Computer only starts up in Safe Mode..

- Okay so recently I have ran into a problem with my computer, and I'd like to get it fixed as soon as possible.

My problem is - When ever I start up my computer, it goes past the Dell loading screen, but shortly after it tells me I have a Floppy Diskette error, although I can press F1 to continue.

After I get past this problem, it goes through the Windows loading screen. My computer then makes a beeping noise, which I've discovered that it means it failed, and brings me to the booting screen.

The choices of..

- Safe Mode
- Safe Mode with Networking
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt

- Last Good Configuration
- Windows Normally

- Now I'm not able to get into my computer, unless I choose Safe Mode. Although clearly I'm lucky enough to be able to do Safe Mode with Networking, to ask for help. I've tried calling Dell, though my warranty has expired and I don't exactly want to pay.. this time of the year isn't best with money for my family.

And of course I've read other threads, with the same problem, but I've tried about everything I know how too. That being the use of virus scanners, such as AVG, Malwarebytes, and Avast!, along with attempt of System Restore, etc. I've considered trying to wipe my computer entirely, although I don't have the CD in order to do so.

- INFORMATION ABOUT MY COMPUTER -

Microsoft Windows XP
Media Center Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 3

Dell Dimension DXP061
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU
6300 @ 1.86GHz
1.86 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM

( For any further information, do make a post - and how to gather any further information, I'm only fourteen, so I'm not exactly 'smart' with my computer. )

- All help would be - HIGHLY - appreciated!

 

Do you still use your diskette drive or even have one? Get into your BIOS and disable it if you can. I hate Dell BIOS's!

 

Not quite sure if I have a diskette drive or not, this problem only showed up after I tried to solve the problem a few times. Might I ask what the BIOS are? Like I had said below in my thread, not to smart with my computer. :S

EDIT; Also, I'm not quite' sure if the diskette drive is the problem. Before this happened (Which I forgot to include in the first post) I picked up an virus, which constantly made Windows Error noises and opened up my main browser into some weird search bar. Not sure what the name of the virus was, but I picked it up the day before this happened. Wasn't the smartest idea to turn my computer off with it I don't think..

 

I've disabled the diskette drive in the BIOS, and only thing that changed is the error message about the drive is gone. Although it didn't change anything, I'm still forced to the boot menu option.. and have to use Safe Mode.

 

Ouch man, that changes things quite a bit. Just to be sure, here's a pic of various diskette sizes on the right, the smallest one encased in plastic, just to be on the same page, so to speak.

If you suspect a virus/malware then do the Read and Run Me First thread and post your results in the malware forum. Just running the programs can disinfect you if it's an easy one. Good luck!

Keep up your studies though as this could take a long time unless you don't care about what you have on your disk, then you can just reformat the drive, of course losing everything in the process.

 

Thanks so much Augiedoggie! After going through those steps and downloading Combofix, just a few reboots and my computer is back to normal. Only thing that catches my attention is my icons/bar on my computer all seem smaller.. but that's nothing important!

Such a quick fix, if I run into anymore problems I'll make sure to post.