I have been trying to troubleshoot an old PC that is being used in a monitoring system at work. Twice now I have been able to start up into Windows but the computer will reboot before it has fully started up (while some of the monitoring applications are initializing). When looking through the BIOS the HDD isn't even listed in the boot sequence at all and when booting off the windows xp install cd into "Windows Setup" there is no HDD listed to repair. Also, I hear a constant quiet beeping (every 0.5 seconds) from the moment the computer is booted up to the moment it shuts down.
Is it possible that this is anything other than a failed HDD? We are considering sending the unit back to the manufacturer but it is no longer under warranty and the wait time could be significant. If this is something I can fix myself it would be VERY preferable.
Thanks!