Strange boot, likely not avast! related

[Jima]

This is not really an avast! problem (I think), but helpers here seem always to get the matters resolved.
Windows XP on Gateway, about 5 years old, fairly new memory upgrade (thanks to this forum).
Last three days my boot has come up with what looks like very first time setup.
It asks for F4 to continue, then asks for language.  The it wants F10 to start up and then things are where they have always been.
Any cause for alarm?  Any way to change?  Other ideas?
Thanks, Jim

[Eddy]

Sounds like your boot options have changed.
Boot into the recovery console and use bootcfg to restore things to default, or to create a new boot.ini to your likings.
See if that solves it.
For more information, click HERE