after sign in, I get the message "windows must restart because remote procedure call terminated unexpectantly" and down it goes. Wont' start in safe mode, just won't do anything. Any ideas?

This in general is the main symptom of the W32.Blaster.Worm

Have you tried all Safe Mode options?

What is the make and model of the computer?

Do you have the XP CD?

Compaq Pentium IV, Don't have XP CD, tried Safe mode and restore feature, tried hitting shift key when loading to prevent loading all programs, tried F12. Any help appreciated.

Did you try Last known good configuration?

Did you try Safe Mode with Command Prompt?

What is the exact Compaq model? Presario 1234? Pavilion 4321?

Are you aware of the Compaq Recovery options if they did not provide you with a CD or did you have a CD but just don't have it anymore?

Yes, Yes and it says Compaq Evo, couldn't find any other model number on it, bought used, no CD. It says at start up push F12 for restore but doesn't work. Is there another way?

Many Evo models:

http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Looku...-1&h_query=evo

What happens when you press F12?

HP/Compaq does sell Recovery CD's which would be cheaper then buying a new version of XP but that is about where you are at.

A very long shot in the dark would be to use the 6 floppy setup from Microsoft to enter the Recovery Console then try the commands of either FIXBOOT or FIXMBR.