Gateway laptop not starting up. Help?

Not all, repeat ALL computer manufacturers use F8, some use different numbers.

Read the computers manual for EXACT instructions here.

Failing that, contact Gateway's Customer Service!!

Another computer actually used F2, mine uses F10. This will take some time, but restart the computer press F! and repeat the process with each function key until it works, hopefully not on F12, due to the time it will take keep restarting it. Some early computers used the Del or Delete key. Avoid, turning off the computer after each try to avoid stress on the hard drive

If you press f8 while booting up you will get an option to do a factory reset. but it most likely will erase anything you have on it and restore it to the state it was in when it came from the store.

After powering ON your laptop, press & hold F8 key to enter Windows boot options > Safe Mode

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17419/win...

You can also use original installation DVD or USB drive to repair Windows

https://neosmart.net/wiki/f8-key/#Boot_into_Safe_M...

There you can

- backup important files & folders to USB flash drive - like this one - https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruzer-Frustration-...

- use "Windows System Restore" to rollback your system to last known working state. When performing System Restore, only system files & any installed software / drivers will be removed to the selected date - all your personal files will remain untouched

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