Hardware issue?
 

I have a P3 that needs to be fixed, it gotta virus. For some reason it was stuck in a loop from the start to just before it boots to windows(POST). I was going to do a full format and install, i pop the CD in blah blah blah....files were copied over to the HD, but then when it rebooted to continue to install it still was looping....i dont know why! I changed the HD and tried back the install....same problem. Someone said it could be the power supply, so im like WTF let me try it,i have an extra one around, so i changed to power supply...so the HD and Power supply has been changed....the computer still is stuck the loop...the BIOs checks out fine...its a compaq computer...

so to recap when i press the power botton to turn on, it starts, then it gets the the part just b4 the Win XP screen comes up and loops back to the start...i never get to see the windows screen...i tried ERD commander and it wouldnt let me get into to ERD....i have no clue to what this problem is....need help, thanks.

try changing your memory.

i tried changing the ram jsut now and it didnt work....:dunno:....HELP!!

Hrmm.. i would start pulling cards out (if there is any) and trouble shoot from a bare bone system.

But the reality is, depending on how old this compaq is, you may waste more in time than what its worth to buy a new one. BestBuy had a ton on clearance, $349 for a box.

I had a system that was nothing but a headache years ago. It was owning everything, 2 video cards, couple hds, i couldnt win. i finally parted it out.

Evaluate what its worth and report back. Not sure anyone can really advise you any further.

i know...i was fixing this computer for a friend, i think its done for, but i said i was gonna give it a shot to fix, i saw a p3 1000mhz and all that crap for $150....which isnt bad. its something they can use...but thanks for your time and inputs! Respect!