Sometimes Windows XP Freezes at Startup?

It could be hundreds of reasons causing it. A bad .dll file, crappy drivers, corrupt files, broken hardware, ...

That said, you can start by try removing as many programs from your startup as possible.
Check how many processes that are running after you started your computer, it gives a hint: 20-25 processes = trimmed and very neat. 25-35 = normal amount. 35-50 = a bit too many processes and can cause instability. 50-70 processes = bloated with way too many processes, cleanup or reinstall your system.

I run Xp and have'nt had any trouble like this, bit I imagine as said, you have too many processes, or summat is corrupted.

Either way, trying to repair using the CD could be a good idea.

While it's starting up keep tapping F8 to get to the boot screen and then choose "Run Windows in Safe Mode". Instead of the fancy screen with a scroll bar it will show you what *.Sys and *.dll files it is loading but more importantly it will show you which one it freezes on. If it freezes on this screen take the bottom file and post it here or do a Google of "XP Start up crashes on -FileNameHere-" or something similar and it should (hopefully) give you an explanation and answer. If it doesn’t crash during the boot of safe mode then it might not be hardware related. In which case, have you installed any new software or updates recently?

It could be that some piece of hardware fails to properly initialize when the computer starts up - particularly if this happens from a cold boot (when you first turn on the computer). This could be because the hardware is flakey, or the power supply has surge issues.

Well I replaced my PSU a couple of days ago. I I think all my hardware works fine. Do I need to repair with winxp disc?

You could try this just to make sure it isn't a corrupt driver or system file:

- Run command prompt (Hold Windows Key + R and type in "cmd.exe" without quotes into the dialog box)
- At the command prompt type in "SFC.exe /SCANNOW" without quotes.

SFC stands for System File Checker; it will scan for corrupt drivers and system files and attempt to repair them. You may need to insert your windows cd prior to running this as if it cannot repair a file it will try to restore it from the CD. As always when performing stuff like this I would recommend you backed up your files first just to be on the safe side.

for more info see:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic43051.html

Also check that all your hardware is firmly seated in the case and that nothing is loose like PSU connectors etc.

it happened before you put in the new psu right? and is continuing now...?

Components overheated?

No it even happened before installing the new PSU.

And no all my components are at good temps.

Are you overclocking anything? Are your RAM timings properly set in the BIOS ("auto" or "by SPD" is probably best for you).

Anyway, as I said before it could be almost any component have a "bad hair day".

Well anyways, I ran the SFC.exe thing... and inserted the winxp disc to replace some files.. that didn't work. Still froze.

Any ideas on this? Getting kinda annoying. Like I said NO freezes in Windows! And all my HW is not overheated. I can still play all games on PC just fine! No shutdowns!

Also my H/W is not O/C.

Boot into safe mode/diagnostic mode. You'll probably want to check the system logs for any potential problems. It's most likely having problems loading a certain file.

Have you tried booting in Safe Mode to see if the safe mode start-up screen freezes on a particular file each time? If it does then this file is your problem. If it crashes on a different file each time then try what Tarun said and check the logs inside the Computer Management application.

Maybe its a sign that a segment of your RAM is going bad...?

I found the problem. It was a registry error. I cleaned out my registry with ASC and over 1,500 errors showed up! Then I fixed them.

Now my start up isn't freezing up anymore. Woo!

I'm going to pin this on your Hard Drive, it sounds like the arm is starting to go, we'll know if I'm right in about a year or so. It happened to mine and with an 8 disk array it was a hell of a time trying to figure out which one was actually having the issue.

The problem was fixed. It was a registry error.

ASC? Advanced System Care? ...Pure garbage. Registry cleaners are usually snake oil.