should i use a restore cd and the compoter wont let me get to the star menu, it doesnt start the windows program.
207541
Insert the restore cd then shut down the computer.\nTurn the computer back on and when it first starts hit control/alt/delete(at the same time).  This will bring up 2 choices load with format and load w/o formatting.\nChoose with formating and it will restore your computer to the original state.
425325
system restore to before the problem started.see if helps.if not might need to reinstall some .dll files
572415
try system restore (to date just before your problem,)it worked for me
495835
Put your Dell System Restore CD in your CD-ROM drive, and restart the computer. The CD will give you options to reformat your hard drive and reinstall Windows. Sadly everything on your computer will be wiped out (music, photos, etc) if you haven't be able to back it up.
227175
don't need the boot-CD. \n\nJust: Start - Programs - Accessoires - System Tools - System restore (and choose a date and follow the wizard)
91763
Well, maybe a reinstall isn't such a bad idea, considering the time spent wasted on multiple system restore.\n\nIt may fix whatever issues you are having too.
567939
The suggestion to try system restore would be of great use if :\na) the operating system is one that supports system restore\nb) you could actually click on system restore to start it running\n\nI'd suggest hitting F8 as the pc boots, check in the BIOS that mouse support is enabled, and that the BIOS is set to 'know' the operating system is plug and play.Turn the PC off and un-plug the mouse. Now  re-boot, when its running press ctrl+alt+del twice, use the left and right arrow keys to highlight 'shut down', and press enter.... now reconnect the mouse and try again. This might just force the OS to re-load the drivers. \n\nIf that doesnt work, press the 'windows' key to bring up the start menu, use the arrow keys to find 'control panel' and press 'enter', arrow down to 'system' and press enter.... use the 'tab' key to navigate about to the 'hardware' tab and press enter again... you get the idea?.... get into the system properties bit and check that windows is detecting the mouse, if it is use the arrow keys/enter/tab stuff to remove it from the system. Ctrl+alt+del twice to re-boot and see if that forces a re-load
178546
OK HERE'S THE DEAL.REBOOT COMPUTER AND HIT F8 BUTTON REPEATIDLY UNTILL YOU GET A PROMPT ABOUT BOOTING IN SAFE MODE OR NORMAL MODE.\nSELECT SAFE MODE AND LET THE SYSTEM BOOT.\nON THE FIRST POP UP WINDOW YOU SEE WHEN BOOTING HIT NO.THAT SHOULD TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO SYSTEM RESTORE WINDOW.\nCHOOSE A DATE PRIOR THE PROBLEMS YOU DESCRIBE.\nTHATS ALL!
301610
start menu does not have option to turn on or off. Therefore, if it is disappear, you probably delete one or many system file. Recover the windows to get it back. How?\nPut windows XP CDrom into PC, turn on you PC, choose fix windows, NOT install new windows, so all your installed softwares and documents stayed the same, it only fix the problem.
27219
Kindly disregard the previous advice, as it doesn't pertain to your problem.\n\nTo fix your problem, boot to your Windows CD and perform a "repair installation". \n\nHere are instructions, with screen shots, on how to do that:\n\nhttp://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:\n\nNote: When you get to the page you may have to scroll to the link that says "How To Run A Repair Install"
364797
Please be informed that System Restore can restore to a check point fom the last 90 days only...\n\nIf System Restore does not work in Windows XP, make sure that it is enabled and active. Use the following steps to make sure System Restore is enabled and active.\n\nStep 1: Verify System Restore is enabled \n\nVerify System Restore is turned on, using the steps below:\na. Click Start, and then right-click My Computer. \nb. Click Properties and then click the System Restore tab. \nc. Verify Turn off System Restore is not selected. \nd. If there is a check mark next to Turn off System Restore, click inside the box to remove the check mark. \ne. Click Apply and then OK. \nf. If Windows prompts to restart the computer, click Yes. \ng. If Windows does not prompt you to restart the computer, close all windows and restart the PC.\nh. After the computer restarts, open System Restore. If System Restore is still not working, continue with Step 2 below.\n\nStep 2: Verify System Restore is active \n\nVerify System Restore is active using the steps below:\n\na. Click Start, Control Panel, and then double-click the Administrative Tools icon. \nb. Double-click the Computer Management icon. The Computer Management window opens. \nc. Click the plus ( +) next to Services and Applications in the left window, and then click Services. \nd. Double-click System Restore Services in the right window. The System Restore Service Properties window opens. \nf. Verify Startup type is set to Automatic and that Service status is started. \ng. If Startup type is not set to Automatic, click the down arrow and select Automatic. \nh. Click Apply and then OK. \ni. If Windows prompts you to restart the PC, click Yes. \n\nStep 3: Using System Restore from Safe Mode \n\nUse the following steps to open and use System Restore in Windows XP safe mode:\n\na. Turn on the PC and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly until a startup menu opens. \nb. From the Windows Advanced Options Menu select Safe Mode and press Enter. \nc. When a login screen appears click Administrator and enter the password. If you have not created a login, press Enter. \nOnce the Windows desktop opens, open System Restore from the Start menu.
415623
This link will tell you how to reinstall system restore.  You will also see a link for a free system repair.\n\nhttp://windowsxp.mvps.org/repairsr.htm
591910
Try booting into safemode, log in under the administrator account and see what happens. if the same thing then maybe you can do a system restore from the command prompt: \nhttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304449\nTry restoring the computer to a time when it last worked. If that doesnt work and you have your windows xp disk, boot from it load the recovery console and try a chkdsk /r. More info on the recovery console here: \nhttp://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/bootcons_chkdsk.mspx?mfr=true\nhttp://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/recovery_run_console.mspx?mfr=true\nAll else fails, reinstall the OS.
416392
if it was already installed, such as (oem), and you have no start up disk, I`m afraid you have a problem.\nIf you bought it secondhand, (try to contact seller), or new, (contact seller), dont fancy your chances though.\ngood luck.
305254
Try this  \nSTART - ALL PROGRAMS - ACCESSORIES - SYSTEM TOOLS - SYSTEM RESTORE\nrestore to the day before you had the problem
327830
dont system restore until nothing else works. if you can get in long enough to do this then do it or boot into safe mode then goto system properties and on the advance tab look down on the Startup and recovery then click settings then go in the re and disable the automatically restart option on the system failure. You are good to go it will give you an error then basically you research the error any way you want to get your answer i do recommend xp pro. xp home has alot of errors because of sp2. that will get you started. i would try also after that press F8 and select last known good configuration from the menu. hope this helps
550124
pop the disc in and go to repair console then type in chkdsk /r