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I'm running XP on my laptop that's a few years old, and starting yesterday, every time I power the thing on, it goes to the sreeen saying that it didn't boot up properly last time, and asks what settings mode I want to boot it up in this time.

There's like 4 options, safe mode, safe mode with networking, regular mode, and one about the last settings that worked.

However, every time I click on one, it starts booting up, goes to the Compaq logo, and then returns to the settings screen.

Is there a way to get away from this screen? I can't get by it! I've tried hard restarting it by holding down the power button, but when I start it again, it just goes to that settings screen again.

Thanks for your help.

Hey there and welcome to PCHF,

Just need to clarify a few things:

• Are you able to boot into safemode from that menu?
• Are you able to get into windows through any of the other options

If you can't get into Windows at all then we will have to try run a repair install.

• Do you have your Windows XP cd or did you laptop come with a 'Restore CD'?
• Could you also post the exact make/model of your laptop

I'm not able to get past that setting screen on any of the options, each one just kicks me back to the screen after a few seconds.

It's a Compaq Presario 1215.

I think I have that restore disk- if I can find it, how do I use it if I can't get into Windows? I also have the XP disk.

Thanks for the help.

• I assume you would like to try and keep any information that you currently have?

The best thing to do is find the restore CD and place it in your drive, if it doesn't boot from the CD then you may need to go into your BIOS and change the boot sequence to CDROM first, HDD second.

Could you confirm that your Compaq came with XP installed on it or did you upgrade it?

If you upgraded it then we may not be able to use the restore CD unless you want to go back to the previous OS

I upgraded it to XP.

Actually, I'm not concerened about the other information on the machine. Everything I really need is on my home desktop.

I just want to get the thing working again.

In that case, would you be able to follow the instructions Zimbo give you in his last post, in order to reinstall your laptop?
Bluefish

• Do you have the "upgrade" version of Windows XP or is it the OEM version?

If it is the upgrade then you will have to use the restore CD first, so place it into your drive and boot off it.
You can follow these instructions:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...#c00006110_doc

Alternatively if you have the OEM version of XP then you can simply boot off that and install windows.
Follow instructions below:

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winx...dhdd/index.htm