BleepingComputer.com: Can't get computer to load up - what can I do?

Hi.

I tried installing a bluetooth device and the computer got the blue screen of death, did a memory dump and then came up with a message saying, "Reboot and select a proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press any key".

I have had problems with this computer, but it was running ok and has installed other things recently. Nothing wrong with what I was installing either.

I do NOT want to lose any files and I don't think I have a disc for this computer.

I can get into the BIOS, but have no idea what to is best to click on or change. I can not get it to into safe mode as it does not bring up the right menu - I have read that the key (F8) just has to be pressed at the right time and pressing it too soon gives you another menu, but no matter when I click it I either get the other menu or it goes on to the reboot or insert boot media message.

It is Windows XP, not online and doesn't have the bluetooth device that I was installing plugged in. What can I do to get it to run? Any help would be great. Thanks

Check the BIOS screen which reflects boot options...make sure that the hard drive is the first option.

The fact that you cannot get into safemode...is a problem. You may be able to remedy that by following the procedures suggested by Budapest in No Safe Mode - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic286139.html.

Louis

What choices does the other menu give you?

"Check the BIOS screen which reflects boot options...make sure that the hard drive is the first option.

The fact that you cannot get into safemode...is a problem. You may be able to remedy that by following the procedures suggested by Budapest in No Safe Mode - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/top...139.html."

I think the hard drive is the first option on the BIOS screen. Surely the things suggested in that link require me to be able to run the computer somehow as it means open up files on a disc or running commands? I can't do that because the computer won't load up at all.


"What choices does the other menu give you? "

Says please select boot device and lists the following;
PM-WDC WD1600BB-00GUA0
SM-IDE-DVD DVDRW8631
Generic USB SD reader
Generic USB CF reader
Generic USB SM reader
Generic USB MS reader
PXE 2.33

Also says press ESC to boot using defaults.

Quote

If nothing is selected, select PM-WDC WD1600BB-00GUA0
Exit and Save Settings

See if that helps

garmanma, on Feb 6 2010, 08:01 PM, said:

It is selected on that one. What exactly will that do though?

Just like to know what the options mean in case it happens again or whatever

Your computer will boot from the Hard Disk (Western Digital?),
unless you change the order.

petewills, on Feb 7 2010, 08:52 AM, said:

Thanks. I don't know if it is Western Digital...I didn't think so, but it's possible lol

That doesn't work. When I click that it goes to the message "Reboot and select a proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press any key"

While you are waiting for further answers, if you are concerned about your files,
you could download a Linux ISO (Ubuntu, Mint, Knoppix are all OK) and
create a live CD to boot with and transfer your files to an external source.

I'll leave it to the experts to help you with your drive, as you don't seem to
have disks and presumably no recovery partition.

System manufacturer and model?

That last message indicates that, for whatever reason, your system is not recognizing that there is a bootable version of XP installed on the hard drive.

The suggestion to move valued data files...was a good one, IMO.

You can try creating a bootable XP Recovery Console CD...and then attempt to run the chkdsk /r command on the drive.

How to Create a Bootable XP Recovery Console CD - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic276527.html

Louis

petewills, on Feb 8 2010, 10:57 AM, said:

Thanks. I'll remember that for if I can't get it working at all. While I do want to save files I have most backed up. I don't want to lose them off there as it'd be better to have that computer to access them off. But I have a program on there I have no disk for (so I can't put it on any other computer) and I really need to be able to use it. I don't really want to be downloading anything like that if I can help it, I just need to get the computer running lol

Seems I have disks for all the wrong things eh XD If I do find a disc for this computer would it set it all back to factory settings or just allow it to run as it was before it crashed?

hamluis, on Feb 8 2010, 11:29 AM, said:

Targa. No clue what model, it doesn't say.

It was a good suggestion. Shame I can't move the one thing I need most though

And ok, thanks. My computer should be able to do that. As long as I don't need any other disks and downloading stuff to do with XP won't affect my computer which is Vista...

This is the XP forum...

Louis

hamluis, on Feb 8 2010, 12:32 PM, said:

I know. Your point? Problem is with an XP computer. I can't help itif one little thing means I have to mention I only have a working Vista computer...