One of my friends computers is having trouble starting. What happens is when he powers the pc on, he will get the screen that will list the options to start windows normally, safe mode, last known configuration, etc.., and no matter what selection he chooses, the pc will power off. He also noted that a flash of a blue screen appears just before it goes off.

So i think it is some sort of hardware problem, possibly the hard drive? Could the operating system be corrupt? He said he didnt have any important files on the HD, so would a reformat solve the problem?

Thanks!