this has worked for me several times; take out hard drive, place in zip lock and throw in the freezer for 20 minutes, place back in computer and boot it up. If this works you won’t much time so get every thing off you can.
What’s your theory on why freezing it works?
The freezer routine has worked several times for me too.
If it is a boot issue only, he can use the recovery console on the XP install disc, assuming the PC came with one. Many don’t have an original Windows install disc. Many manufacturers expect the owner of the PC to make the backup disc, most don’t.