Computer doesnt get past boot?

Question

Ok usually i am the big guy wit computers but ever since my other computer had a mother board problem i got another computer from my cousin. Now this computer is so annoying. If u shut it down then start it up next day it will say reboot and select the proper boot device or insert proper boot device then press a key what am i supposed to do? One time i put in motherboard disk and it worked but now it doesnt and so i went into the setup and then changed the setting that skips tests when booting i thought it might be the problem. Because maybe it was skipping a test that was needed to start. But when it started i thought i beter change it back so i did now when it starts. It gets past the boot thing but it now says ur computer didnt shut off properly select the setting u wnat to use . Then it gives the safe modes and last good configuration and normaly start but if u choose an option then the computer restarts and does the same thing. i am on another computer right now

Answer 1

this is a clear sign that ur windows is currupt.It may be due to constan improper shutdowns or virus ..

U can fix the problem by just reinstalling windws from a CD

U can do this by putting the cd in and then restarting the PC it will ask if u wanna boot from cd so press the desired key.. And then follow the on screen instructions..

Answer 2

The issue with boot devices can be addressed in the BIOS, usually under an 'advanced' option depending on your version of BIOS.  Generally the boot order is floppy, CD Rom, then finally SCSI or hard drive.  Don't worry about trying to skip the POST and such.  

Regarding the message about a bad shutdown, if you choose 'shutdown' and the computer powers off completely on it's own and you still get that message than yes, this is an issue with windows which, if you're using XP, you can probably repair by popping in the OS CD and performing a repair function on the installation of XP.  This will only fix a limited number of usually more basic problems, but can save a ton of time and headaches downloading updates and reinstalling software.  You can also try booting into Last Known Good one time, and even safe mode one time, and once your in just shut it down and see if it powers off properly and if it still gives the error on reboot.  If you try both of those startup options and shutdown is normal but reboot still gives the error about a bad shutdown, try repairing with the OS CD, and if even that doesn't work then you either deal with the annoyance or format the HD completely and reinstall the OS from scratch.  Hope this helps some!