My computer won't start up...anyone know how to fix it?

Question

What happens is that when I turn my PC on the screen turns on but after that it just shows a black screen with a white dash sign flashing at the top left hand corner. I have waited to see if it changes but after ten minutes it still remains the same. My PC uses Windows XP. Any help on this matter would be very much appriciated.

Answer 1

Sounds like BIOS is trying to activate itself. If it is stuck there, then it could either be a processor issue or a hardware issue; (example, a chip or a wire may be loose or disconnected). The processor may be corrupt or have a virus.

If your operating system (Windows XP) is not even loading up, I would contact your computer manufacturer immediately.

Hopefully you still got the warranty.

Answer 2

Ok we know that the monitor works. However, with XP and assuming this is a Lap Top, you should get some kind of warning about the actual problem area in the computer. i.e. Display, sound, Hard Drive etc.

My first guess would be the boot sequence in the Bios area, try pressing escape or F1 when you get that promt. Second is in a Hard drive failure. Other than that there is nothing you can do except take it to the repair man at this point.

Steve

Answer 3

I agree.  I've had that problem before and it does sound like a BIOS problem.  Check all your connections and make sure everything is plugged in and seated fully, then try it.  If that doesn't work, contact the manufacturer as was suggested.