cannot restart windows xp on laptop

[bizcoach]

I acted too quickly today and now I need help in restarting my computer. I hope this is the right section for posting this.

I have a Dell Inspirion laptop with Windows XP.

My computer wanted to do automatic updates and I had clicked "restart later" because I didn't have time for the process (famous last words - smile).

I clicked Start > Shut Down and the computer started going through the motions to shut down. It got to that last screen that said "windows is shutting down" and I hastily closed the laptop before it had completed that action.

Now I cannot restart the computer. I fear that this is because the system did not get to complete the shutdown process.

Is there some way to restart the computer now? Some little known trick for which I will be greatful to learn? Something I can try that doesn't include giving this one up for dead and buying a new one?

Thanks for anything you can share!

[araman]

I acted too quickly today and now I need help in restarting my computer. I hope this is the right section for posting this.

I have a Dell Inspirion laptop with Windows XP.

My computer wanted to do automatic updates and I had clicked "restart later" because I didn't have time for the process (famous last words - smile).

I clicked Start > Shut Down and the computer started going through the motions to shut down. It got to that last screen that said "windows is shutting down" and I hastily closed the laptop before it had completed that action.

Now I cannot restart the computer. I fear that this is because the system did not get to complete the shutdown process.

Is there some way to restart the computer now? Some little known trick for which I will be greatful to learn? Something I can try that doesn't include giving this one up for dead and buying a new one?

Thanks for anything you can share!

Try this,

after the dell logo press the F8 or F10 I forget which now but that will bring you to a start up screen with options. Choose the Last Good Configuration. See if that works

Good luck

[bizcoach]

Thank you for your suggestion, however, I cannot get to a Dell logo because I cannot get the computer to do anything. Nada. Nothing.

When I press the "on" button, nothing happens.

I have the laptop plugged into an outlet. The battery was at about 45% or so when I last turned it off.

I can see the little green light on the panel that I believe indicates the battery is recharging, but there is nothing on the screen and no sounds coming forth at all.

I have run my finger across the touchpad, gently pressed the on button...nothing happens.

Anything that anyone can share is appreciated.

Thanks!

[araman]

Thank you for your suggestion, however, I cannot get to a Dell logo because I cannot get the computer to do anything. Nada. Nothing.

When I press the "on" button, nothing happens.

I have the laptop plugged into an outlet. The battery was at about 45% or so when I last turned it off.

I can see the little green light on the panel that I believe indicates the battery is recharging, but there is nothing on the screen and no sounds coming forth at all.

I have run my finger across the touchpad, gently pressed the on button...nothing happens.

Anything that anyone can share is appreciated.



Thanks!

That is not a problem from the windows update. Try unplugging the laptop, then take the battery out and let it sit for a little while. Maybe an hour or so then hook it all back up and try again.

Good Luck