Laptop start up problems, running on Windows XP (Prof)

[Pebbles]

When I switch it on, I get a message saying "we apologise for the inconvenience but windows did not start successfully, a recent hardware or software change may of cause this, it then gives you a list of options, including safe mode, last known good config, and start windows normally.

If you try safe mode it brings up a load of writing, then a very brief message which you don't have time to read, then it restarts itself and you are back to square on, The Start windows normally or last known good config settings list lead to the main windows starting page where the little blue dashes move across the page in the rectangle and there it stays, not budging

Have tried using the recovery CD-rom but cannot get any further with that without getting warning messages about not having 2 systems running on one file etc. I am not that brilliant with computers but willing to try anything.

[bronners]

i had a very similar occurence with my pc it was happening on a regular basis.it turnned out the processor was shot and we had to get a new one installed. the shot one was an amd athlon and it was overheating which i have been told they are prone to do.hope this helps