When I start up my computer I get the following message:

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this." My options are:

Start in safe mode.
Safe mode with networking.
Safe mode with command prompt.
Last known good configuration setting (most recent setting that worked).
Start Windows normally.

No matter which option I chose, it does the same thing. The windows logo flashes and it goes back the above screen. Also, I have pushed F8 on the load up and it took me to another screen with other options, which all but 1 took me back to that screen. The one that didn't, I think was debugging, and a blue screen came up which said it was starting in safe mode, but eventually it just went back the initial screen.

I have XP media centre 2005. I have a recover CD that came with the computer from the manufacturer.

I haven't installed any new hardware but some new software about a week ago. I was using it on Saturday and it was fine, but Sunday I got this message.

I would like to be able to get into the C drive to save some of my files, but if I loss everything, it's OK.

any advise would be greatly appricated, thanks
Samm

Items in blue which are underlined are clickable to give more information about the process

Start the System Restore Utility at a command prompt

1. Restart your computer, and keep tapping F8 during the initial start-up until you get options, select Safe Mode with a Command Prompt then press enter.

2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.

3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.

Look for the most recent system checkpoint created before the errors to restore from

For additional information about the Safe mode with a command prompt, click 315222 to see a description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP

Thanks Keith,

Unfortunaly, I cannot acces safe mode or a command prompt.

I think format is my only option.

You can use this guide to repair XP

Possibly, you will need to press the start button and keep tapping the delete key, (possibly F2) until the PC enters set up. Change the boot order to CD ROM Drive then hard drive, press F10 then press enter, load the XP CD then type Y then press enter, as it reboots, look for press any key to load from CD, press enter

You will need the XP product key to complete this

If you have audio / video files which are subject to DRM you should check with the provider for known issues with performing an XP repair install

XP Repair Install

Windows XP repair feature won't delete your data, installed programs, personal information, or settings. It just repairs the operating system

After running XP Repair you will need to install all Windows Updates

Microsoft Update

Thanks Keith, will do