Will not start Window ME

[kbandwt]

I have left my old Compaq Presario off during the winter.  Upon my return the computer will start up as usual except for this year.  Now the screen will show the "Compaq" name and then goes to M/S Windows ME and then goes dark and returns to the "Compaq" screen.  This repeats over and over.  The escape button on the keyboard does cause the screen to go blank, but then it goes back into the cycle again.  There is no cursor on any of the screens and nothing else on the keyboard appears to work.

Thanks

[Broni]

Did you try to start in Safe Mode?

[kbandwt]

Yes

[Broni]

and??

[kbandwt]

nothing changed after I started in safe mode.

[patio]

Try 2 things:
Replace the CMOS battery...part # CR2032 available at any PC shop or Wally World.
Borrow a known working Power Supply of the same wattage or greater and swap it in there to see if it boots properly.

Chances are it's #2.

[kbandwt]

I will check these and get back to you.  I live in a remote area so it may take a few days to get a battery.

Thanks

[kbandwt]

I replaced the battery and restarted the PC in safe mode.  It still gets to the "Microsoft Windows ME" screen and will go no further. 

[kbandwt]

Also, the computer does not cycle from the W/S Windows ME screen to the Compaq screen any more.  It starts with the Compaq screen and then goes to the Windows ME screen and no further.