computer won't boot (windows xp)

[t1ao]

i turn on the computer and a black screen comes up. with four options that go away really fast F8 Del Esc and one other that i dont remember at the moment. you press del and you go to a black screen says no bootable cd no bootable floppy and no bootable usb. then nothing happens. you press esc it goes to a black screen with nothing on it F8 and the other button do nothing. i tried using a boot usb but it wouldnt open. i tried using a windows xp install disc but it would boot/open and i tried a boot floppy. does anyone know whats wrong?


-the first black screen with the 4 options says something about a memory test but when u let the screen change it stays blank and does nothing.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

i tried using a windows xp install disc but it would boot/open

What do you mean here?

What did you do before this? (downloads/installs/running programs, ect...)

[win_termute]

Go here and make the boot disc, http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/index.html

If your hard drive isn't totally dead, you should be able to plug in a USB drive and get your data off it before trying to run the XP installation disc. Which doesn't sound like it is bootable, so not sure if that is going to work or not.

[t1ao]

I did nothing the computer was working fine i left the room came back and it was off. * i tried reinstalling the XP OS but the it didn't boot from the disk. And i tried making a boot disk it still didn't work.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

You have to change the Boot Order in the BIOS to boot from the CD first.

[dahlarbear]

1. 

does anyone know whats wrong?

The screen is black; we have no information on what the DEL, ESC, F8, and one "other" key are supposed to do; and you're not able to boot from any device. 

2.  We're going to need more information:

     a.  Computer make and model number if "brand name", otherwise the make and model number of the motherboard.
     b.  Desktop or laptop
     c.  Operating system version and service pack level (e.g. Windows XP Home Edition SP2).
     d.  What are the DEL, ESC, F8, and "other" key supposed to do?  Top right of your keyboard is the "Pause/Break" key.  I believe "Shift+Pause" will suspend the screen display so you may read it.  Hmm... What resumes it?  Try "CTRL+Q" or any normal keyboard key.  Perhaps the documentation for your computer or motherboard will explain their functions.

3.  Are you able to enter system setup (aka CMOS setup)?  To enable all Power On Self Test (POST) diagnostics and their screen display (usually masked by default GUI image).  While in system setup, you can also verify the BIOS sees your boot devices and that they are enabled for boot.

4.  Are you able to access the Windows Advanced Options Menu to access different invocations of the operating system (e.g. Last Known Good Configuration, Safe Mode)?

[t1ao]

the computer is a desktop not made by any company it was custom built.

shift+pause worked - screen options:
DEL:Setup F8:Boot Menu F12:Network boot ESC:Skip memory test
 
i checked the BIOS and its boot from cd, then usb, then floppy, then HD. still doesnt boot the xp install disk while my other computer boots it fine.

When i press DEL I get te AMIBIOS SIMPLE SETUP UTILITY with options. standard CMOS Setup, Advanced Setup, Power Managment Setup. and more.

When i press escape the screen just goes black.

When i press F8 i just get a black screen.

When i press F12 i get a black screen saying copyright all rights reserved and it counts to 5 then another blank black screen pops up.

I found out something new.. when i leave the computer on overnight with the blackscreen without pressing any buttons. it says a file in windows/system32 is corrupt. i dont remember what file it said it was so ill try it again tonight.

[patio]

When you have set the proper boot order you need to press F10 in Setup....you will be prompted to "save changes and exit" ?

Select Yes and hit Enter...