Hi, I need help booting up my computer.
I'm not a noob and I am fairly good at fixing problems on the computer when they occur, but this one has stumped me.

What happens is, when I start the computer up, it loads properly until the XP logo starts loading and then it switches to a different screen displaying starting options such as
Safe Mode
Start Windows Normally
Use Last Known Configuration
Safe Mode Command Prompt

Things like that. I have tried all of them but every time a blue screen message comes up saying that I have hardware or software that it not installed properly and I think this happened when my dad plugged in the printer. Can you help me?

Help!

Have you unplugged the printer?

If so and still the same do you have the XP CD?

If so boot it and enter the Recovery Console and first off try FIXBOOT

More details on the Recovery Console here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

what is fixboot?
+ I do not have the XP CD

FIXBOOT is a command to write a new Windows boot sector code on the system partition. It is an outside chance. You can also access the Recovery Console via the 6 floppy boot disks down-loadable from Microsoft here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994

The Recovery Console is pretty limited but worth a first try. Otherwise you will need the XP CD and your Product Key to at least Repair Install XP unless your computer manufacturer has a hot key function to Restore the operating system.

okay, i have the CD
but it doesnt start up past a certain point
how will the CD take effect?

we put in the XP CD and now we need an administrators password

You need to boot it.

Is your BIOS set to boot the CD drive prior to the Hard drive?

If not this needs to be set in the BIOS.

When you start the computer do you see "Press Any Key To Boot The CD"?

If so press any key. The first "R" option is to enter the Recovery Console.

To go to a Repair Install press Enter first then you will take the second "R".

-------------------------------------

If you set no password just hit "ENTER".

what do we do once the XP CD is in

okay, the password thing is fixed.

Windown XP Home Edition Setup

what do we do now?