Computer won't start

[c_hardie]

We suspect we've had a virus can anyone help.

When computer is switched on there is only black screen
with the following message:

We apologise for the inconvenience that Windows did not
start successfully a recent hardware or software change
might have caused this. If your computer stopped
responding, restarted unexpectedly or was automatically
shutdown to protect your files and folders, choose last
known good configuration to revert to the most recent
setting that worked. If a previous start up attempt was
interrupted due to a power failure or because the power or
reset button was pressed, or if you aren't sure what
caused the problem, choose Start Windows normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with networking
Safe Mode with Command prompt

Last Know good Configuration ( your most recent settings
that worked)

Start Windows normally

Use up and down arrow keys to highlight your choice

30 seconds to choose an option then computer restarts and
goes back to this screen.

Have tried all the options but all have same outcome and
go back to this screen.

HELP !!!! PLEASE !!!!

 

[Sharon F]

We suspect we've had a virus can anyone help.

When computer is switched on there is only black screen
with the following message:

We apologise for the inconvenience that Windows did not
start successfully a recent hardware or software change
might have caused this. If your computer stopped
responding, restarted unexpectedly or was automatically
shutdown to protect your files and folders, choose last
known good configuration to revert to the most recent
setting that worked. If a previous start up attempt was
interrupted due to a power failure or because the power or
reset button was pressed, or if you aren't sure what
caused the problem, choose Start Windows normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with networking
Safe Mode with Command prompt

Last Know good Configuration ( your most recent settings
that worked)

Start Windows normally

Use up and down arrow keys to highlight your choice

30 seconds to choose an option then computer restarts and
goes back to this screen.

Have tried all the options but all have same outcome and
go back to this screen.

HELP !!!! PLEASE !!!!

Tracking down the program is most of the battle. Boot to Safe Mode. Disable
your startup programs in the MSCONFIG program. Try to start normally. If
successful, something in your startup group is causing trouble when the
operating system is loading.

Pinpoint which startup item by replacing the startup items one at a time.
Restart to test. Repeat until you run into trouble again. The last item
added is the culprit.

If it is not necessary to have this program run at startup, change the
startup behavior and run the program as needed by using a desktop, Quick
Launch or start menu shortcut.

If the problem application is something that you prefer to run at startup,
check with the program vendor for an update to address the problem.

Recently ran into this on my desktop: Used Styles XP (pay version) to
customize my Windows XP themes. When Perfect Disk was scheduled to run a
boot defrag, I would get the same screen that you are seeing. After
disabling startup programs to find out where the trouble area was, I went
to the Perfect Disk knowledge base and found that there was a conflict
between that program and a hidden service employed by Styles XP. I removed
Styles XP -- no more problem. This may not be your problem but it gives you
a short example of how to work through a startup problem.

 

[KM]

I have the same problem, the last person who replied must
not have understood that it won't even allow you to boot
up in any mode. If you get an answer that helps please let
me know as well.

Thanks so much!

 

[Sharon F]

I have the same problem, the last person who replied must
not have understood that it won't even allow you to boot
up in any mode. If you get an answer that helps please let
me know as well.

Thanks so much!

When you can't boot XP at all that cuts your choices considerably. There
may still be hope using one of the other recovery options: recovery
console, system restore run from a command line, repair install, ASR
recovery (Pro only). All methods are covered very well at this site:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm