Boot issues

This has happened twice now in the last 2 weeks. Computer tries to
boot and get XMS driver errors. Also himem.sys and emm386 not
loading. Sometime I can get to a blank windows desktop but am
usually
stuck in DOS. If I do get to the windows desktop, there is a
message
about no mouse found. In all of the failed boots, there is no mouse
or keyboard loaded in DOS or windows so I cannot do anything but push
the reset button. After probably close to 10 restarts, it boots up
and runs like nothing was ever wrong. A boot disk does not help. I
am virus and spyware/malware free. This computer is 5 years old and
built by myself, but
the hard drive is newer. Any help appreciated.

On Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:48:35 -0800, lb thoughfully wrote:

This has happened twice now in the last 2 weeks. Computer tries to boot
and get XMS driver errors. Also himem.sys and emm386 not loading.
Sometime I can get to a blank windows desktop but am usually
stuck in DOS. If I do get to the windows desktop, there is a message
about no mouse found. In all of the failed boots, there is no mouse or
keyboard loaded in DOS or windows so I cannot do anything but push the
reset button. After probably close to 10 restarts, it boots up and runs
like nothing was ever wrong. A boot disk does not help. I am virus and
spyware/malware free. This computer is 5 years old and built by myself,
but
the hard drive is newer. Any help appreciated.

Check the usuals, memory with memtest86, try another PSU, check for cpu
or gpu excessive heat, and check the CMOS battery.