[expostfacto]

The computer (new Dell) was restarted because it had frozen. After it loaded the first page of the DELL name and such (called the BIOS or something?) it came to a blank screen with a blinking cursor in the top left corner and gave an error message saying something along the lines of "Error starting system".

This computer is only 3 months old. There are no disks or cds in any drives.

How can I get the computer back?

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Have you got an XP CD

[Retired Tech]

Have you got an XP CD

[expostfacto]

I think so. I'd have to look for it.

If I do, would that mean I have to completely reinstall XP all over again?

[Retired Tech]

This is probably quickest

http://www.geekstogo...ws_XP-t138.html

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

An alternative is this

http://support.micro...kb;en-us;304449

You can try this without the XP CD

[expostfacto]

The 2nd option won't work. I've tried pressing F8 to reach safe mode during the initial startup but it seems to not work.

I've tried multiple times and a couple of those times it said "Keyboard failure".

[expostfacto]

I'll try the first option if I can find the XP cd.

[yardguard]

If you had a keyboard error a couple of times then maybe that's the culprit....Got another keyboard to try?

just a thought

[ktownkatman]

He was probably holding the F8. tap it quickly while starting windows.