computer wont load windows

I was running several anti-spyware programs that delete numerous threats, but when i restarted, the computer will only show the gateway logo, and never get to the desktop, repeating the gateway logo over and over again.
(i am, of course, posting from my dads laptop.) safety boot doesnt work, and im not sure of what to do. Can anyone give me any steps on how to restart with safety boot? Perhaps I am doing it wrong.

 

Hi whboondocksaint and welcome.

To get the Boot Options screen, at the appearance of the first screen at boot, press and hold the F8 key until you see the Boot Options screen.

Then use the arrow keys to change the selection to "Last Known Good Configuration." When you get that highlighted, press enter and hope for the best.

If that doesn't work, reboot and go through the process again but this time select "Safe Mode" and press enter. If you get booted to a Safe Mode Windows session, you can then choose System Restore from the All Programs > Accessories > System tools. From there choose a Restore Point that predates the problem. With luck you'll be back in business.

 

I do believe I did knocck out of vital file; I was running spybot SD and bullguard, both of which were dealing with a large amount of spyware (which got on my system through a foolish installation of unknown program on my part)

thanks guys, but I tried your advice and none of those methods worked. Im guessing I could solve my problems with the windows repair install CD, but I cannot find it (and I dont even remember if I received one when I got the comp)

Is there a way i can do a windows repair without the CD?

 

I have repeatedly; none of the boot options are working for me.

Im thinking of having some of my computer-engineer-majoring friends take a look at it; I have a lot of research and papers for college on that comp

 

Gateway Direct systems went "media-less" back in September 2004
hit F11 to enter the Gateway System Restore on Boot.
try a non destructive repair from there.

 

And once they got the deluge of consumer complaints:

 

The f11 does not work when i attempt it.

Does this mean I need the operating system CD? I am almost positive I never received it when I purchased the comp; perhaps im pushing f11 too soon, or too late on startup?

 

whboondocksaint:

Lets step back a minute and assess this situation. You may have hosed your system and you're telling us you have a lot of critical files on your hard drive. Now, one can try all kind of quick fixes but the more you do to that "hosed system" without first recovering your critical files, the better your chances are that those critical files get hosed too. If you like to live on the edge of the envelope, by all means, go right ahead. If those files are indeed critical, pull the drive, slave it in another machine, copy off your critical stuff and then put it back in your system and continue trying to repair things. Nuff Said.

 

To clarify, I have backed up my lectures I created onto dvds, and simply did not back up some papers, which dont matter nearly as much. So to save myself from further scolding about the importance of backing up, I have done so.

What I do need is help on getting my computer to get to the desktop! If f11 does not work, do I indeed need the operating system cd? I have been searching the gateway forums for the same answer.