I used the F8 menus to attempt other ways at starting the computer so I could get into the "System Restore" mode. Unfortunately none of them would get me by the blue screen either. I called Dell Support and they told me to use the purple WindowsXP Installation disc which I'm not sure I have any more. =(
Prior to this incident my computer would always run SUPER FAST with no delays, freeze ups or pop-ups.
I often visit websites like uselessjunk.net to get a few laughs. Last night I clicked on a hyperlink in the forum, and got a 404 unavailable page but my computer became overwhelmed with pop-ups -- something I've been able to mostly avoid. I frantically clicked out of all of them and then ran my Spybot Search and Destroy program.
Unfortunately, after all of this my desktop picture was still replaced by a phony warning about spyware encouraging me to click on a link. So I did a "System Restore" and re-set my computer to the settings from two days prior. Problem solved.
I got back online and in an entirely unrelated forum I clicked on another link that went 404. The same exact thing happened to my computer, all the way down to the same desktop picture replacement. This time, when I'd click the "start" button to access Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore, the Start Menu would appear but I could get no further. Clicking on "Programs" produced no results.
So I tried to restart the computer but could not. All programs were shut down, but when I'd click the "restart" button, there was no reaction. I gave the computer plenty of time, then tried again. Still no result. Over the course of a half hour I clicked "restart" 10 times and nothing happened.
Finally I unplugged the computer.
That was over 24 hours ago, and it hasn't come back on since. Whenever I plug it in and turn it on, it will flash the Windows Xp logo over the black background with the little green meter at the bottom (like KIT from Knight Rider), then it will go to the blue Windows XP logo page -- and stay there forever.
I tried unplugging the computer for 5 hours and that didn't work.
I tried letting the computer run its course with the Windows XP screen on but it will stay there for 10 hours and nothing.
I do not have the original disk for Windows any more. I know I am looking at taking this computer down to the repair show and dishing out $150 or so for the repair after a 7-10 day wait but was hoping maybe there's some secret I could stumble upon here.
Thanks for your time,
Joey

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