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HP Desktop Computer Help?

I have been having problems with the HP - Compaq Pavilion Elite m9162.uk-a desktop. At one point I was getting the blue screen of death and took it to a reputable pc store, who fixed it for a hefty fee. Although this was a year ago, I have not got the receipt and do not know what they changed, but I think it was to do with the RAM, This worked fine for a few months, but then failed again. Now I get to the black screen, explaining that windows did not start correctly and several options are given to me, some of which include starting in safe mode, start in safe mode with command prompt, start normally or start with last good known configuration. I tried all these options many times and the PC always seems to restart. Sometimes it restarts when vista is beginning the start up stage, but on other times i will just see a very fast chain of command prompt lines followed by a very quick blue flash and then a restart. From already bringing the pc to the store before, I assumed all hardware problems were fixed - as they do a diagnostic test on the parts when they repair it. I therefore guessed that there was a software problem and brought it to a different person. They decided that the best option was to make a partition of windows vista and run the pc on that. I was essentially told that he was going to erase all the original memory. He has done that and to no surprise the pc is still not working. I decided to run a diagnostics test from one of the options that I managed to find at the beginning of the startup. It has come back that all of the tests, such as memory and CPU, have all passed and there were no problems found. I have tried to do a system restore by repeatedly tapping the f11 key at the start, but it never seems to register the input and so I am unable to do one. There is no problem with the keyboard, I have tried another keyboard. Furthermore, apart from the wireless keyboard usb device and the plug connecting the desktop to the monitor, there are no other devices connected to the desktop. I have even tried starting the pc without having the keyboard usb inside and the same problems occur. The pavilion was and still is a good PC and I would really like it to work. However I am very unsure of where to go from here.

Public Comments

1. Usually Blue screen of death is caused by driver problems that cause the pc to crash, if you can boot pc from cd drive try running hirens boot cd and run some diagnostics, At times parts may become a bit loose in pc and just need to be removed and put back in [yes it happens] but unless you know how its better you dont attempt this and so avoid damaging parts with static electrictiy from your body. If your diagnostics turn up fine and parts are fitted well then try reinstalling OS, just boot OS from Cd drive and reinstall,erase old partations and reformat drive,then continue with fresh install. If you cant get to this option as sometimes happens to me,check to see if hdd is failing,when this happens it reads as no hdd and you wont be able to boot.
2. The technician may have deleted the recovery drive/partition when he reinstall Windows the first time. On HP/Compaq systems, F10 is the prompt for recovery, not F11. You can press F8 on startup and select "repair your computer." Select "advanced options" and see if there's an option for "factory recovery." You will lose all personal data. You can also use a friend's Vista DVD to reinstall Windows; you'll just need to find drivers from HP's web site or Windows Update (custom/optional updates). I've had no problem using the key attached to the computer. It's a pretty easy procedure. If you do a little internet research, you'll save yourself from an asinine service fee from repairmen.
3. From your description, I don't think it is anything hardware related. I would say your best option is to format your hard drive and reinstall Vista. If you have a Vista disc, great. You can skip to step 3. Things you'll need: Access to another computer with a DVD writer/burner; blank DVD, a fast internet connection would be helpful 1. On the other computer, go to http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Microsoft-Windows-Vista-DVDISO/1149728719/3 and download the file. It is an ISO file. 2. Burn this file as an image to the DVD. 3. Place the DVD you've just created in the cd-rom drive of your problem computer. You may have to reboot (power off/on) after you've placed the Cd in. It should say to press any key to boot from the DVD. Do that. 4. Follow the on screen instructions to wipe/reformat your hard drive and install the new copy of Windows. 5. You should have a sticker on your computer somewhere with the serial key you will need when installing. Good luck. You can contact me and I can help you remotely if you get stuck or need help. tiny.cc/carl77
4. If you are getting the Black Screen of Death then your Windows version is more than likely a beta version like Windows 7 ( or Vista Beta) Release Candidate which is (was) a trial version only and cannot be upgraded to a full version. You will find that by the end of July 2011, your operating system will fail altogether. You need to urgently back up all your important data then go buy a full version of Windows 7 OEM either 32-bit or 64-bit. Your bios will show you whether your computer allows 64 bit option or go ask your computer shop guy.
5. First we need to know what is on the blue screen you say flashes on and then off. •Right click (my) computer and select ‘properties’. •Under computer name, domain and workgroup settings click ‘change settings’. •Under the ‘system properties’ dialogue, choose the ‘Advanced’ tab. •Then ‘settings’ under ‘Startup and ‘Recovery’. •Under ‘System Failure’ deselect ‘Automatically restart’ and ‘Ok’ your way out. •Reboot the system. Next time the system fails, the BSOD will stay visible. Take note of the message at the top, a sentence or series of words connected by underscores (e.g. DRIVER_IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) and the STOP code at the bottom of the page. Better still, if you can get a picture and post it on a photo server with a link for us. These may give us some clues as to what is going on. Something else you might try is Memtest. It will stress your memory, outside of Windows and show any errors. I suggest running it overnight, but certainly for two or three hours. Again, a snapshot of the results would be nice if errors are shown.