CPU will not boot up

My daughter's computer at college will no longer boot up. She has tried many things and she can't do a thing with it. She does need to get some projects off of it. How can these files be retrieved if you can't boot up the CPU? Thank you for sharing your expertise.

 

If the files are stored on the hard drive, them maybe you can try plugging that HD into another pc and retrieving the files.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.
How would one go about hooking up these 2 computers? I do have another computer, so if I get detailed directions I may be able to pull this off.
Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Let's back up a bit. What is the operating system? What happens when she tries to boot up? More info.

 

The CPU has Windows 98SE and when she goes to boot up nothing happens. No response.

 

Does it start up and just stay black or are you not getting anything at all?

I mean, do you even get power? or is it completely dead.

 

She says it does boot up, but only the background she set shows up. There are no icons, no programs, no windows tool bar, etc. only her previously set background shows up. She can't do any diagnostics, etc. She shuts it down by the power button.

 

Use this as a last resort. It will get her back into windows where she can backup those files she needs. Depending on the problem the pc might continue to work as normal or soon after have a hissy fit.

Found this at another site & added a bit more info. (hopefully she has or can get a hold of a 98 startup disc)

Reinstall 98 over the top of itself. This will leave files intact.

Insert the floppy & bootup with cd rom support. Do the following

Switch to the drive letter of your CD drive [often drive D:]. Look closely it will tell you.

D:\cd win98 (enter)
D:\win98 setup (enter)

When Windows asks if you want to use the directory C:\Windows.000, instead choose "Other" and type in C:\Windows [without the .000 following].

She'll need the CD-key handy.

 

Did you mean reinstall Windows 98SE again?
Also, what is a CD key? Thanks for being so smart.

 

Install over the top. not format

That will leave the files she needs on the drive........if nothing goes wrong.......we are talking windows here.

The registration CD key. I think with 98 it was on the 98 CD cover or even the front cover of the 98 manual.

Make sure she has the key before trying it otherwise she will be locked out.

 

That is the number. I remember now. I will check on that tomorrow. You're the best.

 

Another way to do this is to press CTRL+ALT+DEL and click the run option at the top left. Type in REGEDIT and search up explorer.exe and iexplore.exe. Delete all the registry settings both of those find.