Problems when PC starts up

[Norfolkdan]

Hi all, before anyone asks, I'm on my sisters computer writing this.

 

I tried to turn my PC on this afternoon and a message came up saying that the computer is having trouble starting up, it could be due to new software or hardware being installed, a power cut etc..

 

Then it gives options of;

 

Safe mode

Safe mode with networking

Safe mode with command prompt

 

Last known good configuration (your most recent settings that worked)

 

Start windows normally

 

I've tried clicking them all and they start loading up, then it just goes back to the original "message".

 

Is there a way to get it to work, or do I have to take it to an IT company.

 

Not explained very well, but I hope you understand what I said.

 

Any help would be MUCH appreciated, as I'm rather frustrated at this moment in time.

 

Thanks, Dan

[Huge_Vitae]

Is that a blue screen message Dan?

[Norfolkdan]

Hi Huge, it's a black screen with white writing mate. Know of anything?

[Huge_Vitae]

what sort of writing? does it stay up long enough for you to see?

 

Have you installed any new hardware since the last time you used it? Tried updating windows or any other software installs?

 

When the computer stars, does it bleep normally? (normally a single bleep and then a memory test is done (where the numbers go up in KB ))

[Norfolkdan]

The writing stays up for 30 seconds (there's a countdown) but you can pause it by pressing any letter it seems.

 

Not installed any new hardware/software or upgraded recently.

 

It doesn't seem to bleep normally, but the windows XP thing comes up and that loading thing goes along underneath it (like normal), then it goes to the problem.

[Huge_Vitae]

Try this.. I'm not promising anything but it might work.

 

(it doesn't sound like a hardware issue, more software based - but its worth trying)

 

boot the computer up and hold delete when the memory test is going.

 

This will bring up a blue screen with lots of options.

 

One of them will say LOAD FAIL SAFE OPTIONS

 

move down using the arrow keys (as the mouse wont work, and hit enter on it - you will be prompted to accept -- click the Y key for yes.

 

Then push the F10 key. This will save and exit and reboot.... see if it helps... if not.. i'll need some details of what the error message says (ie.. as much as the text as possible)

 

hope this helps

[Norfolkdan]

Got the blue screen up, but the LOAD FAIL SAFE OPTION isn't there.

 

What is there is;

 

Standard CMOS features

QDI Innovation Features

Advanced BIOS Features

Advanced chipset features

Power Management setup

PnP/PCI configurations

Integrated peripherals

 

PC Health status

set supervisot password

set user password

Load optimized dfaults

save & exit stup

Exit without saving

 

Will any of these do the same as LOAD FAIL SAFE OPTIONS?

 

If not, I'll give you more detail on the black screen.

 

Thanks for your help so far, it's much appreciated

 

Got the blue screen up, but the LOAD FAIL SAFE OPTION isn't there.

 

What is there is;

 

Standard CMOS features

QDI Innovation Features

Advanced BIOS Features

Advanced chipset features

Power Management setup

PnP/PCI configurations

Integrated peripherals

 

PC Health status

set supervisot password

set user password

Load optimized dfaults

save & exit stup

Exit without saving

 

Will any of these do the same as LOAD FAIL SAFE OPTIONS?

 

If not, I'll give you more detail on the black screen.

 

Thanks for your help so far, it's much appreciated

[Huge_Vitae]

try this one...

 

Load optimized dfaults

 

that will do the same thing almost.

 

I've seen the screen your takling about, if this fails to work, try this...

 

after the memory test etc, hold down F8 (keep it held down)... it should give you the option to load into safe-mode.. i know you said you tried before, but try it this way.. might make a difference.

[Norfolkdan]

Tried them both, and unfortunately it goes straight back to the black options screen.

 

Thanks for all your help, I guess there's nothing else I can do except tak it to some IT guys so they can fiddle about with it themselves.

 

Dan

[Huge_Vitae]

unfortantly it sounds like there's a corruption in the main windows program.

 

What they will do is reinstall windows over the top and it will work.

 

You wont loose any files if this is all they do, which is good

 

no change your using a HP machine is there with an auto recovery? it would do the same thing!

 

keep me posted.. sorry i couldn't be of any more assitance