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I can't get Windows XP to start up

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Dando, 2010/11/30.

  1. 2010/11/30
    Dando

    Dando Inactive Thread Starter

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    I've looked through the forums and can't find an answer to my question... I have a Dell Inspiron 530S that runs Windows XP.

    About a week ago, I got a virus and had to reinstall windows. Yesterday, the computer was working just fine and then today all I got was a black screen with a cursor at the top left corner. I tried to reboot it and after the Dell BIOS screen, it would return to the blinking cursor and just sit there. Nothing could be typed at that blinking cursor.

    I attempted numerous times to get into safe mode of Windows via F8 and it would never work. I could enter into BIOS but truthfully I don't know what to do once I got there.

    Since I had no data on the computer, I decided to try to install Windows again. I went through the entire process, it said it was successful. Now the computer will start up with the Dell BIOS screen, go to a black screen and start back over at the Dell BIOS screen again. Right after the BIOS screen, there is a flash of words but I cannot for the life of me read what they say since it goes so quick. There is no beeping during any of this process.

    If I manually turn off the computer and turn it back on, there is an initial beep but it only does it once. The computer will go in a loop of BIOS to black screen back to BIOS non stop if I let it continue.

    After this most recent reinstall of Windows, I can now get into the safe mode with F8, but any option I choose just leads me back to the BIOS screen and the non stop loop.

    I'm truly at a loss. If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it!
     
    Dando,
    #1
  2. 2010/11/30
    jpChris

    jpChris Inactive

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    Hi Dando,

    When you're in the BIOS, do you see your hard drive listed?

    Also, did you accidentally leave a memory stick or DVD\CD in the drives?
     
    jpChris,
    #2


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  4. 2010/11/30
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Dando, Welcome to Windowsbbs! :)

    Adding to what jpChris said make sure your harddrive is set as a bootable device in the BIOS and that its not disabled. Also unplug any extra hardware such as printers, cameras, microphone, etc to rule out that another hardware device is interfering with the boot process.

    When you press F8 on startup you stated that you can boot into Safe Mode. Is this true? On the advanced boot option menu try selecting Last Known Good Configuration. Does the computer boot normally now?

    I would hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you have tried all of those options and your system still fails to boot normally then your harddrive may be going south.

    Also please enter your System Details. It helps us in answering your questions.

    Note: A common error is to forget to show your System Details in your profile:

    Make sure to do the above when entering your System Details, thanks.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #3
  5. 2010/12/01
    Dando

    Dando Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for your replies

    When I go into BIOS it lists two options under Hard Disk
    -SATA-0 : ST3320620AS
    -Bootable Add-in Cards

    I assume that the SATA is my hard drive?

    I have unplugged all not needed things from the computer - but I originally did have a memory stick and my printer plugged in.

    No, it just continues to do the loop of BIOS screen and then black.

    Sorry about that. I've updated what I know but I can't get into the computer to find answers to the rest.
     
    Dando,
    #4
  6. 2010/12/01
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Since the harddrive shows in the BIOS but the computer is not booting then you should check out the harddrive using the manufacturer's disk diagnostic software to make sure that the harddrive is healthy.

    Disk Diagnostic Software:

    ExcelStore

    Hitachi/IBM

    Samsung

    Toshiba

    Seagate, Maxtor, Quantum

    Western Digital

    To determine the make or model number of your harddrive you will probably have to look inside the computer to find it.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #5
  7. 2010/12/01
    markmadras

    markmadras Banned

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    Your hard drive is a Seagate, follow the link in Post 5 and download Seatools for dos. You will need to burn this to a CD as an image file, if you do not have an ISO burner download this free software.
    http://www.isoimageburner.com/ If the downloaded file is a .rar or .zip you must right click on it and select "Extract Here" and use the extracted file.

    After you have made the CD place it in your cd drive and then reboot, you should first check that the CD drive is set to 1st in the boot order. Once rebooted the diagnostics should start automatically, let it run to completion on all tests.

     
    markmadras,
    #6

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