Don't take the computer apart, this is probably a registry problem with Windows XP. Even if it is a hardware problem inside the computer, it is likely the hard drive, and that can't be opened. Though this is not most likely, troubleshoot this first instead of going through things that have no hope of working.
Sometimes a bug or download makes lethal registry changes that prevent your computer from starting up.
If you added a new program or hardware, that too is highly suspect.
You should unplug any "plug and play" devices to reduce some problems, but
definitely disconnect any new hardware and try restarting in safe mode. If you
start, you can replace your registry using the recovery console and then use the hardware trouble shooter to prevent further
problems .
Make sure you are navigating correctly in recovery mode. Use the arrows and highlight the safe mode with command prompt. Press enter within several seconds of the screen appearing.
If you still can't enter recovery console, you really need a boot disk. IF your operating system came preloaded, go to the computer manufacturers web site. They almost all have downloads to help restart and recover. There are places on the internet where you can download boot disks for windows, but you have to be very, very careful if you decide to do that. Make sure that you google the site that is offering help so that you don't wind up in more trouble.
Here is a really helpful free application from microsoft that you can download and burn onto a disk from someone else's computer.
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp Print the instructions to use and start the computer by booting to the cd.
Here is more if you still want to try to enter recovery and get to command prompt in safe mode. Try turning your computer off again and start from off. Not restart. Repeatedly press F8 when the first black screen appears.
You can also slow the screen down by pressing the pause break key to see if there is any software loaded by your manufacturer when you restart again. Make sure that you don't have more than one entry of operating systems. Sometimes upgrades are done in such a way that you have two choices of which program to start. eg, 98' upgraded to XP.
Often, there is a repair or re-installation program built in on the hard drive. HOWEVER, a total reinstallation rather than a registry repair will wipe out your info. That is why you need to take the time to try and download help from your manufacturer and Microsoft.
When you are able to use the computer, make sure you check the hard drive, select safe mode with command prompt or in system tools. From prompt type in: chkdsk C:/r press enter. the syntax has to be exact. The r will repair errors. Errors that can't be fixed or bad sectors signal disaster in the future even when you can restart.
After you repair and restart, go into control panel, performance and maintenance and see where the error came from by going to event viewer. There will be folders for software, hardware, virus, etc. I hope this helps, leave comments if you are able to enter safe mode command prompt and I will go through how to use basic commands if you would like.
If that is not possible, if you have access to the same version of xp is running on another computer, you can make a start up disk or go to your computer manufacturers support section and download one.
To do start from cd, restart you computer, start hitting the pause-break key on your computer so things slow down. Look for boot from and also any recovery console you may have loaded to recover from fatal errors.
In recovery choose to repair the registry if available.
Try to avoid reinstall options, because much of what you presently have will be lost and you will have to go and redo service packs and all of the other add ons since you got your computer.
You're computer is already opening into diagnostics, but if it stops at any point, restart the computer and hit F8 repeatedly until you go back to advanced options.
It doesn't sound likeit.
You can back up your data by connecting your hard disk as a slave to another computer . To fix the problem you need to reinstall the windows.
The problem is not with ur system hardware but the software , go in for a re-installation of Windows Xp.
If this still does not work, try and have a boot up virus scan ,u will get the software from the portal below:<http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/>
If even then the problem persists u have no choice but to go for a full hard drive format
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