XP keeps rebooting after windows automatic update

i recently got automatic update from windows. after install, now computer just reboots over and over again. tried to run reformat disc, and won`t even run that. computer shows windows start up screen, then a flash of a blue screnn with probably an error message is on it, but shuts down to quickly. thens just continues to just reboot over and over again
please help, or am i heading to nearest repair facility
any advice would be most appreciated.
running xp home, with p4 proccessor, etc. nothing recently added, so do not know why this has occured?

 

Press the F8 key immediately after the POST screen fades. That will get you to the Windows Advanced Options Menu. If not, you may have pressed F8 too late, reboot and try again until you get it.

Then from the menu, choose "Last Known Good Configuration" and press Enter to see if it will boot.

If not, reboot to the F8 Boot Options screen again and choose "Disable Automatically Restart on System Failure" option and press Enter.

Reboot and when you get the error screen, it should display the error message in detail. Post that info back and let's see where it points.

 

No joy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks for your input, but no joy. are you talking about the "bios screen "
i got that, went to boot section, but saw no function phrase we are advising about. also did windows start framm "all settings available" still nothing. square one !!!!!!!!
please tell me more ?

 

No, the screen I am referring to will say "Windows Advanced Option Menu" in the first line on the screen. What it says after that depends on what Service Pack you have installed. I assumed you would have SP2 and gave instructions accordingly.

To get to that screen, you must press the F8 key immediately after the initial boot screen and well before the Windows Welcome Splash screen.

When you get it, try the options that I suggested. Report back your results. If you can't manage to get to the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen, let me know and I'll give you an alternate method for getting there.

 

many thanks. i`ll be back shortly
scott

 

my f-8 keystroke on my computer produces a screen that reads as follows



please save boot drive
ansd selections are as follows
removable dr
hard dr
atapi cd-rom
iba 4.0.19 slot 0208 ?
mean anything?
sincerely
scott

 

What brand and model computer do you have?

 

Yes, if you get the screen you are referring to, just select Hard Drive > press Enter, and then press the F8 key immediately. Sometimes it's best to tap the F8 key repeatedly during the process rather than holding it down.

If all fails, let me know if you have a floppy drive on both of your computers and I can direct you to a download that will create a boot floppy that makes the process much easier.

 

pc is matrix vp 2201 w/ intel p4

 

finally got error message

o.k. got error message finally, this in regards to xp keeps rebooting
the message is as follows
STOP:c000021a {fatal system error}
The session manager Initilization system process terminated unexpectedly
with a status of:
0xc000026c
C0x00000000
0x00000000
the system has been shut down
i hope this helps you brother. i really need my pc , and any expediated help would be GREATLY appreciated
also ready for bad news if it`s dead !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Please relate as to whether you were able to get to the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" screen and if so did you try selecting "Last Known Good Configuration "?

 

thanks guy`s, NOW NEW PROBLEM

i got the pc past the rebooting issue? got it to run marginally, then went to re boot it, and now have new error
as verbatim:
WINDOWS COULD NOT START BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING FILE IS MISSING OR CORRUPT,
\ WINDOWS\SYSTEM 32\CONFIG\ SYSTEM, and windows came with pc pre installed, so i have no dedicated xp disk
now what?
i have a floppy i can use on work pc, if there is a download that will fix this.
you guy`s have been terrific and patient with my troubles
and many thanks
now who know`s what did or is causing this to happen to a happy, go lucky pc?

 

I don't mean to come across as being cranky but you haven't answered my previous question. In order for someone to help you, you will have to be fully responsive to what they ask of you. If you want to try things on your own, then do so before asking someone to help you and after you have given up. Bottom line - submit to the person giving their time freely to help you. Answer all questions as best you can and do exactly as asked. Do nothing else on your own. The troubleshooting process is normally very tightly structured and will yield results if followed to the letter and progress reports are passed along properly.

Again, were you able to get to the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" screen and if so did you try selecting "Last Known Good Configuration "?