IE Error can't get past error, start screen and icons won't open

Try hitting the F8 key after the Laptop starts booting, and when the list of options comes up, select boot in safe mode. If you are unable to get to the options screen, then search on the C1 error code on Google, and look at the tips on resolving the problem.
You will need to make note of the full error code, ie C1xxxxxxx.

Try updating your hard disk drive driver see:

Vista Windows Update Error 8024A000

Here's the solution. I had to replace a failed hard drive in a Vista laptop. The original drive was a 200GB and I replaced it with a 500GB. I used my original Toshiba restoration CDs. I've spent HOURS troubleshooting this problem and I never would have guessed the solution -- it's the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver. It has to be updated because of the larger drive.
Here's a link to an HP support site for the updated driver. You can also find the update on Intel's site.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02219204&cc=nl&lc=en&dlc=en&product

Ram was your best bet on a laptop. But you can load XP onto itself so it reloads without deleting any files. However, if it still may fail. If that happens a clean install is your next step.

HDD problem, try to fix boot record and test HDD with Hierens Boot CD

The error PXE-E61: Media test failure usually means the hard diskhas failed or the hard disk needs re-seating or the disk controller is faulty.First - re-seat the harddisk and reboot the computer. If the computer does not boot up then reboot andgo into the BIOS configuration to see if the BIOS detects the hard drive. If itdoesn't detect the hard drive then it could be faulty.Then the hard drive needsto be replaced in the computer/laptop, Windows installed and the computer orlaptop's device drivers plus your programs etc. to get a functioningcomputer/laptop again.

I had the same problem. I clicked on F2. in Bios screen I press f10 (save and exit), and windows started.

Copy and paste this website into your browser for solutions:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

If nothing else works remove the battery, leave it for 5 mins then replace it and it will start as normal. Yyou will get an error message usually saying it was not shut down correctly and it may do a system scan but unless there is a real problem with it that will restart it. Ive had to do that twice with mine in the last year.

This sounds like a Vista problem not XP. You need to answer to clarification question before we can help you.

Try starting it in safe mode. (Hold F8 after power on). If you get your icon screen go to start, run and type in msconfig. Click startup and disable all the items. Hit OK and try a normal restart. This error can be caused by a bad program starting up.