFix, Dial-a-Fix, Rogue Remover, OTMoveIt, CCleaner, ATF Cleaner, etc. - you name it.

The computer always took 10-15 minutes to boot up all the time. You would see the desktop icons fairly quickly after boot-up, but then you could go take a shower and come back and still click and have to wait.

It really does need more memory, though. Only has 256MB right now.

Thanks for your replies. I’ll hold off on the BIOS one.

[jdm]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.... :)

[jdm]

Yep, I did everything described here.

Thanks for your help. I'll hold off on the BIOS.

[Jean S]

I recently heard about a new boot sector virus and it’s a nasty one. Sorry, I can’t recall any details but I think Norton has some info about it.
I know, that’s not very helpful but others might know more about it.

From what I heard about it’s very hard to get rid of and reformatting your drive won’t fix it.

[jdm]

One thing I forgot to mention is that this screen below even took on the appearance of what "Safe Mode" looks like, during the install. I had never seen that before. I went back and re-did the install and it still looked like I was in "Safe Mode."

[JerseyHighlander]

Try a newer version:

http://www.support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?st=pn&param=2520852

http://www.support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=20172&dscr=Intel(r)%20Chipset%20Software%20Installation%20UtilityVersion:%206.0.1.1002

Motherboard Downloads

Description

File Info

Intelchipset1002.exe - Intel(r) Chipset Software Installation Utility Version: 6.0.1.1002 Supports: Windows XP Note: This is the Intel chipset driver for the Gateway Profile 5, Profile 5.5, Augsburg, Hazelton, Luxemburg, Midway, Midway 2, Midway 2 Plus, Seabreeze, South Lake, or South Lake 2 motherboards.

[JRios1968]

It really does need more memory, though. Only has 256MB right now.

Seriesly, I think that was the big problem to start with.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Man,...I am so out of date with Windows. I am of no help...is this with SP2?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Gateway 310 Series