David--
Sometimes this happens because you haven't updated to the latest service
pack. I don't know what version you're running.
First you might want to consult these for reference, but since you can't get
up to the Windows Advanced Options menu via F8, then I'd try something your
tech friend failed to mention. I don't know what kind of Recovery CD you
have, but if it has Windows XP on it, you should be able to do a
repair/upgrade install. Also spyware has been known to cause this, but you
can't run anyting like an anti-spyware Adaware app until you get to
Windows--at least in Safe Mode.
I'd try the repair install if your "recovery CD" will allow it. There are
complete instructions with screenshots in these links and some reboot issue
MSKBs are included after that--and the important point is that although
anything is possible (no guarantees) you usually recover everything and all
your settings when you run the repair install. You'll need the Product Key
for XP again because you will go through a setup, but it has the advantage
that you recover everything most of the time.
****In Place/Upgrade Installation of Win XP; If not Parallel Installation to
Another Folder****
Michael Stevens' Site: Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341
Resources for troubleshooting startup problems in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308041&Product=winxp
Doug Knox on Repair Install
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
Screen Shots of Repair Install
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdrepair/index.htm
If these don't work, you can try a parallel install of Windows XP (See
Install Windows XP to a New Folder in this KB:
How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&Product=winxp
A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=315222
__________________________________________________________________________
*****Known XP "Reboot" issues*****
Windows XP Restarts Unexpectedly or Restarts When You Shut Down the Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320299
Computer Restarts Unexpectedly When You Browse the Internet
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316416
The Computer Reboots in the "Installing Devices" Section During a Windows XP
Upgrade
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311839
Automatically Reboot Option Does Not Work if the Paging File Is Set to Zero
in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320846
The Computer Is Stuck in a Restart Loop After You Upgrade from Windows 98 or
Windows Me
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318018
Windows XP Restarts When You Try to Shut Down Your Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311806
WINDOWS XP SHUTDOWN & RESTART TROUBLESHOOTING
http://aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.php
*****More reading!*****
http://www.compphix.com/rebootsunexpectedly.html
http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/troub-03.html
___________________________________________________
CHECK FOR SPYWARES:
----------------------------
AdAware==>
http://www.webattack.com/download/dladaware.shtml
SpyBot ==>
http://www.snapfiles.com/download/dlspybot.html
CoolWebShredder ==>
http://www.spychecker.com/program/coolwebshredder.html
OR Use the Tools given here >> http:Q_20975384.html
CHECK FOR ONLINE VIRUS SCAN:
--------------------------------------
1.
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9059
2.
http://security.symantec.com/
3.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
4.
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
5.
http://www.pcpitstop.com/antivirus/default.asp
hth and good luck,
Chad Harris
___________________________________________________________________
Computer was working fine, nothing new installed, laptop used strictly for
work. I have never experienced any problems until today.
My computer will not Startup...I can see the 'dots' going across the startup
screen, but it just reboots, over and over.
I have tried pressing 'f8' after post screen and before startup screen but
have not been able to access it. I have spoken to tech friend who advised I
will be able to startup with xp or recovery cd that came with computer, but
that I will lose all my work! I was on the road, so haven't been able to
back
up my very important files, is there any way I can recover those files or
are
they gone?
Any help will be appreciated.
David
(e-mail address removed)
