Computer won't boot up

[SequSpur]

My other computer won't boot up. It keeps going to a screen that says start normally, start in safe mode, start in network mode, etc. etc. etc.. no matter what I put, it does the same damn thing over and over again.

I am running windows xp.......

Any ideas?

It's my daughters computer that runs AOL IM and Yahoo mess... 24/7....

Time for a new hard drive?

[TDMVPDPOY]

its the windows, format n re-install, i think it has todo with the file storage format fat32 or ntsc.

[ChumpDumper]

You could try a repair install if you have an XP disc, but the hard drive is a possibilty. Of course meesenger programs can be great transmission mediums for viruses and spyware....

[SequSpur]

I've reformatted this drive probably 3 times in the last year... I think it's probably time for a new drive......

[Solid D]

It does sound like your drive is hosed...maybe even virus imposed.

[timvp]

Recycle Bin Forum

[timvp]

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/sharon/images/trash.gif

[Solid D]

:rollin @ timvp

A new drive can certainly get you going...however, do have any backups of your important stuff in My Documents, etc.?

[SequSpur]

A child has no important stuff in My Documents...etc....

except for her hair tips and lip gloss color palette.....

[Solid D]

:lol

Then replace the drive, tell her not to fret, and to go and bring you some pie! :hat

[SequSpur]

Hey! Sequ's not here.....I'm just too lazy to sign in myself....

Better watch it dude! :)
-pseudofan!

[timvp]

Oh crap.


*runs away*

[Solid D]

:lol Good luck with that, then.

[3rdCoast]

:rollin @ timvp

A new drive can certainly get you going...however, do have any backups of your important stuff in My Documents, etc.?

I had to do that like a year ago. Atlfans's dad fixed it for me. I lost all my porn. :pctoss It's back now though :elephant

[ducks]

use zap
and zap the hard drive
then reinstall everything

IT IS NOT THE DRIVE

[ducks]

I fix a computer like this once every 2 weeks
got to love xp


try to boot it in safe mode
then do a system restore
if that does not work then boot off the xp disk
then click on install xp
then do A REPAIR ON IT(that way you do not have to reload everything)

[3rdCoast]

use zap
and zap the hard drive
then reinstall everything

IT IS NOT THE DRIVE

What is zap?

[SequSpur]

I fix a computer like this once every 2 weeks
got to love xp


try to boot it in safe mode
then do a system restore
if that does not work then boot off the xp disk
then click on install xp
then do A REPAIR ON IT(that way you do not have to reload everything)


Can't boot in any mode, can't u read?

[mouse]

What is zap?

Ask the Jap :lmao

http://www.mailbling.com/det09.jpg

[SequSpur]

:lol

Then replace the drive, tell her not to fret, and to go and bring you some pie! :hat

:smokin


Hey... once I put in the new drive, can't I slave the old one and pull out the data files she needs?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Do you have a Windows XP cd around? I wouldn't worry about a repair, sounds like you need a clean start.

I'd use your good computer to download Service Pack 2 for XP as a standalone download, and some free firewall software (Sygate Personal Firewall is a good one). Burn these to a CD, set aside for later.

First, UNPLUG the computer from the Internet.


Then...

Pop your XP CD in the CD-ROM drive.
Turn on the computer, and go into your computer's BIOS (you usually can get to this by repeatedly pressing the DEL key on startup, that or F8).
Find the 'Boot' menu and change the boot order to go from CD-ROM drive first
Save changes, and reboot (with XP CD in there)
When XP starts up from CD, it will ask you about doing a restore or a new installation
Do the new installation, and let it reformat (be sure you choose NTFS file mode)

Once you get up and running in Windows again, load antivirus software, software firewall, and XP service pack 2 to at least get you up and running from a security standpoint, then reconnect to the Internet, and do Windows Update for all new security fixes, update antivirus, etc.

And it sounds like it's time to add some more security to your child's computer so it doesn't get hosed...

Go into Control panel, and add a new user with limited access for your kid(s). Let them pick a password for logon (you'll still be able to get in there via the admin option).

The reason behind this is that in the limited user role, a user cannot install software - you'll have to install things for them in the admin account. But as a limited user, all the junk software/malware won't be able to install because they won't have install rights for their user.

Have fun

[SequSpur]

I'll give that a try tomorrow then.

My kid is 16 years old, has a job and is taller than me.

So I probably won't be creating any kid accounts.

:lol

[mouse]

Can't boot in any mode, can't u read?




