My kobo will not let me past the startup stage

Pat, Go to Kobo.com, Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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kobo com help Resetting or changing your Kobo password
How to reset and factory reset your Kobo
Kobo Tips and Tricks for new Reader Owners

Do you have the proper device driver installed on the computer?
:Other info I found online, but have not looked into:

Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Open-the-Hardware-and-Devices-troubleshooter

In addition you can also check if the device manufacturer have driver for the device.
For additional help, please see:
Kobo Help Forums/Frequently Asked Questions - Kobo eReader
http://kobo.zendesk.com/forums/165796-frequently-asked-questions-kobo-ereader
Need help with your Kobo eReader?
http://koboereader.com/FAQ

It could be several things. But you may need to delete Kobo and reload the app. I have had to do this on some of my programs. Your books are on the net, so they won't be lost.

You may need to delete KOBO and re-install the app. Your books will be saved because they are online.

Try to restore your kobo account.

I am assuming that you are trying to download the Kobo Desktop App for Windows. If that is the case, then this link should work OK for you:
http://download.kobobooks.com/desktop/kobodesktop/kobosetup.exe

Does your Kobo turn off and on normally? Or is it stuck loading the book and totally not responding? If so, reset your Kobo. Look on the bottom edge of the Kobo - see the little pinhole? Stick a paper clip into there until you feel it push against a little switch. Remove the paper clip.

Is the Kobo working, but simply can't open a book? If it's only affecting a particular book, try deleting it and downloading it again.

Hi i managed fix my usb port , open the kobo and remove the usb ribbon, the usb port is glued at the rear , you will see a black blob od adhesive at back of port , this comes unstuck if it gets a knock , i gently lifted this slightly then slid some super glue underneath and then applied pressure on top of the usb port to ensure the port was contacting the ribbon again until the glue set, my kobo is back in action again , hope this helps someone

No Probs,
Copy and paste this link.
merch.kobobooks.com/.../Arc/kobo_arc_user_guide_en.pdf