my cpu is messed up!!! HELP (on friends cpu now)?

Question

I really dont understand alot of cpu terms. but thats not the problem. The other day my computer shut off randomly. I turned the switch off for about 5 seconds and press the on button (the only ay i can kinda get it to work) then like start up noises begin, and after 1-4 seconds, it shuts off. after about 30 tries, it seems to turn on, only to show up to a black screen with white letterings with different things to try. they include Start DOS windows normally, safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with something else, and last known good configuration. All of these lead to a blue backround screen saying error in white words. I have no clue..please help

I really dont understand alot of cpu terms. but thats not the problem. The other day my computer shut off randomly. I turned the switch off for about 5 seconds and press the on button (the only ay i can kinda get it to work) then like start up noises begin, and after 1-4 seconds, it shuts off. after about 30 tries, it seems to turn on, only to show up to a black screen with white letterings with different things to try. they include Start DOS windows normally, safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with something else, and last known good configuration. All of these lead to a blue backround screen saying error in white words. I have no clue..please help


by the way people,theres no way i can reformat or run a cd because i cant get it to start up!!!

Answer 1

I had a computer like that, what was wrong with mine was the hard drive failed to start windows... I would suggest reformatting first- if that does not work try to get a new hard drive (post if you want more help)

Answer 2

Is your computer in a house with pets, or is it sitting on the floor on a carpet? A rebooting after a few seconds can be a bad HD. But, if its old, it can also be heat related due to dust, hair, etc. Check to make sure that all of your fans are working, if its out of warranty, just take off the side of the case and visually look if all the fans are spinning. If the computer starts to make a bit of noise at the start then the noise stops its likely a fan trying to start (then getting going) or trying to start and then failing..

The five second "press" of the power button is a "feature" that can be enabled on most computers.. its "5" seconds for off, and instant on.. (you can normally change that to instant on/instant off in the bios)

Answer 3

If you have a windows cd, you can use it to run a repair install. If that does not work then there is a possibility that some parts in the computer may be not working properly. You should take help of someone who can open the computer and see what part in it is causing the trouble. The article below explains how to run a repair install, and also how to format and reinstall (if you want to try), and the precautions to be taken before doing so.

Answer 4

Welcome to Windows land of reinstalls. Well if you have the install or recovery disks you can reformat, reinstall, just go into your bios setup (check manual) and then set boot setup to the cd-dvd drive as first. Put the disk in the drive and boot up, you should see a line boot from cd.....or something like that, yes you do. That should boot of the cd and allow you to re-install. If you have problems with a reinstall then you might have a hardware problem. Throw that one in the trash and get a new one.