[Michi1212]

Hi all,
I have a Dell latitude D830, windows xp. I'm guessing I accidentally downloaded a virus onto my laptop because now, when I turn it on, after the Dell logo it goes to black and stays there. My knowledge of computers is minimal and if anyone could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

 

[joeten]

Hi and welcome to TSF this is one possibilty How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

 

[DBCooper]

Hi Michi1212,

Are you able to boot the computer into safe mode at all? When you first turn on your computer, immediately keep tapping the F8 key and see if the Safe Mode Menu option comes up.

 

[epshatto]

If you can boot into safe mode, perform a virus scan. If you find anything, go to the Security Forum for help removing it.

If it comes back clean, try to perform a System Restore by booting from the XP setup CD.

 

[Michi1212]

Well I pushed f8 and did safe mode, reboot, last know good configuration... Still nothing, goes straight to black. I press ctrl+alt+del and it restarts ...

 

[epshatto]

Do you have the XP setup CD?

If so, boot from it and click "Repair my computer", then "Startup Repair". Run this program and see if it helps. If not, use System Restore from the CD.

Instructions to boot from CD/DVD-

1. Reboot the computer

2. Watch for a message at the bottom saying something like "Press DEL for setup". Press the indicated button (be quick about it, if you wait too long it won't register).

3. You've now entered your computer setup program. Look for a tab indicating "Boot sequence". Go to that tab.

4. Set the 1st boot device to be CD/DVD.

5. Insert the Windows setup CD.

6. Save the settings and exit.

7. The PC will reboot, and boot from the Windows CD.