computers and technology

vietnam5

I have a dell inspiron 1720.
Whenever I turn on the computer it shows a black screen saying:"Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

If Windows files have been damaged or configured incorrectly, Startup repair can help diagnose and fix the problem. If power was interrupted during startup, choose Start Windows Normally.
(Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice.)

Launch Startup Repair(recommended)
Start Windows Normally

Description: Fix problems that are preventing Windows from starting"
I have tried both and they both failed. My son is saying it is to do with too much missing data from the bootup routine on the hard-drive and to get a new one.
What do I do?

bonzodog2

Will it start in safe mode? Hit F8 while booting.

vietnam5

I didn't hit F8 but I pressed it when it started booting up and it showed a menu with: repair your computer, safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with command prompt, enable boot logging, enable low-resolution video(640x480), Last known good configuration (I think this one seems good), directory mode, debugging mode, disable automatic restart on system failure, disable driver signature enforcement and start windows normally. I tried safe mode and it went through a bunch of loading \windows\system32\driver... files and went to the windows failed to start screen

bonzodog2

vietnam5 wrote: »

I didn't hit F8 but I pressed it when it started booting up and it showed a menu with: repair your computer, safe mode, safe mode with networking, safe mode with command prompt, enable boot logging, enable low-resolution video(640x480), Last known good configuration (I think this one seems good), directory mode, debugging mode, disable automatic restart on system failure, disable driver signature enforcement and start windows normally. I tried safe mode and it went through a bunch of loading \windows\system32\driver... files and went to the windows failed to start screen

Try that

vietnam5

tried it... didn't work

irishgeo

matty4 wrote: »

anyone know a free word processor application I can download

Libreoffice, Google docs

irishgeo

srbuggle wrote: »

can I get advice on a free application

Which one there is millions