I think I broke my computer.

[CubsFan1982]

Last night, I turned off my computer as usual before bed. Then I realized that I'd forgotten to e-mail a friend to RSVP for his going-away party next week. So I turn the computer back on, and this message shows up: "Windows XP cannot start properly for reasons X, Y, or Z." Then it gives me options for restarting, three forms of safe mode, last known settings, and normal start-up. No matter which option I choose, the computer goes through the motions, does a system and disk check, the way XP does after you turn it off in a way you're not supposed to, lurches for about a minute after the disk check concludes (with no problems, mind you), and then restarts all over again. It just keeps on doing it over and over and over again.

Can anyone decipher what's wrong with it? Many thanks if you can tell me! :D

[RC]

1. It that a Gateway?

[CubsFan1982]

3. Nope.

E-Machine, which are even worse, though I've had no problems with this particular one since I got it.

[Maddy McCall]

4. Then it's a gateway.

Gateway owns e-machines.

[Maddy McCall]

2. Sounds like a virus.

Can you start in safe mode and run virus scans? Turn off your system restore before running your virus scan, though.

[CubsFan1982]

5. I can't do ANYTHING.

Only reason I'm here now asking questions is because I'm on my mom's computer.

[Maddy McCall]

6. Might want to send a PM to matcom. He had a similar problem...

this week with his pc.

[RC]

7. It's reload time.

You might be able to install and load another hard drive as th boot drive and this one as a secondary drive and recover the data.
The drive may or may not be good.

Find and download Gwscan from Gateway.