Are you having problems getting your PC to startup with Windows XP? Obviously there are any number of reasons why your operating system is not “operating.” Fortunately, there are a couple of troubleshooting options you can try that often fix a whole range of problems.

Repair Your Installation of Windows

We’ll start with the easiest option. This is a simple thing for you to try when Windows XP won’t boot up. Just take your Windows CD-ROM and insert it in the drive. When you run the Setup program contained on the disc, it will often repair any existing installation errors.

Reboot in Safe Mode

If you reboot your PC in Safe Mode, you have the option of restoring XP to its “last known good configuration” or doing a System Restore. When you restore to the last good configuration, it takes your system back to the most recent, successful reboot. To restart in Safe Mode and find the last good configuration or a restore point follow these instructions:

Isass.exe is a file created by Microsoft to enforce the security policy in the Windows operating system. It verifies user identification, acknowledges password modifications, and distributes access tokens. It also tracks security processes and records them to the Windows Security Log.

When the Isass.exe file authenticates user identification it will create the access token which includes a file security descriptor that completes the authentication process.

If the Isass.exe file is terminated it causes Windows Welcome to drop all of the user accounts which causes the crash on bootup. The computer is basically useless since the access token that authenticates users cannot be acquired from the server.

You sit down. You push the magic button and nothing happens. Your computer is obviously broken –dead to the world- past its prime – it’s not booting up. Fortunately there are some steps you can take initially to see if your computer really is ready for the technology junkyard in the sky, and even if these simple steps don’t work, the professionals most often can bring that machine back to life for you. So don’t panic. Just be logical.

1. Check Your Cords

Yes, I know you’re not an idiot, but your computer might not be plugged in. It’s happened to the best of us – especially those of us who suffer from an overweight dog who sleeps under the desk. Check the cord that goes into the wall. Check the plug those goes into the back of the computer. Check the plug to the surge protector. Change plugs to see if another one will work. Try a different wall outlet. Check around the room – are other lights off that should be on? Check your fuse box. If your power is up and running but your computer is not despite being plugged in perfectly, sigh a heavy sigh of frustration and move on.

Our computers are the best when they work right, and when they do not start properly, they become a headache and place themselves in danger of being thrown from the nearest window. To help ease that headache, here are a few simple tips on how to get those pesky bugs out of your system and have Windows boot routine running smoothly once again.