Dell computer running Windows XP not starting up!!!

[Rathalos]

This is really fucking aggravating. When I turn on my computer, it seems like it will start up correctly. The fan starts running, the disk drives start up, etc. First comes the Dell loading screen, which loads up perfectly fine. Then, I got to what looks like a full screen command prompt, and an error message comes up saying something like:

"Windows could not start up correctly. This may be the effect of newly installed software or hardware.

If you are unsure of what has caused this or recently turned off your computer to save files, choose Last Known Working Configuration.

If you recently turned off the computer or had a power hit, choose start normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Last Known Working Configuration

Start Windows Normally

Windows will start in __ seconds."

Now, no matter what option I choose (even safe mode), it then takes me to the XP loading screen, which loads for a bit before taking me to a quick, fuzzy blue flash (where I hear a loud, somewhat scratching sound from the (empty) disk drive) and then back to the Dell loading screen, where the issue just repeats itself.

I've tried everything; checking the cables, turning off the router, turning off the monitor, the computer, restarting 15+ times, everything. Safe mode doesn't even work! I really need help, can anyone spare some advice? I have not recently installed software or hardware.

(By the way, if you're wondering how I typed this, other computer FTW =P.)

 

[Ceroscuro]

Reinstall Windows? Repair Windows?

 

[moog]

Yeah bro you have a virus and need to sys recovery that shit.

 

[Rathalos]

Yeah bro you have a virus and need to sys recovery that shit.

How do you do that without being able to get on windows?

 

[moog]

Yeah bro you have a virus and need to sys recovery that shit.

How do you do that without being able to get on windows?

Reinstall Windows? Repair Windows?

Look for your installation disk.

 

[Rathalos]

Crap. Looks like I'm getting a new computer =P.

 

[Ceroscuro]

??? Why would you get a new computer? Just reinstall Windows...

 

[Rathalos]

Well, now I get a message saying the harddrive crashed >___>

 

[Tohsaka]

You may need a new hard drive- I do suggest you pick up a copy of ReactOS and install it on a different partition and run AntiVirus if you have IDE drives. Otherwise, work with an Ubuntu Live CD.

 

[alphaao]

Cheese, I don't think it's a virus. It depends on two factors. First, what is the age of the hard drive. Second, how long have you had the drive. Getting a new computer is just too expensive, and it sounds like to me your hard drive is fried, so reinstalling windows won't fix anything. Just go buy a new hard drive and that will solve your problem, trust me. I'm going for Cisco certification.

 

[Rathalos]

Hmmm... I'm not sure when it was manufactured, but I've had it for a good 5 years.

 

[alphaao]

Alright. Good to know. Yeah you should probably invest in a new hard drive. At least you know it would work.

 

[Tohsaka]

Rath, you'll still need the recovery CDs (maybe not, if you replace the HD). Some companies store data on a hidden partition, so you'd be toast if they did that. Look into Linux/BSD or buying Vista, especially since seats of XP aren't being produced anymore.

 

[Glitchfinder]

Rath, you'll still need the recovery CDs (maybe not, if you replace the HD). Some companies store data on a hidden partition, so you'd be toast if they did that. Look into Linux/BSD or buying Vista, especially since seats of XP aren't being produced anymore.

Actually, you can still get a legal copy of XP if you buy the "basic" parts of a computer with it. Specifically, a motherboard, processor, and hard drive. That's about all that's required to get any OEM software, and they are still selling OEM copies of XP in some places. (Like the Dell website, although they charge you an extra $150 if you go with that option)

Also, a good piece of advice to anyone with a computer: Listen to the sounds it makes. If anything about it sounds unusual, chances are something's about to fail. For example, many people are able to save their data if they are lucky enough to notice the "click of doom" that warns of a dying hard drive. Also, if your computer is getting louder, its probably time to buy an air canister, open the case, and dust it out. That makes it run cooler, quieter, and smoother. (And last longer, especially with the heat sensitive parts and the fan)

 

[Zethus]

buying Vista

I don't think a 5 year old computer can run Vista...

 

[Diedrupo]

Or you can call Dell Tech Support and ask them to send you an XP CD. If your system came with XP they are obliged to send you a CD if you request it (I should know, I work for Dell).

And yeah, just replace the hard drive if it's really broke (although it might not be, but you can do diagnostics yourself to determine that, check Dell's support site).

Or you can buy a new laptop. 5 years old? Geez, thing must be a dinosaur.

 

[alphaao]

Good point Diedrupo, and i don't think a five year old comp can run vista either.

 

[Glitchfinder]

Or you can call Dell Tech Support and ask them to send you an XP CD. If your system came with XP they are obliged to send you a CD if you request it (I should know, I work for Dell).

And yeah, just replace the hard drive if it's really broke (although it might not be, but you can do diagnostics yourself to determine that, check Dell's support site).

Or you can buy a new laptop. 5 years old? Geez, thing must be a dinosaur.

Actually, I still have a desktop that came with Windows ME. (Otherwise known as Windows 2000) It's 8 years old and runs just fine, although I don't do anything really strenuous with it, like running Vista.

Good point Diedrupo, and i don't think a five year old comp can run vista either.

No, it can't. Vista was originally intended for computers of the spec level projected to be common in mid-late 2009, and thus has trouble running on even mid-range computers from early 2008, much less one from 2003/2004. One that old simply would not have the hardware necessary to run Vista, and would need a major overhaul. On a side note, Windows 7 will supposedly have lower system requirements than Vista.

 

[___]

Sounds to me like hard drive corruption but not neccessarily due to a failing drive. Problems like this frequently arise when a computer is shut down improperly or crashes; there's a slim chance every time that a critical system file will become corrupted during the crash.

The solution is to boot from an XP install CD (a burned pirate copy will do you just fine here - make sure the creator didn't remove recovery console though - as will one borrowed from a friend or whatever if you don't have one on hand). On the first screen, press R for Recovery Console. Once you get to the command prompt, run chkdisk /r to do a scan of your drive and repair/recover bad sectors. Often this will be enough to get your computer booting again, so restart and see what happens. It will also tell you if your drive has unrecoverable errors, in which case you know that it is dying and needs replacing.

If you still can't start, boot from the XP CD again. You're going to need to repair your Windows XP installation. For this to work you need to use the same version XP install disc as the version you currently have installed (Corporate, Pro, Home, MCE, Tablet) so make sure you get the right one. Select the option to install windows xp on the first screen; on the second screen it should discover an existing windows install and ask you if you want to repair it or create a new installation. Tell it to repair. This will write fresh copies of all the windows files to your drive (this option may not be available on trimmed down pirate cds). You'll need to run windows updates again afterward, and probably reactivate your copy of Windows XP if the version you installed is not cracked.

 

[Rathalos]

Well, the computer stopped turning on completley January 26th, then we bought a new power supply which did nothing and had a computer guy come in and look at it, and he couldn't get it to start up. Dead?