Check to see if there are any keys stuck/depressed.
If so, use a paperclip and fit it underneath the key and gently pry the end that is stuck.
Make sure the laptop is off before attempting this.
Observe where the boot process ends and starts over.
In most cases, this will give an indication where the problem occurs.
If the laptop reboots early on in the process, for example when it is detecting the hard drive, chances are good it is a hardware issue.
If the reboot occurs further along in the process, like when it is loading operating system files, there may be an issue with operating system software.
Boot in safe mode or the operating system equivalent.
Windows, Unix/Linux and Mac operating system have a mode that will load the minimum software needed to boot.
This is a standard approach in troubleshooting, as it only supports the minimum hardware needed to complete the boot into the operating system.
Once you are logged into the computer, device drivers can be updated, software removed and so forth.
To boot into safe mode in Windows, hit the "F8" key when the computer first starts up to get a submenu.
From there select a boot option. Many choose "Safe mode with command prompt" as this will go line by line through the boot process, allowing you to isolate where the problem might be.
To boot into a different run level in Unix/Linux, it depends on the version of Unix/Linux, but most have the option of a "recovery mode."
During boot hit the "Esc" or "E" key and select the mode appropriate such as "drop to root shell," etc.
If you have the ability to get into command shell, enter into run level 1 (single user mode) by typing in "init 1."
To start in safe boot on a Macintosh laptop, hold the "Shift" key as it boots up.
This forces a disk check and loads minimal software in efforts to complete the boot process, much like the other operating system's "safe modes."
Check to see if your laptop is overheating.
Laptops have a greater likelihood of overheating than desktops.
Either touch the laptop or download an application such as Mobile Meter to check laptop temperature.
If it is running hot, try using canned air to clear out of vents, etc.
Also, elevating the laptop off of its resting surface allows greater airflow in and out of the laptop
or
Restart your computer repeatedly tapping the f8 key to enter safe mode while the screen is black once in safe mode where the only things working will be your keyboard and mouse allowing you to attempt to repair your computer.
You could select the option start at last known configuration that worked this will tell you if and what file has been corrupted or missing then you will know if its a hardware issue and
work your way through the problem.
if the problem still persists f8 back into safe mode you might need to select your operating system to load into safe mode.
You might use the system restore to restore your system to an earlier time click start all programs accessories system tools you should see your system restore option if it is a hardware issue the system restore might not work Manual restore points that you specify with the System.
Configuration utility Installation restore points that occur before you install a program or a service you can use the system checkpoints or the installation restore points to restore your computer's settings to a date when it operated correctly. This may also help determine the cause of the configuration error.To perform a system restore, follow these steps:
1.Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.
2.On the General tab, click Launch System Restore.
3.Select Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next.
4.Calendar dates in bold are possible restore points. Click the most recent one to view system restore information.
5.Select a system checkpoint or an installation restore point, and then click Next.
6.Close all other programs.
7.To start the system restore, click Next.
8.Your computer restarts.
Repeat steps 1 through 8 until you fix your configuration issue.
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