computer problem

**colcifer** · #1 01-24-2013, 01:09 PM

So, I have an old Toshiba laptop running xp, the kind you just leave on for fear it won't boot right again. But, some of my software has been having problems and I had to restart my computer. Guess what happened? It goes to the boot menu and no matter what option I pick, it blue screens and restarts. Ideas of things I can try?

Grazie.

sloasdaylight · #2 01-24-2013, 01:10 PM

RAM failure is probably the most likely.

How old is the laptop?

lustersilk · #3 01-24-2013, 01:12 PM

Try getting it into "Safe Mode" - usually "F8" or one of the other function keys, right after you power it on. If it does boot up, go to "Device Manager" and see if any hardware problems are identified. Good luck, I know how much that sucks!

Ayce · #4 01-24-2013, 01:18 PM

Another thing to check is the fan outlets. I've seen this happen in cases of overheating. Get a can of air and blow out all fans.

**colcifer** · #5 01-24-2013, 02:36 PM

Still no luck. Thanks anyway.

uOpt · #6 01-24-2013, 02:52 PM

The blue screen has an error message. Please post it.

hover · #7 01-24-2013, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uOpt

The blue screen has an error message. Please post it.

Or

Quote:

Originally Posted by uOpt

The blue screen has an error message. Please Google it and look for fixes.

**colcifer** · #8 01-24-2013, 02:58 PM

The blue screen flashes too quick to read.

WashburnBasser · #9 01-24-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colcifer

The blue screen flashes too quick to read.

Take a picture?

Ayce · #10 01-24-2013, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colcifer

The blue screen flashes too quick to read.

What happens after the BSOD? Usually it stays onscreen until reboot.
Nevermind, I just reread the op.

**colcifer** · #11 01-24-2013, 03:18 PM

Blink of an eye fast. Very unhelpful, this blue screen is.

ArtGuy9516 · #12 01-24-2013, 03:31 PM

Try to access the BIOS setup and check your hard drive settings and make sure it still is being recognized. When you turn on your machine it should flash what you need to press to access the BIOS setup

uOpt · #13 01-24-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtGuy9516

Try to access the BIOS setup and check your hard drive settings and make sure it still is being recognized. When you turn on your machine it should flash what you need to press to access the BIOS setup

If it is a blue screen then the HD is recognized. The classic blue screen of death is from windows, not the BIOS, so windows does start loading.

We really need the error message. If it flashes to quickly use a camera.

giacomini · #14 01-24-2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uOpt

If it is a blue screen then the HD is recognized. The classic blue screen of death is from windows, not the BIOS, so windows does start loading.

We really need the error message. If it flashes to quickly use a camera.

Doesn't pressing 'pause' on the keyboard freezes the screen like in the bios messages? Can't remember if that works in blue screens...

uOpt · #15 01-24-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giacomini

Doesn't pressing 'pause' on the keyboard freezes the screen like in the bios messages? Can't remember if that works in blue screens...

Dunno. Last time this happened to my gaming box I just used the 7D in high-FPS bird photography mode

**colcifer** · #16 01-24-2013, 04:55 PM

I was able to get part of is with a camera.

A problem has been detected...
BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO
If this is the first time you have seen this stop screen...
Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed. If problems continue disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable BIOS memory options such as [can't be read]

Thanks again.

**colcifer** · #17 01-24-2013, 06:18 PM

My google fu has proven too weak. Anyone know how to do that?

uOpt · #18 01-24-2013, 08:59 PM

In a non-laptop I'd say replace the BIOS battery and reset the BIOS values.

In a laptop it can be annoying but resetting the BIOS values is a good thing to try even if you can't get to the battery.

(this means the mainboard bios/time battery, not the main battery)

two fingers · #19 01-24-2013, 09:15 PM

Hmmmmmm....... and you tried hitting F8 to go to safe mode?

Sounds like it's mad at some hardware. Maybe a video card? Maybe the hard drive? (I recently backed up and swapped out a hard drive that was going bad on a friend's Toshiba laptop.) Google is still your best friend here. However, you have to be REALLY SPECIFIC. When trying to Google a problem, type in the EXACT model number of your computer along with the problem. Odds are there's a forum SOMEWHERE that has addressed it.

My brother's A+ certification class teacher drilled into them that "Google is God" when it comes to repairs. He forced them to Google solutions to just about anything they studied in their class. He even trained them that when they get out working in a IT department, whenever they encounter a problem they can't fix off the top of their heads, just tell the person who has the "broken" computer that you have one other machine to fix and that you'll be back in a few. Then run around the corner and Google the problem on your laptop. Then when you come back, you look like a genius for being able to just fix the thing. Ha! My teacher for the same class didn't go that far with it, but touted the use of Google as a great tool.

Short version: Could be a lot of things. But you certainly aren't the first to come across it. And somebody has figured it out on a forum somewhere. Good luck! Please report back.

Strat-Mangler · #20 01-24-2013, 09:26 PM

You might be faced with needing to do a Windows repair.

Insert your disc and select the repair option. It should replace all system files with original copies so you can now boot up. The only problem is that some applications/games you installed will have updated/changed some of the system files and replacing them with the unchanged copies might make these programs not run properly or at all, anymore. Then, you might need to reinstall these.

But, short of spending some cash, this might be your best option.