Many xp problems

[guest]

lately my pc has been giving me loads of trouble even though i can fix these its still annoying, yet theres 2 problems i cannot solve.

1. whenever i try to boot in safe mode, even without networking my computer will restart after i have chosen the user, it works perfect on a normal boot.

2. whenever i try to play conquer online, my pc will shutdown and go to a blue screen saying IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and then loads of error numbers and so on. it recommended that i disable BIOS features such as shadowing but when i enter BIOS and go to advanced, there are no such options. i have seen screen shots of how to do it, but non of the options are on my pc, im running an emachines computer if that helps. any help would be great. thanks

[Laser]

Any particular reason for booting to Safe Mode? Have you checked for BIOS updates?

[guest]

yes, i allways virus scan, defrag and other things in safe mode so its quicker, any idea where i can download bios updates from. the 2nd problem only started happening after i turned my pc off at the plug accidentally.

[dlh6213]

lately my pc has been giving me loads of trouble even though i can fix these its still annoying, yet theres 2 problems i cannot solve.

1. whenever i try to boot in safe mode, even without networking my computer will restart after i have chosen the user, it works perfect on a normal boot.

2. whenever i try to play conquer online, my pc will shutdown and go to a blue screen saying IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and then loads of error numbers and so on. it recommended that i disable BIOS features such as shadowing but when i enter BIOS and go to advanced, there are no such options. i have seen screen shots of how to do it, but non of the options are on my pc, im running an emachines computer if that helps. any help would be great. thanks

In order to help prevent all these annoying problems, follow the advice in these threads:
http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/thread16365.html
http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/thread5690.html

Have you tried using System Restore to a date before you started having these problems (assuming you're using XP or Me)?

You need to find out what BIOS you have (AMI, Phoenix, etc.), and then go to their website for updates. Some manufactures have it on their own website; eMachines didn't used to, I don't know if they do now.

[Catweazle]

If you have a system, such as eMachines, which doesn't offer BIOS updates on the website, you need to identify the make and model of the motherboard used in the system. (eMachines just assembles the things - they don't make the motherboards). The motherboard manufacturer's website is the place to get BIOS updates. An update obtained from the BIOS manufacturer's website is next to useless, because it will not contain any specialised enhancements to suit the components used to make the motherboard.

[dlh6213]

If you have a system, such as eMachines, which doesn't offer BIOS updates on the website, you need to identify the make and model of the motherboard used in the system. (eMachines just assembles the things - they don't make the motherboards). The motherboard manufacturer's website is the place to get BIOS updates. An update obtained from the BIOS manufacturer's website is next to useless, because it will not contain any specialised enhancements to suit the components used to make the motherboard.

I wasn't aware of that, but it makes sense.

I told you we needed your expertise here! :)