Windows XP Startup, Shutdown, and My Computer issues

[hockey2112]

Hello all,

I am running Windows XP Pro SP2. I just reinstalled Windows yesterday, and have been adding my components one by one. I ran into a problem tonight when trying to install my multi card reader.

I installed the drivers and plugged the card reader into the USB connector on my Mobo. I attempted to boot up windows after plugging my power cables back in; it took forever to boot up. Once it booted, I did a restart, and it took forever to log off and reboot. When it did reboot, it began sending me to the "Windows did not shut down/ start up properly... choose safe mode, last know good config, start windows normally" dialogue.

I have chosen "start windows normally" and "last known good config", and neither one of them solve my problem (extremely slow log on and log off/ shut down). Also, once I finally make it into Windows, I cannot access the contents of My Computer. All other folders work fine, and I can easily navigate to the various hard drives by typing their location in the address bar of the folder. But when I double-click on My Computer, or type its location directly into my address bar, I just get the hourglass and nothing happens.


This definitely has to have something to do with that darn card reader. None of these issues occurred until immediately after I installed the reader. I did not download any programs and install them, so I am confident that I did not contract a virus.

Can anyone please help me fix this problem?


Specs:

ASUS A8N-SLI mobo
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core CPU
Corsair 512 MB single DDR RAM
WD SATA HD
2x WD IDE HD
DVD+R Drive
generic firewire PCI card
MyHD tuner PCI card
Firewire case component plugged into Firewirre connector on mobo
USB case component plugged into USB connector on mobo

 

[an51r]

have you tried to unplug the card reader. get a program called driver cleaner and use it to delete all your card reader drivers it may be a botched install.

 

[hockey2112]

have you tried to unplug the card reader. get a program called driver cleaner and use it to delete all your card reader drivers it may be a botched install.

Yes, I unplugged the card reader (just to be sure that I am being clear... it is plugged directly into the mobo's 10-pin USB connector, not an external mobo USB connector), but it did not fix the problem, even after several reboots. I always receive the "choose a mode" message, followed by a painfully slow boot up and shut down once I do so, as well as the lack of access to My Computer.

I haven't heard of Driver Cleaner before... is this it? http://www.drivercleaner.net/ If that is it, do you know of a freeware alternative?

Thanks for the reply.