Seth

In such a case, I usually first try Last Known Good Configuration. Regardless of whether or not that works, I go one step further and run a chkdsk /r. It's amazing what file problems a chkdsk can fix.

Is the static present when playing cd's as well as music stored on the hard drive?

Hello Postie. It sounds like there may be a problem with the network card on your computer. Right click on My Computer and choose Manage>Device Manager. Click on the plus sign beside Network Adapters. Right click on your Network Adapter and choose Uninstall. After it's uninstalled, right click anywhere on the list and choose Scan For Hardware Changes to reinstall the network adapter. Does your internet work now? If not, go back to Device Manager and post back with what is listed under Network Adapters, Unknown Devices, or anything that has a "!" or "?" in front if it. If Device Manager looks ok, then we can check your TCP/IP settings. But let's see how the above works out first.

Many newer Dell computers don't even have PS2 ports. The good news is, if the computer came with the USB keyboard, then the BIOS should support it.

Note that the registry doesn't get scanned on a secondary drive.

I use a blade as well. There's nothing like straightening those pins to make your eyes go wonky.

If malware has disabled XP functions, this tool can be used after the disinfection: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm SuperAntiSpyware (SAS) also has similar repair functions.

The blank entries are malware or remnants thereof. They should be unchecked. Unnecessary: btdna realsched qttask reader_sl iTunesHelper GoogleToolbarNotifier rundll32 RTHDCPL HPBootOp HPwuSchd2 (HP auto updater. I don't recommend updating HP's software unless you have a specific need to do so) ccApp and osCheck (Remnants from the removal of Norton). If you removed Norton, then you should run this program which completely removes it: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Uninstallers/Norton-Removal-Tool.shtml PCMService Adobe Gamma Loader ctfmon (Part of Office. Will return if unchecked, but causes no resourse loss) BT Broadband Help Necessary: remind_xp (Reminder to create your recovery cd's/dvd's) Very important! RECGUARD (Protects HP's recovery partition) Also very important. SDTrayApp (From Spyware Doctor) If you don't use SD, it should be removed from add/remove programs. SuperAntiSpyware (The free version doesn't need to run at startup. It can be disabled through SAS's Preferences). IMO, SAS is the single best antimalware application and well worth the $40.00 US for a lifetime subscription key.

Hello Runningman and welcome to PC Help. There is a program called the BIOS that is built into the motherboard. When you first turn on your computer, it displays the black screen with white letters that shows system information and checks the devices on your computer. All of that precedes the loading of XP. The issue is not the hard drive, as the bios program begins and becomes visible on the screen before it even knows you have a hard drive. The problem is either with your power supply or motherboard. Their is a slight chance the problem may be with the video card (if it's an add on), or the memory. If you have a separate video card, then remove it and try the system with the video port that is on the motherboard. Although your motherboard may not have a video port. If you're comfortable with it and the motherboard has more than one stick of ram, try one at at a time. I almost forgot the most simple thing to try. Unplug the computer, wait a half hour, then see if it powers up.

Hi Jack. Is it possible that the computer had a major hardware change (like the motherboard), which is causing HP's recovery to not fully start? This can also happen if a different video card was installed. remove any extra devices, and use the onboard video for the install if you have it. The added card can be installed after the recovery. Also, HP has both a non-destructive and destructive (advanced options) recovery. The destructive recovery formats the hard drive. If that recovery fails, then you have a hardware problem.

I second that!

Atari 2600, but mostly because of nostalgia. I also miss the variety of games on the Commodore 64. I don't like complicated games, so the console epitome for me was the original Nintendo.

Done!

As mentioned, the video card driver is the main culprit. From the Boot Menu, try VGA Mode. That mode will start the computer in Normal Mode, but without loading a third party video driver. If that's not it, then there is a good chance that you have a corrupt program or software conflict that is causing the problem (which is why Safe Mode is fine). Go to Start>run>type in msconfig and click ok. Put a dot on selective startup and choose the option to Disable All and click apply. Does it start up ok now? If so, go back to msconfig, re-enable the startup items, then post back for further instructions.

I no longer use AdAware or Spybot, but excellent online scans are available from NOD32, Ewido, and BitDefender.

24 programs in startup? If you're referring to the list in msconfig (ones that have a checkmark on them), then that is well beyond excessive.

Does the hard drive appear in the bios?

XP's Event Viewer should list the culprit: Right click My Computer>choose Properties>Event Viewer>Application. Check the log right around 6:45 AM to find the program that's sounding the alarm.

Hello Everyone. Wolfey asked me to have a look at this forum. Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help looks very professional and I'm eager to assist. Thanks Wolfey!