[kfb]

I'm hoping someone can help with this problem. I've done a lot of searching online, but can't find anyone who appears to be having the same issue I am. Last night my Compaq V6000 was running really sluggishly and I tried to reboot. It wasn't responding so impatient me decided to hold the power button until the laptop powered down and then turn it back on. I haven't been able to get Windows to load properly since. It runs through the first loading screen, through the Windows XP screen and through the Compaq splash screen and into the blue loading Windows screen. After a few seconds, however, it flashes up a BSOD with a Bad Pool Caller error and attempts to reboot. It will hang in that cycle until I power it down.

The exact wording on the error is as follows:

A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

BAD_POOL_CALLER

If this is the first time you've seen this Stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed. If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any Windows updates you might need.

If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical information:

*** STOP: 0x000000c2 (0x00000043, 0xCB5A0000, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)

Beginning dump of physical memory
Physical memory dump complete.
Contact your system administrator or technical support group for further assistance.

I have not installed any new programs or devices in months. I wasn't using any new USB peripherals at the time. The only USB devices I use with any regularity are the sync cable for my iPod, a digital memory card reader and my external hard drive. I wasn't using any of these at the time, although I used the digital memory card reader earlier in the evening.

I have tried to boot in safe mode, but get the same error each time. I've tried standard safe mode and revert to last known working settings safe mode. Neither work. Each time I receive the same message.

Being that this is a Compaq, I didn't receive a Windows XP CD with my purchase. I don't have any system restore discs because there is supposedly a restore option on the D drive of this computer. I don't have a lot of files on this computer that aren't backed up elsewhere, but I would prefer to be able to access the ones that are there, if at all possible.

I did enter the BIOS setup prior to boot and ran the Hard Disk Self Test. Here is the report:
S.M.A.R.T.
100% Complete
(Quick) Pass
(Comprehensive) Pass
(S.M.A.R.T.) Pass

I've pretty much exhausted any thoughts I have on this. Anyone have any suggestions?

Any help is very much appreciated.

Kim