xp pro wont start after update

i was running ie7 service pack2 on xp pro. ie8 updated and installedtwo days ago and i thought i was ok.i ran malware scans and then a full virus scan last night because after a hour or so online it would slow right down and my realplayer hadnt started since the update.and let it scan as i went out.this morning i had been disconnected as usual,dial up does that it seems!but the scans had come back clean.i shut it down and came home tonight to restart it.now i get the screen where i can choose to start it safe mode,safe with network,last known good and normallly.no options work. at all!!!the kicker is i got this second hand and i have no xp disc at all.im on here using my old comp with 98 in it .i really need my new one for school work and such/can anyone help?

 

if i try the two safe modes,it runs a msdos stykle screen thats loads through like it will work,but then returns to the same screen i started at .the other choices get me the the ibm aptiva screen,windows starts to load then it returns to the same screen
i can get a flashdrive wit xp home i believe on it but wont i need a new registry key?thats why i havent gone that route???im not sure?

 

Hi k5er,

On the Aptiva screen, does it give you the option to hit a certain key to enter the repair setup? Or, does it flash by too quickly? Also, what model is your Aptiva?

 

model se7?sound right?
and no goes bye tooo fasst

 

To be honest, there's a way to increase the Aptiva start screen time tweak in the BIOS, but I don't know how to do it with your model. Sorry.