Operating System Not Starting

If it works without the new hardware, remove any software that you had to install for it, if any. Re-read the manual for the device to make sure you didn't miss any steps and try again. If you don't have a manual, a quick search on the manufacturer's site or your favorite search engine (like Google or Yahoo) should return something useful.

If you haven't installed new hardware, or removing it didn't help, try booting into safe mode by following the directions for your Operating System below:

Windows 95/98/2000/XP)
Mac OS 8/9/X

How to boot into Windows' Safe Mode

While your computer is turning on, BEFORE any Windows screen comes up, tap the F8 key on your keyboard. If you have a Dell computer, wait until the Dell screen goes away to start tapping the F8 key, or it will return a keyboard error.

Eventually you be prompted for some choices. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and hit Enter/Return on your keyboard.

If Windows boots up then, remove any software installed for the new hardware (if any new hardware). If you installed any other software/programs, uninstall that software.

Restart your computer and let it boot back into Normal Mode (no action required, it will use Normal Mode by default).

Re-read the manual for the device or software to make sure you didn't miss any steps and try again. If you don't have a manual, a quick search on the manufacturer's site or your favorite search engine (like Google or Yahoo) should return something useful.

If your compter is still not booting and you're not using Windows 2000 or Windows XP you'll need a professional's help to go any further. Please call us for help.

If you do have Windows 2000 or XP click here for Windows 2000 or click here for Windows XP.

Finished or Start Over.

How to boot into Mac OS' Safe Mode

First we'll "Zap the PRAM."
Right after you power on the computer, hold down the Command(the Apple key) Option(the Alt key) P R (four keys total at the same time). It will make the startup noise after a little bit. Keep holding the keys until you hear the noise 4 times. While your computer is turning on hold down Shift on your keyboard. Try booting again, and if that doesn't work, move on to the next step.

After the Operating System is done loading, uninstall any software or hardware installed since the problem

developed. If there's been no new hardware or software, please call us. It's a good sign that it's booting into safe mode!

Finished or Start Over.

Further booting options for Windows 2000

Once again, While your computer is turning on, BEFORE any Windows screen comes up, tap the F8 key on your keyboard. If you have a Dell computer, wait until the Dell screen goes away to start tapping the F8 key, or it will return a keyboard error.

This time choose "Last known good configuration"

If this does work and you installed any new hardware or software, make sure to reread the install instructions to make sure no warnings were missed. Also check the manufacturer's site for any updates or tips to get it working properly. If you don't know their URL, do a quick search should turn up something that will help.

If it does not boot still you'll need to have a professional look at it. Please call us.

Finished or Start Over.

Further booting options for Windows XP

Once again, While your computer is turning on, BEFORE any Windows screen comes up, tap the F8 key on your keyboard. If you have a Dell computer, wait until the Dell screen goes away to start tapping the F8 key, or it will return a keyboard error.

This time choose "Last known good configuration"

If this does work and you installed any new hardware or software, make sure to reread the install instructions to make sure no warnings were missed. Also check the manufacturer's site for any updates or tips to get it working properly. If you don't know their URL, do a quick search should turn up something that will help.

You can also try using System Restore if the computer will boot into Safe Mode to fix your problem. Follow the above instructions for getting into Safe Mode, but this time when it asks if you want to continue, click "No" and the System Restore Wizard will open. Follow the prompts and use the most recent date to restore to.

If it does not boot still you'll need to have a professional look at it. Please call us.

Finished or Start Over.