Quick Fixes
Option D

When it first starts up I can read the screen, but when Windows starts the display becomes distorted, or else I get an error message.

keyboard Occasionally during start up your computer gets so far and then sticks or Windows© displays an error message. The most common reason for this is that the Windows registry has become corrupted, or damaged. The registry is the collection of settings which windows keeps about the computer's hardware and any software loaded on it.

Windows XP:

There are several options here:

Last Known Good

In the event that you can't boot into Windows©, or even before trying System Restore, you might try the following: Reboot the computer, press F8 during the boot process, use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER. This option will not work if you have succeeded in logging on since the problem arose.

System Restore

This can only be used if you can boot into windows. From the 'Start' menu choose: Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools ->System Restore. From here click Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next; choose a date before the problem arose and click 'next' then follow the steps through.

If you can't start Windows normally, try starting in 'Safe-Mode' by pressing f8 during the boot process, and use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and run System Restore in safe mode.

You can also use the same menu selection to create a 'Restore Point' before embarking on some major upgrade, although Windows will have created frequent restore point.

Automated System Recovery (ASR)

If none of the above are successful, you can try using Automatic System Recovery, from a previously prepared ASR backup. Note that before you begin a recovery you will need three items.

Your previously created backup media.
Your previously created Automated System Recovery (ASR) floppy disk.
The original operating system installation CD.

For full information on making and using an ASR Backup see http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/asr.mspx

Other Windows Versions - Using an Emergency Repair Disc

This is the point where an "Emergency Repair Disc" (or Start-up Disc) comes in handy - assuming that you had made one earlier.

Windows 2000 and Windows NT4.0

Even if you have a repair disc, the repair process will require a technician, and your original installation CD

Windows 98/Me

It may still be possible to Restore the Windows registry in Windows 98 and Me; whether you have a Start-up disc or not. This is the first thing to try!

Turn on your computer and whilst it is starting, hold down the CTRL key and keep it held down, this should bring the 'start-up' menu onto the screen. You may find that this comes up automatically anyway if there is a fault.
On some computers, use the F8 key instead of the CTRL key.
From this menu choose 'Command Prompt' (use the arrow keys to down to it and press ENTER)
When the Command Prompt C:\ or C:\Windows appears, type the following:
```
SCANREG /RESTORE
```
followed by ENTER.
After a few seconds you will get a list of recently saved registries. Using the arrow keys chose one for a date before your problems arose and press ENTER.
When invited to restart your computer. With luck it should work!

If that fails; if you have a Start-up disc insert it in the drive and start the computer. It will boot from the disc and you follow the instructions on the screen. You will almost certainly need your original Windows CD to hand.

But seriously, if you still have a Windows 98 system and are experiencing problems it is time to upgrade!

Remember the secret of successful fault finding is to eliminate likely faults one by one!