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Solve : HELP - can not get system to start up?

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Pentium II - 400MHz - Win XP

Symptoms:
Computer will not boot up.  I get to the first DOS-like screen where it gives the RAM memory check (says "FINE"), and then it FREEZES on this screen.  

It says "Press Delete to enter setup".  But the keyboard is dead (cap lock and num lock will not light up).  But keyboard does get initial lights to it for a moment indiucating that it is properly connected.

How can I exit this, delete everything on my computer, and re-install XP so I can start fresh???

I think my computer got eaten alive my internet computer viruses.  The computer was on the Internet without virus pritection.  

There is NOTHING on the hard disk I care about.  I just want to get it working.

Additional info:
- Holding down F8 does nothing.  It is like the computer is not getting anything fromt eh keyboard at all.
- Tried installing the XP disc but I am not getting anywhere there either.
Everything you've stated, indicates a hardware problem.  BIOS ("the first DOS-like screen") is having difficulty with recognizing some piece of hardware, maybe hard drive, CDROM, or ?  Then it locks up the keyboard.  Disconnect hard drive and see if you can enter setup (BIOS).  If you can get in by pressing delete key, it's mostly likely the hard drive.How much ram? how big is the hardrive......and does it past the M$OFT hardware compatability list? Quote

How much ram? how big is the hardrive......and does it past the M$oft hardware compatability list?


- Lots of RAM: 256M
- HD: 10G (not sure)
- It does not get past ANYTHING.  From the time you turn it on until it is frozen (on the very first screen) is about 3-5 seconds.

-

Quote
Lots of RAM: 256M


That is actually barely enough to run Windows XP.

You may need to reset the BIOS. Quote
That is actually barely enough to run Windows XP.
You may need to reset the BIOS.

Previous to this problem, it ran it fine.
From my very "hopeless" position, how can I do that?  Right now I can not do a thing...
To reset the BIOS, take the FOLLOWING steps:

1. Power down computer
2. Take countermeasures against electro-static discharge
3. Remove computer casing
4. Inspect mainboard for a CMOS jump switch or CMOS battery

In case of CMOS jump switch:

Follow instructions provided with the mainboard manual.

In case of CMOS battery:

I. Remove CMOS battery for approximately 10-15 seconds.
II. After 10-15 seconds, place the CMOS battery back.

5. Power on system.

Do not power on the system when CMOS jumper is set to clear_cmos or when CMOS battery is non-present. [/i]Hey I've got a similar situation here.

I flashed my BIOS and not the system is not going pass  POST.

I did a CMOS reset which goes like this:

"You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin while the system is off. Then return to 1-2 pin position. Avoid clearing the CMOS while the system is on; it will damage the M/B"

Now do I start the computer after I've changed to 2-3 pin to reset, then turn off the comp and changed it to 1-2 pin and then restart the comp again?

Thanks.
I am not quite CERTAIN how the jumpers work, so far I have only removed CMOS batteries.


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