total shutdown/crash laptop toshiba xp 32

[lotodig]

all icons have disappeared off desktop antimalewarebyte, antispyware others, i don't remember. The only thing left is "My Document, My Computer My network Place, and recycle bin.

I was on IE when it got to where it quit responding and Firefox would /will not open at all. I am afraid to shut it down, but I don't know how to get in safe mode unless I do. I
need some help please

Grandaughter laptop...I think the culprit is Youtube I tunes.

[lotodig]

I am adding to my post above. I know it takes some time to answer all the request for help on the forum and it is getting late and I have to get up early so I will check in tomorrow.  Thanks in advance

Other info about the laptop problem.  When I went to control panel earlier, I clicked on several of the programs : Internet Options, Windows Firewall, System, Security system, and got this info box:

APPLICATION FAILED TO INITIALIZE PROPERLY (0xc0000142)

Now here at 11:40 something, I tried again on the control panel and not even the error message will come up, the hour glass comes up briefly then disappears.  Seems to be getting worse just sitting,  I'm afraid to shut it down, don't know what to do, hate to leave it on all night.

[Corrine]

Hi, lotodig.

Contrary to what my family thinks, I'm actually not in front of the computer 24/7.  LOL 

In researching the error message (0xc0000142), it could be most anything.  Often, a shutdown/restart solves the problem.  However, other indications for Windows XP indicate more serious issues.  If a normal shutdown/restart does not work, when you start in Safe Mode, select the option, "Last Known Good Configuration".  Following are instructions for starting in Safe Mode:

Restart your computer in SafeMode by doing the following:

• Restart your computer
  
• After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
  
• Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
  
• Select the option, "Last Known Good Configuration".

If there is still a problem, to determine whether the issue is caused by one or more system files that are used by Windows, run the System File Checker tool. The System File Checker tool scans system files and replaces incorrect versions of the system files by using the correct versions.

To run the System File Checker tool, follow these steps:

• Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box.
  
• Right-click cmd in the Programs list, and then click Run as administrator.
  
• If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue
  
• At the command prompt, type the following line, and then press ENTER:
  sfc /scannow (note the space before the forward slash)
  
• When the scan is complete, test to see whether the issue that you are experiencing is resolved.
  

[lotodig]

Corrine, I tried, 4 times,  the shutdown and F8 tap/hold but it went into setup and I didn't see anywhere to choose "last known configuration"  So I did the second thing you said to do and now I am in the black window with the blinking line.  The header reads: "C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe."  There is no list to choose from.  It looks like the dos window to me.

Yes the other posting was in regard to your instructions on the page for things to do before posting.

[Corrine]

F8 tap/hold?  Try continuous tapping of F8 while the computer is starting.

No, there is no list to select from with the cmd.exe.  That is for running the System File Checker Tool.  You need to manually type sfc /scannow at the command prompt. 

[lotodig]

When I tried the restart I did do the F8 tapping, one time on one of the tries I did hold down the F8 key.  There was no beep  to judge when to tap.

On the C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe window I typed sfc /scannow in the command prompt line but the only thing that came up was two window, one says WINDOWS FILE PROTECTION' on the header and the body of the window says :

'Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache. 
Insert your Windows XP Propessional Service Pac 3 CD now."

The other window that came up says:
"Please wait while Windows verifies that all protected Windows files are intact and in their original versions"
then there is a place to enter some typing and a cancel button.

I do not have the  Install Service pack cd's. 

[Corrine]

I'm sorry, lotodig.  If you cannot start your granddaughter's computer in either Normal Mode or Safe Mode and do not have the installation disks, the only other suggestion I have is if the laptop was not connected to the "brick" (power) the battery may have run down.  Alternatively, the connection may have become loose and needs to be reconnected.

If that is not the case, the only other option I can suggest is to take the laptop to a reputable local tech shop.  If you're lucky, they will only charge an initial $25 to $50 diagnostic fee which may even be rolled into the repair once it has been determined what is needed and the repairs are approved.   Labor fees are generally in the $50 to $100 per hour range, with parts extra.  Depending on the age of the laptop, it may not be worth repairing if the cost will approach $200 since a decent new laptop can be purchased for $350 (i.e., here or here).

[lotodig]

Corrine, I have to agree with your assesment, and i'm not sure I would want to spend any more money on this thing. Thank you for taking a look and for your time.

[Corrine]

You're welcome, lotodig.