Unplug the power cord for 5-10 minutes. Sometimes the memory will think there was a power outage, and it may let you run a setup in DOS mode. Don't forget if your battery on the mother board goes dead then the PC can lose lots of info. like what time it is, and what day of the year it is, just like the Monitor will be out of whack, The mother board uses that battery and memory card more than people give it credit, You notice you had to keep adjusting the time lately? That is one sign it's weak,

OK after you plug the power cord back and turn on the PC? Hold down the DEL key,shift key, or maybe its the F 1 key in your case, If you can go into setup mode? then go to the page that allows Quick Boot and Enable it. then go to restore default values and press save.

make sure you have a startup disc on floppy to load your CD ROM drivers

and let me know what it did,

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I'll give that a try tomorrow then.

My kid is 16 years old, has a job and is taller than me.

So I probably won't be creating any kid accounts.

:lol

Mouse is the same height as you so that's not saying much.

[mouse]

Do you have a Windows XP cd around? I wouldn't worry about a repair, sounds like you need a clean start.

I'd use your good computer to download Service Pack 2 for XP as a standalone download, and some free firewall software (Sygate Personal Firewall is a good one). Burn these to a CD, set aside for later.

First, UNPLUG the computer from the Internet.


Then...

Pop your XP CD in the CD-ROM drive.
Turn on the computer, and go into your computer's BIOS (you usually can get to this by repeatedly pressing the DEL key on startup, that or F8).
Find the 'Boot' menu and change the boot order to go from CD-ROM drive first
Save changes, and reboot (with XP CD in there)
When XP starts up from CD, it will ask you about doing a restore or a new installation
Do the new installation, and let it reformat (be sure you choose NTFS file mode)

Once you get up and running in Windows again, load antivirus software, software firewall, and XP service pack 2 to at least get you up and running from a security standpoint, then reconnect to the Internet, and do Windows Update for all new security fixes, update antivirus, etc.

And it sounds like it's time to add some more security to your child's computer so it doesn't get hosed...

Go into Control panel, and add a new user with limited access for your kid(s). Let them pick a password for logon (you'll still be able to get in there via the admin option).

The reason behind this is that in the limited user role, a user cannot install software - you'll have to install things for them in the admin account. But as a limited user, all the junk software/malware won't be able to install because they won't have install rights for their user.

Have fun


Dam I go to the store for beer and you post this?

You could have saved me alot of time, I didn't want to press send until I check my spelling and now my post is old news.. :lmao

[Kori Ellis]

Take it to Altex, give them your credit card, end of story.

[mouse]

Mouse is the same height as you so that's not saying much.

I rather be a hung midget than a tall jap with a small Jimmy :lmao

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

mouse, sorry man, I'll leave the next computer problem for you. Just give me a heads up if you're making a beer run :lol

[SequSpur]

Take it to Altex, give them your credit card, end of story.

I have to at least try and fix it myself....

Have you used them before?

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I rather be a hung midget

According to your GF, it's not your height that gave you the nickname "Mouse."

It's just like that story you guys tell at GTGs about the "small dick but a jackhammer ass."

[SequSpur]

So much for telling my daughter to come here and follow AHFs directions....

:flipoff

[Kori Ellis]

I have to at least try and fix it myself....

Have you used them before?

Yes, we had the same problem as you are having on our oldest computer. They fixed it for like $100 and we didn't lose anything that was on it.

[SequSpur]

Yes, we had the same problem as you are having on our oldest computer. They fixed it for like $100 and we didn't lose anything that was on it.

Yeah, that is probably a great idea, then I could drop it off and not have to worry about it either.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I used to work at Altex back in the day. I just posted the $100 fix up above (well, actually the $60 fix seeings you don't want any data saved).

Even if your daughter follows the steps above, it's no biggie Sequ. The whole point of the limited user account is to restrict unwanted software installation during normal use.

[Kori Ellis]

Yeah, that is probably a great idea, then I could drop it off and not have to worry about it either.

My motto is why fix it yourself when you can pay someone to do it.

:lol

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

BTW, it's going to take them 7-10 days to fix (if it's anything like it used to be - pretty busy), which is probably more time than any teenager wants to be without one :lol

[3rdCoast]

Teenage girls die if they can't get on AIM each night.

[mouse]

Take it to Altex, give them your credit card, end of story.


It must be nice to have cash.. with all the PC geeks in here? anyone in here that spends money on anything besides parts? is either a foo, or rich a shit,
and after looking at your new ride you must have one hell of a bank roll.

