Are you having problems getting your PC to startup with Windows XP? Obviously there are any number of reasons why your operating system is not “operating.” Fortunately, there are a couple of troubleshooting options you can try that often fix a whole range of problems.

Repair Your Installation of Windows

We’ll start with the easiest option. This is a simple thing for you to try when Windows XP won’t boot up. Just take your Windows CD-ROM and insert it in the drive. When you run the Setup program contained on the disc, it will often repair any existing installation errors.

Reboot in Safe Mode

If you reboot your PC in Safe Mode, you have the option of restoring XP to its “last known good configuration” or doing a System Restore. When you restore to the last good configuration, it takes your system back to the most recent, successful reboot. To restart in Safe Mode and find the last good configuration or a restore point follow these instructions:

1. Restart your PC and press the F8 key as your system reboots.
2. When Windows Advanced Options appears, hit your Enter key.

3. The Boot menu will appear and there you can select Safe Mode. This may take awhile, so be patient.
4. Once Windows boots in Safe Mode, you can select either Last Known Good Configuration or Restore Point.

Look for Driver Problems with Device Manager

Your Windows Device Manager helps you troubleshoot PC issues by looking at possible configuration issues. It displays drivers, devices, and printers and any problems associated them.

1. Go to your Start menu and click on Control Panel.
2. Click on Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click on System and then the Hardware tab.
4. Open Device Manager.

It is within Device Manager that any known errors or problems are reported. When you open your Device Manager, note any yellow triangles with black exclamation points, red x’s, or problem codes. Here you can note any corrupt drivers that need to be replaced.

1. Double click on the kind of device you want to look at.
2. Right click on the specific device.

3. Under the General tab is a field called Device Status. If this particular device is having functionality issues, the error should appear in this box.
4. If an error is present, you can click the Troubleshoot button under the box to start the “fixing” process.

If the problem is the fact that you need a new driver, you can:

1. Right-click on the specific device you are updating.
2. Click on the Update Driver button. This will automatically load the Hardware Update Wizard.