Can't Reboot...

[texashornsby]

I recently purchased a second  hand Compaq for my kids and was told that it only had DOS and I would have to provide my own OS (which I had Windows XP Professional).  The computer has 512 ram and 40 GB hard drive.  I installed Windows with no problem (however, I loaded it as a new install as I was told the old OS was removed).  It ran fine and then my kids had me begin the installation of ALL their games.  It ran fine for about 2 hours and it started freezing up.  It finally began freezing up during the reboot and I can't get it past the Windows loading logo. 

During the reboot though it asks me if I want to use Windows or Windows XP.  I'm at my wits end.  Anybody have any helpful information to share?  My kids are real anxious to play and I think I may have messed up their computer.

[Spoiler]

Did you format the hard drive when you did this install?

Did you have all the hardware drivers when you did the install?

Is the system a laptop or desktop? And have you looked inside of it to see how much dust is inside of it?

[stevejohnson1958]

There are a couple of things you may want to consider...

If this is a clean install and you don't mind losing any data that's already on the machine...follow this guide:  http://www.saviourpc.com/windows_xp_clean_install

Afterwards...you may need to look for drivers if any of the hardware on the Compaq is not recognized by XP.  This can be accomplished by visiting the manufacturer's website for your particular model Compaq and then downloading and installing the drivers your computer needs.

Once you have all of that done...and this computer will be on line...don't forget to do all your updates from the Windows Update website...along with installing malware protection...and a firewall (XP has its own built in firewall).

Keep us posted...