My computer won’t restart…
June 20, 2005 
Okay, like I needed this right now… I went to start up my computer and it won’t start up — at all.
I’m writing this to you from a borrowed computer.
Anyway, I was hoping someone could shed some light on the problem and suggest a solution. I’ve never encountered this problem before.
I have a Toshiba laptop and it was running fine until yesterday. I started it up and it went to that screen that says something about Windows not being about to start properly. Then you have to choose whether to start in Safe Mode, Safe Mode Network, Safe Mode Command Line, With Last Good Settings, or Normally.
Here’s the thing — I figured that since “Normally” didn’t work, I’d try “Safe Mode” — only it wouldn’t start in Safe Mode either (nor ANY of the options, for that matter).
I’m pretty sure there is a half-second blue error screen that comes up just before it reverts back to the screen with the startup choices, but there’s no way I can see what it says in a half second.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
June 21st, 2005 at 12:22 AM
If you’re using XP, you might be able to get to the recovery console using the installation CD. I’m not able to recite the steps for you, I would suggest doing a google search for the Recovery Console and steps to get an earlier copy of your registry out of a system restore point or whatnot. The Recovery Console is basically a dumbed down DOS prompt that lets you move files around, just make sure to make backups of whatever you replace.
June 22nd, 2005 at 7:18 AM
Ok, one of the options at the startup prompt (equivalent to hitting F8 after a successfull POST, which is the initial startup of the computer where it counts memory and checks for drives, etc.) should be “debugging mode” if that isn’t working as you suggest then you’ll need the operating sytem disk that came with your machine. If you don’t have one, you’re probably screwed and will need to borrow or purchase or otherwise acquire one. You’ll need to boot to that CD, I’m guessing you’re XP or 2000. If you don’t get the option to boot from the CD, you’ll need to get into the BIOS setup and tell it to boot to CD before the hard drive (feel free to email me if I’m getting too deep, I can walk you through it). Once booting from the CD, it’ll load some drivers and stuff and then give you options to repair or install. Follow the path (steps) that allow for an automatic emergency repair process and tell it you don’t have the emergency disks when prompted. This will lead to an automatic repair and SHOULD solve you’re problem. Once you’re booting normally again, go to Start > Programs > Windows Update and get that machine current. Also, be sure to have antivirus software up to date. Let me know if this helps.
-Chris
June 26th, 2005 at 2:17 PM
Set up a video camera to record the screen while you boot. Then play it back frame by frame so you can see what the error message says. Worked for me once. Good luck !!!
June 28th, 2005 at 11:08 AM
Hi,
Sorry to bother you, but did you get the two e-mails I sent you about the URL?
thanks
Jana
December 31st, 2005 at 2:26 PM
I have the same problem but i don’t see any BIOS setup thing..
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