Hit f8 and try to boot into Safe Mode. Computer is trying to boot obviously into Win XP and something is killing it.
If you can get into safe mode you can run msconfig and try to prevent anything from running except XP. You might just be missing a .dll or have a corrupt start up file from one of your programs.
Once you get back up and running, download CC Cleaner and use (free). If you need free antivirus - AVG is very good.
If safe mode does not work, post the type of computer or motherboard here and we’ll see what we can do.
I hit F8
Then I hit command F8
The countdown on the inconvience screen has stopped
Another option is to get into the case and look for the CMOS battery which keeps the startup options for your PC. You can take the battery out (just clips in) and replace after 30 seconds or so and try booting again.
Sometimes this causes problems as well.
Also, do you get any “POST” beeps when you start up? These are the beeps the motherboard gives out that can tell you where problem lies - ie 3 short beeps and then 1 long, 3 long beeps, etc.
POST Codes can identify which part of the hardware is not cooperating, or even if it appears to be a hardware based issue.