when i try to start my computer it loads up normally and when the windows xp screen finishes loading up it just blanks out. i tried to boot the computer from a windows xp disc but when it says "press any key to boot" i press any key and it goes blank again.. WHAT DO I DO?!?!! i don't care if i lose information on my computer

Dani AI

Generated

A few practical checks and next steps that build on the replies from and the original report from .

First, confirm whether the keyboard and BIOS are working before blaming Windows. Try a different keyboard (use a PS/2 keyboard if the machine has one, or switch USB ports). Watch the NumLock/CapsLock lights while at the boot/F8 prompt to see if keystrokes register. If USB keys are not seen early in boot, enable "USB Legacy" or "USB Keyboard Support" in the BIOS. If the keyboard never responds at the BIOS/boot stage, no amount of Windows troubleshooting will reach Safe Mode.

If the keyboard is OK but the screen still goes blank when starting from the XP CD, isolate hardware: disconnect all nonessential devices (extra drives, USB gadgets, PCI cards), reseat RAM and the video card, and try a different monitor or cable. If the screen stays black only when Windows starts to load, a bad video card driver or failing GPU is likely.

If data recovery is needed before reinstalling, two robust options:

  • Remove the drive and attach it to another PC (IDE/SATA cable or USB-to-IDE/SATA adapter) and copy files.
  • Boot a live rescue CD (Linux live CD or WinPE) and copy files to an external drive.

If wiping and reinstalling is acceptable, boot from the XP CD and follow Setup to delete partitions and create/format a new one. If able to access the Recovery Console (press R from the CD), try these commands first to repair boot problems:

fixmbr
fixboot
chkdsk /r

Warnings and quick tips: use antistatic precautions when touching hardware; fixmbr can affect dual-boot setups; if CD boot blanks immediately, suspect failing video hardware or a badly burnt CD. Ignore ’s suggestion to revert to Win95 — it’s not helpful here.

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So you cant load the xp cd at all. Can you start in safe mode because if you can you should do a system restore and a virus check.

So you cant load the xp cd at all. Can you start in safe mode because if you can you should do a system restore and a virus check.

for some reason when it asks me if i want to startup in safe mode or anything else.. i can't seem to use my keyboard arrows to pick what i want

give up now. you may install win95.

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