[dirk41]

I've been getting this message:

We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding, restarted unexpectedly, or was automatically shut down to protect your files and folders, choose Last Known Good Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interrupted due to a power failure or because the Power or Reset button was pressed, or if you aren't sure what caused the problem, choose Start Windows
Normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked) Start Windows Normally

Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.

Seconds until Windows starts: 30

---I tried to install XP and it worked but it gave me message of entering the registery key and I never did and went on vacation and came back to his message--I am told that I need to get into bootinto BIOS but pressing F10 on my Compaq won't even allow me to do this? PLEASE HELP? THANKS

[GrumpyHermit]

...by pressing F1, not F10. At least, it's set up that way on my Compaq.

Question: are you using a live Linux CD, or do you have Linux installed on your hard drive?

[dirk41]

I am using a linux cd that I downloaded off the internet--I've even tried f10 and it still doesn't let me get past this screen or into bios page--thx

[Regicide]

Do you know the model/manufacturer of your motherboard? You might have to set a jumper to get into the bios.

EDIT: What live CD are you using? I have witnessed many problems with Overclockix before. Otherwise, I would personally recomend Knoppix 3.4.

[Elvandil]

How did you burn the CD? If you just put the iso file on the CD, it won't boot. You need to burn the file as an image.

Describe the method you used after you downloaded the CD.