Windows 7: CompaqPresario CQ62-231NR freezes seconds after welcome screen appears

I am working on a friend's Compaq Presario CQ-62-231NR laptop. It runs Windows 7, 64bit. The computer was purchased about a year and a half ago. When I startup the computer I get the screen saying the computer wasn't shut down properly before....do you want to start up in safe mode, etc. No matter which option I choose it freezes shortly after the welcome screen comes up. Its within seconds. Any advice on how I could resolve this problem? The Windows 7 software was installed prior to purchase and she never created a system restore disc...so I do not have any software discs to reinstall with. PLEASE HELP!

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