My dads laptop takes several attempts to boot it was fine up until today the first thing that came to mind is a bios problem but I am unsure.
I have to press the button about fove times before windows boots anyone with any idea which could help I would greatly appreciate it.
My questions to help answer your problem.
1. Why do you suspect the bios is the problem? Have you flashed it recently?
2. Did the laptop require several boots to successfully boot to desktop prior to this?
3. What OS and have you worked inside the laptop before?
1. I haven't flashed it just thw first thing that came to mind
2. Previous boot it took 3 time
3. Running vista and not been on the inside of laptop its about 5 years old
Are you able to see the manufacter's splash logo before failing to boot, or does nothing come on screen?
My parents' old Toshiba Satellite had a similar problem, where I would press the on button but it wouldn't boot after 3 attempts and shut down. I opened her up and found that the cable connector from the power button board to the mobo was fried. If you have time search how to open your Dad's laptop and check for discoloration or shorted out items. Replaced the cheap cable and it booted just fine. And always take out the battery and hold the power button down to discharge as much as possible after removing the battery.
If you do not have any sensitive material on that laptop I would first flash the bios. If that doesn't help grab the Vista install CD. If the CD is not availible download the Vista .iso and mount it on a CD. And do a clean install of Vista. If you do need recovery of the data I would remove the HD and find recovery services.
If you have questions on how to do this, ask and provide the make and model of your laptop.