Windows will not start properly

I am trying to help my friend fix his computer and here is what the problem is. When you turn the computer on a message comes up saying that Windows could not start up properly and this may be caused by a software or hardware change. It also says that the power going out while the computer was starting may have caused the error. (The inital Compact screen comes up right before this like normal). It then gives some options to start up windows and they are: safe mode, last know configuration, and start windows normally and it has a 30 second timer with the 'start windows normally' option highlighted. Which ever one you pick it will start to boot windows XP and the screen that says Windows XP home edition and has the little bar with the green dots that shows that Windows is starting comes up, but then it restarts and goes back to the screen that says windows did not start properly. The computer is a Compact Persario 5000 series. I think it is the 5310US model. It is 1.2 GHz Intel celaron processor. 256 MB snycDRAM. 40 GB hard drive. Sorry I cannot give more details, but I only got a quick look at the computer. If you know anything that could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

If you have the XP CD or access to Recovery Console:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307545

If you don't, then get the floppies then do that article.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q310994