Computer freezes with option "delete restoration data"

I have a dell desktop with Pentium M processor and windows XP professional with all the latest updates from Microsoft. This problem did not occur during hibernation.
Since computer is not taking keyboard input, i am unable to resolve this issue.

Well, I still think it is a hibernation problem.  See this page:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_wel_screen.htm

Windows XP Stops Responding at the Welcome Screen

When you restart Windows XP and the Welcome screen is displayed, your computer may stop responding: neither the keyboard nor the mouse work. When you restart your computer again using the F8 key, you may receive the following error message:

          System restart has been paused:

         Continue with system restart.
         Delete restoration data and proceed to system boot menu.

This problem can occur when your computer enters into the Hibernate mode and accesses a corrupted memory snapshot.

To resolve this problem, select the "Delete restoration data and proceed to system boot menu" option which enables the computer to perform a normal restart, instead of performing the restoration process while the computer is in Hibernate mode.

It does not allow me to boot in safe mode when i press F8, although it goes to setup when I press F12.
Is there any setting I can change in setup options that might help?

Does the keyboard work if you boot into safe mode?

If so, follow LeeTutor's first post and delete the hiberfil.sys file, then boot to normal mode.

Even if I press F8, it goes to the same screen and keyboard doesn't respond.

Try tapping the F8 key very quickly when you hear the first beep on startup, but don't hold it down - to enter the safe mode menu.

Thanks for your help.
But i tried diff options to press F8 keys but it still won't give me option to go in safe mode.

I am now thinking of removing the HDD and connect as secondary to my other machine and then delete the hiberfil.sys. Will this work?

That might work. Another way to delete that file is to boot from the XP install CD in recovery console mode, then delete the file. (you will have to use cd to mode to the root folder, then use the "del hiberfil.sys" command. This might be simpler than moving the hard drive.

I get the error message screen with 2 options immediately after going through the "Dell Optiplex startup screen (before seeing any other hardware information). May be that expains why I am not able to go in safe mode.

It's possible. Did you try booting from the XP cd yet?
One of the early options there should be to enter "Recovery Console Mode" which takes you to a DOS style prompt, from where you can try deleting the suspect file.

unfortunately my CD drive is giving me a problem and during boot up process it is not recognizing CD

Thanks for your replies.

Thanks, but did you get the system starting up?
If not please post an update - maybe we can help more, or start a new thread later with any new symptoms.

No not yet. I am tied up right now but I will connect hard drive as slave and attempt over weekend.

OK. This thread may close after a few days but will watch for a new one if necessary. Good luck.

Hi,

I had the same proble and found that the reason the keyboard was not working was because the USB functionality is temporarily disabled during this part of the boot. My solution was to plug in a trusty PS2 keyboard which allowed me to select an option and continue.

HL