Hey I need to reformat my computer and don't know how I have the start up disks but can't figure out how to wipe the memory I got a compaq persario v4000 laptop

you don't need a start up disk from toshiba. A regular Windows instalation CD/DVD is enough.If your computer was wiped, there's a chance the Toshiba startup disk will not start either.
If you use an OEM version of your Windows (have a windows key sticker on your laptop), then download an OEM Toshiba version. Use this LINK for more information.
When you have the Windows CD, you just need to repartition the disk and reinstall windows.

Try booting up in the safe mode.
You either have a virus or more likely a bad sector on the hard drive.
If you need the startup disk go to HP support website and you can order a replacement

u need to reformat it. repair will no longer work. after formating download active boot disk and there's a file and recovery portion there that helps

I'm not sure if you are wiping it to start over or to sell/give away.

Many newer machines have a Recovery Partition, usually your "D:" drive.

Access the System Recovery partition from the Start-All Programs-System Recovery-System Recovery Menu. Following the prompts will allow you to reformat the computer and reinstall the operating system and all software as it came from the factory. From that point, if you don't want any of the factory junk, you'll need to uninstall it yourself.

If the Recovery partition is missing, (usually a D: drive) , then you'll need to have the original Recovery discs which were created when the computer was new.

If you simply want to wipe it, use a disk wiping tool. Many hard drive wipers, cleaners or shredders can be downloaded at no cost. Visit Downloads.com to search for these programs that are designed to wipe your hard drive. Once you have downloaded a disk wiping program, install it on your computer. Each program will have a unique graphical user interface (GUI) and directions for use. Follow the directions for your selected disk wiping tool and run the program to wipe your hard drive. The program will make sure that all files and data have been completely erased by overwriting the entries multiple times.
disk wiping tool. Many hard drive wipers, cleaners or shredders can be downloaded at no cost. Visit Downloads to search for these programs that are designed to wipe your hard drive. Once you have downloaded a disk wiping program, install it on your computer. Each program will have a unique graphical user interface (GUI) and directions for use. Follow the directions for your selected disk wiping tool and run the program to wipe your hard drive. The program will make sure that all files and data have been completely erased by overwriting the entries multiple times.

Read more: http://pcs.suite101.com/article.cfm/wiping_your_computer_hard_drvie#ixzz0RZDlV3Qr

Replace you RAM memory module. if it does not solve the problem, reformat your laptop and reinstall OS.

A memory error is not caused by the hard drive not being wiped, However to wipe this drive formatting it using this command wipes it unconditionally (format C: /s /u)
This will format it at a lower level if you get a memory error check the memmory modules run a program called Pc doctor or amidiag these programs can be found on the internet by using google.com. If this information helped you please use FIXYA as a rating please never use Thanks nice try this will give us experts a bad rap on here and we would not stay around if we keep getting them thanks

If you know how ?reset the memory and restart the computer
at the boot press F8 if the menu appears try last known good confiuration that worked if this does not work you need to format and reinstall the os the blue screen is and indication of driver failuer or hardware conflick and if the system.last good config will only work 1 time after that it will wipe out the os and you will have to restore from the restore disk,and the best way to do that is to reformat the drive and do a clean install ,but if you have windows there is a restore mode your disk will say press F2 to restore now

Most HP and Compaq desktop PCs that ship with Windows Vista and XP do not come with recovery discs. Instead, they use a partition on the hard drive. To access a hard drive recovery, turn on the computer and repeatedly press F10 (XP) or F11 (Vista) until a Recovery window opens.

You can download a driver from mirosofts windows update it is called XP-Max Audio Music driver.

Well Colleen, I thank you for writing this as detailed as possible, You can always run a disk cleanup, (Start > My computer > Right click C: > Properties > Disk Cleanup, Under General Tab)

That will get rid of junk, Or you could Defrag the computer
(Start>My computer> Rightclick C: > Properties > Tools Tab > Defragment now)
Defrag will take all sorts of junk in a file and sort them in a folder, giving your computer more memory, You could also manually delete everything by going to the root of it all, Or you could buy more memory.