Unable to access computer on start up

[jowa826]

I am using Windows XP. When I plug-in or turn on the laptop, I get a white screen saying "We apologize for the inconvenience but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused it." Then there's a list of options: Safe Mode, Last Known Configuration, Start Windows Normally. It further goes on to tell me which option I might try. Then at the bottom of this dialogue there's a 30-second clock. When it times out, it goes to the Windows icon screen, then the manufacturers screen. However, it then goes back to the first screen. This becomes an endless loop, even when I try to select the options listed. It does this forever.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Have you tried starting Windows in Safe Mode?

 

[jowa826]

Phillip: thanks for your response. Yes, I tried to do all three. In the 'Start Windows Normally' and 'Last Known Configuration' they go back to the same screen and continues as a 30-sec.In 'Safe Mode', it goes into what can be described as the MS-Dos screen with a series of lines that goes nowhere. Then I have to Control-Alt-Delete in order to get out of that. Since I posted the problem here, I also tried to hit F8 continually but that really doesn't do anything. Perhaps this is a virus-ridden problem?

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

What antivirus software do you use?

 

[jowa826]

Norton - and it's turned on and blocking whatever comes my way. Could it possibly have failed me this time though?

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Very doubtful about it being malware related since Norton is actually now a very reliable & dependable product - - it always has been but just used to be too resource-hungry for some people - - Symantec have fixed that. Now it's sub renewals just too expensive!

So I'm thinking faulty hardware. You should start by testing the RAM & the system HDD with bootable CDs:

HGST Drive Fitness Test for DOS (CD image): https/www.hgst.com/hdd/support/download.htm#DFT

Memtest86 Free Edition (CD image): http/www.memtest86.com/download.htm

IMGBurn (to create CD from CD image): http/filehippo.com/download_imgburn/

 

[jowa826]

Wow. Ok - thanks. Will try those.