Startup problems

[Guest]

When I attempt startup I can hear the drive start and run but nothing appears
on the screen. I removed the battery and powercord overnight. When I
attempted startup again the screen appeared but with a message stating the
system had been reconfigured and offered the following choices:
Safe mode
Safe mode with commands
Return to previously configured state
It also said it would start in normal mode if no selections were made with a
countdown from 25 seconds.
The countdown froze at 19 and nothing I could do would change the status. My
only option was to remove the battery and the power cord again.

I did receive an email which I think contained a virus. My AV protection
indicated it was "up to date" that very morning. The email was from a
supposed reliable source but evidently the address was spoofed.

Can anyone help or recommend options?

 

[Glen]

You have the option to go in in safe mode. Have you tried that? You need to
go into safe mode and run your antivirus program. If that doesn't work try
system restore. Once you get the computer running download, install and run
these:

MS Antispyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Adaware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Spybot S&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/


Glen P

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Steven,

The freezing may have nothing to do with a virus, it may be a failing hard
drive. I would download a drive diagnostic tool from the system or drive
manufacturer and use it to assess the state of the drive before doing
anything else.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Rick,
I appreciate your assistance. My question now is how do I run a diagnostic
check if I can't get the computer to function? I hit the start button, the
drive whirs for about 3 seconds, and then it stops. There is a slight
"running noise" like it is working but nothing appears on the screen. The
only thing that changes the situation is if I remove the battery and
disconnect the power.

 

[Guest]

Hi Glen,
I have only been successful at Safe Mode option once and it froze when I
selected it and hit enter. If I cannot get the computer to work past this
screen what are my options?

 

[Rock]

You have the option to go in in safe mode. Have you tried that? You need to
go into safe mode and run your antivirus program. If that doesn't work try
system restore. Once you get the computer running download, install and run
these:

MS Antispyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Adaware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Spybot S&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/


Glen P

Download the diagnostic utility from the drive manufacturer's web site
from another computer. That will create a bootable floppy or CD. Boot
from that and run the diagnostics.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

If it only runs for 3 secs, then you need to see a technician and have some
diagnostics run. Probably the motherboard or cpu is fried.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the good news Rick. That seems to be the general consensus. I am
taking it to a shop for a diagnostics test today but am not optimistic. I
appreciate your comments.