Trust me you want to at least try and fix it yourself, that is the only way you will ever learn. and sometimes you get a statifaction from doing it yourself, kinda like SpursWoman is getting fixing her own home,

Why do you think I fix Pcs on the side? It's like a hobby I get a kick out of doing it,

[Kori Ellis]

BTW, it's going to take them 7-10 days to fix (if it's anything like it used to be - pretty busy), which is probably more time than any teenager wants to be without one :lol

They fixed ours in two days. :lol

You guys always scare people here. When I broke the power input to my laptop, 80% of people in the forum said I had to replace the motherboard or replace my whole laptop. I brought it to Mark (that laptop guy Mouse recommended) and he replaced the actual part and gave me back my computer in 15 minutes for $120.

[Fat Bones]

I have to at least try and fix it myself....

Have you used them before?


I like Altex for purchases, but not for repairs. I know people that have worked there and their victims errrrr... customers.

Why did you have to reformat that drive so many times last year? Same problem?

When you did, did you format/mbr a few times?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Actually Kori it just kinda ebbs and flows on repair times, based on how many techs are around and what virii are on the loose at the time.

One time when I was working there they had two techs quit while two others were on vacation, leaving one certified tech to deal with repairs, and the estimates went up to 17-21 days. Didn't get a lot of takers on that :lol

Generally speaking laptops are a pretty expensive fix, those things are generally a pain in the ass all the way around.

[mouse]

I used to work at Altex back in the day. I just posted the $100 fix up above well, actually the $60 .

60 Bucks? Damm and I thought I was cheap with my 40 dollar flush :lmao

I talked to a dude at Algens he is Microsoft certified and he makes $6.50 an hour:lmao

For 60 bucks? after I am done sucking your cock? I will have that shit wiped down with Armor all and I will use my wife's panties to do it. I will take a Q tip and remove your processor and WD-40 your power source fan, I will install a $90.00 Photoshop and give you a 90 day warrantee after I am done mowing your lawn,

[mouse]

They fixed ours in two days. :lol

You guys always scare people here. When I broke the power input to my laptop, 80% of people in the forum said I had to replace the motherboard or replace my whole laptop. I brought it to Mark (that laptop guy Mouse recommended) and he replaced the actual part and gave me back my computer in 15 minutes for $120.


KORI Mark is just someone they send there laptops too. you went straight to the source. he did it on his time. he does Sub contractor work for other places also, These folks in this forum go to Altex they are put on a waiting list,

http://www.boomspeed.com/woaimouse/image001.jpg

[mouse]

Generally speaking laptops are a pretty expensive fix, those things are generally a pain in the ass all the way around.

The problem is no one thought about going to school to learn hardware repair, everyone went to PC software classes, and the ones who did take hardware classes took the class for Desk top computers, mark told me he only knows one other guy in town that can fix laptops,


Psssssst! any parents out there? have your kid go to laptop school............

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I've taken apart about 8 laptops now, the thing is putting them back together again is a major pain in the ass (and worth the basically double fee to fix).

My main point was parts are freakin' expensive, if you can even find them.

[mouse]

wait until they make the 99 dollar laptop. it will be like fixing a VCR, why not get one new? you have to love the Japs :lmao

[E20]

When I wanna re-format with Windows XP on my start-up I just hit F-10 over until a screen comes up asking me for a Format you HDD or Quick Format, I choose quick format and my comp erases everything and starts up over with all the factory software installed in around 19 minutes.

[mouse]

Is that a Dell?

[E20]

Hp

[Kourtnie]

ITs not the hard drive.... Take it from me I attend ITT Tech and about to get my degree in this kind of stuff well I go for Computer Networking but it is not the hard drive I repeat it is not the Hard drive just simply find your Xp CD and do a quick restore if that doesnt work you possibly have some missing files that you need to boot your system correctly if you need any more Info.... [email protected]

[CrazyOne]

Or you can give it to me and I'll play with it... I can probably have that done in a day or so if all you need a reset.

[Shelly]

I've taken apart about 8 laptops now, the thing is putting them back together again is a major pain in the ass (and worth the basically double fee to fix).

My main point was parts are freakin' expensive, if you can even find them.

Well, what else is there to do when your in BFE dry county, Texas? :lol

[MannyIsGod]

ITs not the hard drive.... Take it from me I attend ITT Tech and about to get my degree in this kind of stuff well I go for Computer Networking but it is not the hard drive I repeat it is not the Hard drive just simply find your Xp CD and do a quick restore if that doesnt work you possibly have some missing files that you need to boot your system correctly if you need any more Info.... [email protected]
It might be the hard drive. There is no way to completely rule out a hardware issue on the drive. There might be bad sectors where the boot data resides which would be the cause of the problem.

I would do a clean install, but if you've had this problem before Sequ then it probably is a hardware issue or a repeated spyware issue. The fix AHF reccomended is the best available.

If its worth not hassling with it enough to pay someone like Altex to do it, then do it. But its one of those things I usually fix because I have fun fixing them.

[SequSpur]

Okay, I tried all of your suggestions, even getting the computer to boot up the windows cd and it still locked up.

Time for a new one.

[Kori Ellis]

Take it to Altex, give them your credit card, end of story.

By the way, did you call me?

[MannyIsGod]

:lol

So much for the its not the hard drive theory.

[SequSpur]

Yeah... never mind.

[ChumpDumper]

It might be the hard drive. There is no way to completely rule out a hardware issue on the drive.You could download a drive fitness test from the drive manufacturer's site. They usually let you know pretty quickly if the HDD is bad.

But if you already tried everything else, you've pretty much narrowed it down.

[SequSpur]

Hmmmm... since I can get it to turn on to do anything but give me the bird half way through the boot up process, I can't download anything.

[MannyIsGod]

It is probably a program that makes a bootable disk. So you can DL it on another computer and then run it on "sick" computer using the boot disk.

[ChumpDumper]

You can usually copy those programs to a cd or floppy.

[timvp]

Computers don't eat corn.

[Solid D]

Hmmmm... since I can get it to turn on to do anything but give me the bird half way through the boot up process, I can't download anything.

Is this the "real" Sequ...or is it the PseudoSequ? I just cannot be too careful any more, so just checkin'. :smokin

[ducks]

zap is a program that I use that gets rid of things on your computer a format will not do

I got a computer in from a customer last year
he formated the drive 3 times msn would not install
I formated drive did the same thing
I then ran zap and bingo I installed everything and msn and it worked

[ducks]

if it will not boot off the cd it is not the drive

I had a computer that would not boot up in the shop today
it was the hardrive

[ChumpDumper]

Do you have a link for Zap? All I get is nude pictures of Ray Hollitt when I Google it....

[ducks]

I got it from a tech at work it fits on a floppy so I can email it to you
he found it off the ibm site though
no link the file is 41 k

[ducks]

it has instructions to !

[ducks]

you have to pm me your email address you have that feature disabled chumpdumper

[mouse]

Hey Ducks what do you do with all the old hard drives and parts?

[JoeChalupa]

I could use an old PC made from spare parts. :oops

[mouse]

You could also use a phone.

[Nbadan]

Hmmmm... since I can get it to turn on to do anything but give me the bird half way through the boot up process, I can't download anything.


Geez, start your computer and before the first Windows screen flashes press F8 quickly, then start your computer in safe mode. If it still won't start in safe mode then you fried some of your windows start-up DLL's and you can scream to bloody hell and reinstall windows. Before reinstalling windows on the HD I would get a good HD testing software and test the integrity of the drive. If it has bad sectors - toss it. At minimum you can slave the drive to another computer and run Windows basic set of scan disk tools while moving your data files.

All this could have been an anomaly. But your HD may also be going bad.

[mouse]

Any updates? I hate when folks make a topic. and get us all involed in it. and don't give us any more info, they leave us hanging.wondering what ever did Sequ do? so that others can learn from his mistakes, or was the topic all bullshit? maybe I am the only one who gives a rats azz? but at the end I will get an answer to all my questions sooner or la 8 ter....................

Ps: take the cover off your tower and tell me if the fan to the CPU is not spinning, You could of over heated your pentium , and we all know if that bad boy is sick, then nothing works, forget your HD you wont get that far. Then Again I am sure mr ITT told you already :lmao

[mouse]

ITs not the hard drive.... Take it from me I attend ITT Tech and about to get my degree in this kind of stuff

Translation: Look for me at Wall Mart in the Garden section :lmao


Sorry brah but my friend Conrad went to Hallmark Electronics School for 12 weeks after we both left the Army, and after 2,700.00 dollars later ? he got a job at Smith Security. So I tease you cuz I seen it happen, I hope it's not true with you. Good Luck. see you at Toyota.
:smokin