up vote 1 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I have a Dell desktop that is hanging at the Windows XP splash screen and eventually (after about 5 minutes) cycles to a "F1 to retry boot F2 to enter setup utility".

I tried to start the computer in Safe Mode but it eventually cycles to the same "F1, F2" screen.

What are the likely causes and what are the remedies?

link|improve this question
71% accept rate
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

There are very many likely causes, mostly hardware.
Such problems cannot be solved by remote control.

I would take the computer to a qualified repairman.
Or if it's relatively new, activate the warranty (unlikely, given that it's XP).

link|improve this answer
Sometimes it's "cheaper" to just solve the problem directly instead of spending ages looking for the cause – Ivo Flipse♦ Mar 4 '10 at 9:26
OK. I'll bite. How do I solve the problem "directly"? – ssvarc Mar 4 '10 at 20:15
@Ssvarc: Ivo probably meant the hands-on approach. A repairman has the needed tools and spare parts. – harrymc Mar 4 '10 at 20:46
@Ssvarc: for Ivo to get your message you should prefix the message with "@Ivo:". – harrymc Mar 4 '10 at 21:11
feedback
up vote 0 down vote accepted

I ran DFT on the computer and it shows that the HD is going. That would explain the strange symptoms.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.