Computer won't start up.

Question

Hi guys, this is my first time visiting, and I wonder if anyone can help me here. My family has a Dell Dimension T600 Desktop computer, with Windows XP on it, that we purchased, oh, probably around 6 or 7 years ago. It's had a virus for a long time now, and it's been acting really slow, but was at least working. But yesterday, when I came to turn it on, it got to the Windows XP® screen, and then when it tries to load the screen with all the users on it, it makes a sound like when you shut it down, the screen turns briefly blue with an error message, but it disappears too quickly for me to read it. The computer then tries to start up again, but the same thing happens and then the next time, it just stays on the screen with the Globe and the Dell name. Is there any way I can fix this? Thanks.

Coach Owens · Answer

Okay, I got it. The error message says: STOP: c0000135 {Unable to locate component} This application has failed to start because winsrv was not found. Re-Installing the application may fix this problem.

TEBuddy · Answer

It sounds like that virus got the best of you. Reboot, continually press f8 during the process and you hould be given a black menu with several options. Look for the one called 'disable automatically reboot on system failure' Highlight, and press enter. Reboot, and look for the blue error message once more and post the details. Additionally, try to get into safe mode. Reboot, press f8 continually, this time choose safe mode. Your machine will reboot into a default administrative state, see if you can even log in. It sounds like the best solution would be to start over with a fresh format.

TEBuddy · Answer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885523

RoHe · Answer

See if the last post in this thread helps: http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread7548.html Ron

Coach Owens · Answer

Alright, now whenever I try to start it up, it says there's a Floppy Disk drive error, even though there isn't one in there, so now I can't get to the F8 menu.

RoHe · Answer

'even though there isn't one in there' Do you mean there's no disk in the floppy drive or you don't have a floppy drive installed on this PC? If there's no floppy drive installed, try pressing F2 before XP starts to load and run BIOS setup. Look for the option to turn off the floppy drive controller. Turn it off, save the change and exit BIOS setup. That should put an end to that error. If a floppy drive is installed, it's possible it failed and turning off the controller in BIOS setup will get you past the problem until you have a chance to remove/replace this drive. Ron

Coach Owens · Answer

The actual message is: 'Incorrect Drive A type-run Setup' Is that the Floppy drive?

RoHe · Answer

Yes and no. Depends on how XP has assigned drive letters. If you have a floppy drive installed then it should be drive A:

Try clearing NVRAM. Look in your user manual for the correct procedure. If you can't find the method, power off and disconnect PC from the mains. Press/hold power button tower for ~15 sec. Open the case and remove the battery from the motherboard. Press/hold the power button again. Replace the battery -right side up. If the battery hasn't been replaced in a while, this may be a good time to put in a new one.

Then check that data cable to the floppy is attached correctly. Carefully unplug it from the floppy drive and plug back in. Then close the case and reboot.

Ron

Coach Owens · Answer

Uhmmm. Could you put that in simpler terms? I'm only 15 here!

Coach Owens · Answer

Bump.

Coach Owens · Answer

Bump, again. Still won't work.

RoHe · Answer

Bump, again. Still won't work. What did you try before 'still won't work'? Here's the link to clearing NVRAM (restting BIOS to factory settings): http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dkub/syssetup.htm#clearing_nvram If you can't get into BIOS setup, you'll have to try removing the battery. Here's the link to the user manual for T600 about removing and replacing the battery: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dkub/rr.htm#battery Please read all the 'Precautionary Measures' at top of this page before you work inside the case and be sure it's unplugged from the electriciy before you do anything inside. Got a PC-savy friend or relative who can help you remove and replace the battery? If in doubt, DON'T! Ron

Windows General

Computer won't start up.

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