Can't log on - Please help

TotallyBroke

I switch my computer on and it goes to a black screen. This tells me that the computer didn't start up correctly. It says if I had a power shortage or anything to open up in normal mode. I enter on this and it says will start up in 14 seconds. The bar moves across the screen (this could be 14seconds not timed it) but then nothing. I can not even move the curser to open in any other mode e.g. safe mode. I don't remember anything strange happening the last time it was used. Please can someone advise what I can do. The pc is a second hand one and seems to have every known anti virus software it can have loaded. Norton, McAfee and such like. When they pop up we have to disable them so that we can do anything on the internet. I'm not a techie person at all so really don't have a clue on what to do.

Please please can someone help me. Thanks in advance

BillScarab

When it give syou the option to start up nromally try safe mode instead. Does that work?

Alos you should nonly run one AV product. If it's a second hand machine and you don't have any vital data or pictures on it I'd recommend re-formatting and re-installing Windows. That way you can get rid of any rubbish and get it set up how you want.

TotallyBroke

Thanks for replying. The normal mode option is highlighted ,I can not arrow up or down to another option I have even tried tabbing. So I can't choose another option at the moment. We have pictures on there but everything else could go. I do not have a windows start up disk or anything as pc was given to us they were going to throw it out. Would I have to buy the start up cd?

fwor

Is your keyboard connected via USB? Something that ~might~ have happened is that the BIOS config has been corrupted and the defaults have been loaded (with USB keyboard support turned off).

If so, and you have a PS/2 keyboard socket as well, try a keyboard in that. Hopefully that will allow you to get into safe mode.

Alternatively, if you can still get into the BIOS before Windows tries to load, you could check the settings directly.

TotallyBroke

Ok thanks for all your help. I'm at work and OH at home trying to get it to work. He has now got into the machine. But if anyone would or could give me some information on wiping the machine and reinstalling again I'd be greatful. Thanks

BillScarab

Presuming you're on XP you'll need an XP disc unless you want to install Linux.

You can borrow a friend's XP CD, or copy one, so long as you have a valid COA.

TotallyBroke

Ok call me stupid but what is a COA? Sorry for being stupid

BillScarab

Certificate of Authenticity

Should be stuck on your PC somewhere or possibly in the documentation.

Should llok something like this although I think earlier ones were rectangluar. It has you product key on it that you need when you install Windows.

jje_2

You need before starting a full install and format.
Copy of OS plus the serial for it
The drivers for your motherboard video card and other hardware . Best downloaded and put on disc first .
Backup any files you want to keep to disc or another drive music pictures docs etc .
Save a copy of your internet favs and also email addresses .
make a note of all passwords internet login details etc .

Basic format and install works something like this .
Put OS disc in drive and boot from it you may need to cahnge boot defualt in BIOS or more often now hit F11 or someother key at boot ( tells you on initial boot screen )
OS loads setup asks at some state do you want to upgrade chose custom install .
You are then given the option to Foramt cC drice choose NTFS for Win Xp or Vista . Set up runs . Finish reboot add motherboard drivers video card drivers audio drivers .
Set up Internet connection
Add AV and update.
Next go to MS updates and update
Install programs you require
then copy back any of the stuff you have saved .

Takes a couple of hours for format OS install and drivers .
You can install your programs over the next few days .
Recommend once all set up shortcuts programs set AV run all updated that you then make a back up image of this perfect set up that you can switch back to in case of future problems .

jje

TotallyBroke

You are both very clever people. I'll give the reboot and reinstall as soon as I get time. I've printed the instructions you have given me. OH ended up switching on pc and pressing the F5 button continuously it came up with some sort of page then that he was able to save the settings. FIL told him to do that. So I have no idea. We have now put the pc in a cupboard that we can lock in case our 15month old son has been pressing the button on and off which is quite possible as he is fascinated with the "puter"!

Thanks again you have been great.