Computer won't boot up - Windows XP

[gtr1000]

My home computer won't boot up. It's a desktop running Windows XP. All was fine last time I used it but now nothing. It was last shut down a few days ago using the "shut down" option as always - I didn't just turn the power off.

All I'm getting on the screen is the usual DOS prompts such as "safe mode", "safe mode and networking" etc.. I've tried all the options listed to boot up but it keeps returning to this screen.

I hope the computer gurus pick this one up as I desparately need to get on-line again and work on some files.

[Penfold101]

Something's gone corrupt on the Windows files by the sounds of it - have you tried putting the Window's disc in and seeing if it can boot from that to allow you to repair it...?

[gtr1000]

Something's gone corrupt on the Windows files by the sounds of it - have you tried putting the Window's disc in and seeing if it can boot from that to allow you to repair it...?

Busy looking in every place possible as we speak to try and find Windows disks. . Will let you know.

[GARY3306]

Something's gone corrupt on the Windows files by the sounds of it - have you tried putting the Window's disc in and seeing if it can boot from that to allow you to repair it...?

As above, but first you will have to go into the BIOS and change the BOOT sequence to boot from CD first. Once you've changed it, save the change, put your XP disc in the CD player and restart your PC, when promted choose 'repair windows'. Good luck

[gtr1000]

Something's gone corrupt on the Windows files by the sounds of it - have you tried putting the Window's disc in and seeing if it can boot from that to allow you to repair it...?

Right, inserted XP disk, turned computer off at wall and the turned back on to see if disk would boot system. Alas, back to the screen with the five DOS options. Or am I putting the disk in at the wrong point?

Gary - hang on, just going to try what you've said. Could be a while........ Do I get in to the BIOS via F8?

[VauxVeteran]

Gotta tell the bios to select the CD rom.

[gtr1000]

Gotta tell the bios to select the CD rom.

Bear with me................

[GARY3306]

Right, inserted XP disk, turned computer off at wall and the turned back on to see if disk would boot system. Alas, back to the screen with the five DOS options. Or am I putting the disk in at the wrong point?

Gary - hang on, just going to try what you've said. Could be a while........ Do I get in to the BIOS via F8?

Restart the pc and just keep tapping 'DELETE' to enter setup. Change the boot sequence, hit 'ESC' to exit and it will ask if you want to exit and save changes, choose yes. Put the CD in and restart. It will now boot from the XP disc mate

[biscuitman]

Could you take the BIOS battery out or not?

[cornishpirate]

It may come up with a promt for you to press a button to boot from CD