Many thanks for all your replies, which are well above my head. However my friend did phone me back and I tried to explain how to start in safe mode. He tried it a couple of times but no joy, whether he was doing it right I don't know. I told him best to take it to the doctors. Apparently his nephew is coming over to see him today, and he is going to have a look. So no longer my problem, tried my best.
Thanks again all!!!!!