Basic Microsoft Windows 2000 troubleshooting

Additional information:
Below are some reasons why a user may follow the steps in this document.
1. Unknown or undocumented problem with computer running Microsoft Windows 2000.
2. Performance issues with the computer, for example, the computer running slowly.
3. Users who wish to run maintenance on the computer or potentially speed up the computer.
4. Users looking for steps to help resolve an issue or that may help locate the cause of an issue.

Solutions:
Error messages encountered during boot before Windows loads

1. Ensure that your computer BIOS settings are correctly configured to the hardware that is installed in your computer. Improper settings in the BIOS may cause various types of errors when first booting an IBM compatible computer. These errors often occur as the computer is first booting and may stop the load process of the computer.
Error messages while Windows is loading
Errors that occur while Windows 2000 is loading and/or or prevent Windows 2000 from loading are likely being caused by a configuration error in the registry.
1. If you have recently changed or installed something that could have caused Normal Windows to stop loading, try loading the last known good configuration.
2. If you are unable to get into Normal Windows and believe that removing or uninstalling a program or changing a setting may help enable you to get into Windows, boot the computer into Windows 2000 Safe Mode.
3. If you were unable to resolve your issue through Safe Mode, attempt to restore the registry using scanreg.
Other error messages that occur while Windows is loading or after Windows is loaded
Errors that have occurred while Windows is loading and/or after Windows has completed loading are often caused by a program that is automatically loading each time Windows is loading, problem or misconfiguration of a hardware device, or computer virus.
1. If errors occur but Microsoft Windows still loads, verify no issues or conflicts exist in Device Manager. If errors are found, read through our Device Manager page for steps on resolving issues.
2. Ensure that if programs are loading automatically that these errors are not associated with these programs. Many times, utilities such as virus programs may attempt to load when Windows first starts and cause errors to occur.
3. Make sure Windows 2000 is up to date by checking Microsoft Windows update page.
4. If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems..
Other error messages
If you are experiencing other error messages it is likely these errors are being caused by the software program you are running and/or a hardware device you are attempting to utilize.
Computer running slowly
1. Make sure your computer has at least 500MB of free hard disk drive space. If your computer has less than 500MB free, it may cause the computer to operate more slowly.
2. Run Microsoft Scandisk and Defrag on the computer.
3. Close any programs that are running in the background and/or disable background programs from automatically loading each time your computer boots.
4. Click Start, Search, and click For Files or Folders. In the search window, search for files named *.tmp and make sure you are searching or looking in the local C: drive. Once search has completed, delete any files found.
5. Ensure that no errors or conflicts exist in the Device Manager.
6. Make sure Windows 2000 is up to date by checking Microsoft Windows update page.
7. Ensure your computer has the latest drivers for the hardware devices installed in your computer.
8. If your computer has a virus protection program installed make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems.