Member Avatar for Thicko

Hi, I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong place, but my username should explain why.
I'm having problems getting my desktop PC to start up. I'm currently using my gf's laptop to post this plee for help.
Basically, since this morning, my desktop PC won't get beyond the black screen with writing on it (e.g AMIBIOS etc, DRAM Clock = 333MHZ etc) at the beginning of the start-up process. I think this is the post screen but not sure.
In my intellectually limited attempts to solve this problem, I have tried turning the computer off, then on again, sometimes holding down DEL, F11/12, or TAB, which it seems to recognise but does nothing about none-the-less.
I thought maybe getting into the BIOS screen would be a start, but that counts for nothing as I really know very little about anything.
Can anybody help me before I die of stupidity and shame.:sad:

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reported the system stopping at the initial BIOS/POST stage without getting to Windows. That behavior points to either an early hardware/POST fault or, if POST completes, a bootloader/drive problem. A short, methodical isolation sequence quickly separates the two classes of fault.

  • Listen for POST beep codes and note any pattern; those are the fastest clues to a failed subsystem (RAM, video, CPU, etc.).
  • Verify the display and cable; try a second monitor or the motherboard video output if available.
  • Perform a minimal-boot: power down, disconnect all USB/peripherals, leave only CPU, one RAM stick, PSU and video (or onboard video). Reseat RAM and the video card; swap RAM sticks and slots if possible.
  • Reset CMOS (remove mains, take out the coin cell ~30 seconds or use the clear jumper) to undo bad BIOS settings.
  • If BIOS access never appears, test a different keyboard (PS/2 if available) because some USB keyboards aren’t active early in boot.
  • If POST completes and BIOS menus show but Windows still won’t start, follow ’s advice to use recovery/install media — alternatively boot a Linux live USB to copy important data before attempting repairs.

If none of the minimal-hardware steps produces POST progress (no beeps, still no video), the likely culprits are PSU or motherboard failure; bench-testing with a known-good PSU or a shop’s diagnostic rig is the usual next step. If opening the case or doing component swaps is uncomfortable, professional diagnostics are recommended. Document any beep patterns and exact on-screen messages when available, as those details point directly to the failing part.

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Member Avatar for roban

Several issues could be at work here. Your boot.ini file (the one that tells your computer what operating system to boot in to) may have been corrupted either by a virus or carelessness. If you are running Windows XP boot into your machine's bios by holding down the 'delete' key while booting (or whatever your computer's setup routine is) and go to the boot configuration. You want to set the machine to boot from the CDROM as a first choice. Put your Windows XP CD in the drive and re-boot. When it asks you if you want to set up Windows say 'Yes' and keep clicking 'yes' or 'Continue' until it looks for previous installations. When it has found your Windows Installation you hopefully will be presented with some options. One of them should be to Repair the Current Installtion and it will ask you to press 'R'. Do that and you will repair your system. If you do not have that option, there are other things that can be done but none of them can be outlined here.

Member Avatar for 'Stein

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