Cannot turn computer on.

[Aminar]

 Whenever I try to turn on my computer it goes to the safe mode prompt.
It gives five options
Safe mode (loops back)
Safe mode with networking (Loops back)
safe mode with command prompt (loops back)
Last settings that worked (startsto turnn on, the screen flashes Blue w/ white script, then loops back.)
Start computernormally (startsto turnn on, the screen flashes Blue w/ white script, then loops back.) Is there a way to get past this, or do I have a huge problem.

I have XP, which I think is the only pertinant info you guys should need.  :-?

[GX1_Man]

I have XP, which I think is the only pertinant info you guys should need.  :-?

Pertinent info would include:

Do you have all XP service packs and updates?

Computer or motherboard make/model?

What happened prior to this?

Any other problems with computer?

Any spyware/adware/virus protection being used?

Are you the only person with access to this machine?

Have you made any software or hardware changes lately?

Anything else that may be relevant?

[stikflote]

are you sure you have not got a virus, that has happened to two people i know same thing

[Aminar]

 Do you have all XP service packs and updates?
Yes
 
Computer or motherboard make/model?
Um, I really don't know the model.
 
What happened prior to this?
I turnedmy computer off at 4am this morning.
 
Any other problems with computer?
 Turns itself off every oncein a while.

Any spyware/adware/virus protection being used?
Yes.
 
Are you the only person with access to this machine?
Yes.
 
Have you made any software or hardware changes lately?
I downloaded a few things but really no.
 
Anything else that may be relevant?
The blue screen appeared when the power surged while I was at college last year.

I might have a virus, but I need to know how to get to whereI can fix that first.

[Backdated]

It would help if you were clear in giving vital information such as what AV/malware protection do you use and what did you download and/or run/install?
Detail regarding the "blue screen with white script" is very important.

[Aminar]

I cannot describe the Blue screen.  it flashes for like 1/8 of a second and I don't remember what it said.
The virus protection is from my ISP(charter).
In updated Skype, AIM, and I downloaded some kind of Map software for a class.

[Backdated]

Is the drive formatted to FAT or NTFS?

[Aminar]

I believe it's NFTS, and I forgot to mention the computer also spontaniously loses it's internet connection late at night.

[Backdated]

If you have access to a CD burner Nero, and WinISO or similar and you are reasonably proficient in using computers in general and manipulating ISOs in particular, I can direct you in making a bootable, up to date AV CD using Kaspersky definitions. The finished CD will be compatible with the NTFS filing system.
It's quite a long process to describe so if you have any doubts, please say so now and we'll look for other avenues.

[Aminar]

I'll try it. But howwill I access the CD drive, I cannot get past the Safe Mode screen?

[Backdated]

I'm assuming that you have access to another computer and I did say "If you have access to....."

If you're not sure that you can carry this out, please don't waste my time. As I've already said, it's a rather involved procedure. You may be better off perusing the Bit Torrent sites and looking for "rescue cd" or "tech cd" images that include recent and decent AV with relatively up to date sigs.

[GX1_Man]

I cannot describe the Blue screen.  it flashes for like 1/8 of a second and I don't remember what it said.

(sigh)

The virus protection is from my ISP(charter).

Inadequate

In updated Skype, AIM, and I downloaded some kind of Map software for a class.

AIM is a GREAT way to get viruses and other bad things.

Assuming your hardware is oK, do you have a shiny windows CD to reinstall with? If you have any data to back up you might be able to do so by having a geeky friend slave your hard drive into their machine. If you are not up to it, they can help you with the reinstall. there is also help available here.

Once you get up and running you need to get some real spyware and virus protection, keep it up to date and use it. This is a wakeup call of sorts. I don't think you are up to saving this installation.

[Aminar]

Part of the problem is I cannot get to a command prompt or anything.  All I can do is repeatedly case my computer to restart itself before it even gets started.  If anybody knowshow to do that I may be able to fix it.  

[GX1_Man]

 

The blue screen appeared when the power surged while I was at college last year.

Has it been this way ever since then?

[Aminar]

No, it got all screwed up last night.  I got home from D&D checkedsome forums, turnedoff my computer, and went to bed.  I woke up and it did this.  I cannot think of a reason for it.  A friend of mine said itmight be driver problems, whicj I think is what you guys suggested.