Author Topic: Windows won't load (Read 39754 times)

overthehill · « **on:** December 26, 2010, 04:48:42 PM »

Here's the system.

PC HP pavilion a300n
2.6 GHz Intel Celeron
256 DDR SDRAM
40 GB HD
Win XP

Sure would appreciate some help with this PC. It's my daughters and I'm really hoping ?.
Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking gives me a page of something like this; multi 0 disk 0 partition(2)\WINDOWS\System 32\Drivers\ etc.. Normal Startup and Start Using Last Good config. ,typically needs a reboot.
I'm able to get to the Recovery Console and I'm given these choices; 1) D:\ miniNT 2) D: I386 3) C:\WINDOWS. What I've tried is #3) C:|WINDOWS but then I'm asked for Administrator Password. My daughter gave me a possibility but to no avail. She provided me with two recovery disks which I haven't tried. She has told me that the CD/DVD drive doesn't work but I can't prove that either? The main concern that we have is to be able to recover (if possible) files from the hard drive. She has purchased a new PC but would really like to recover some of her files. Getting this PC to run for a back-up would be a real bonus. Thank You, overthehill

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2010, 05:00:01 PM »

You could slave the drive in a working machine and get all of the files off of it.

overthehill · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2010, 05:45:28 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 26, 2010, 05:00:01 PM

You could slave the drive in a working machine and get all of the files off of it.

Thanks JJ. So you don't think this one's gonna go? overthehill

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2010, 05:50:58 PM »

It can probably be fixed. The first thing I would do, if I was having touble getting into windows and saving data was the main concern, would be to get the data and then move onto the other problems.

You have another computer, right?

Broni · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2010, 05:52:41 PM »

Then, you'll have to do something about that CD drive, so you can use recovery CDs.

overthehill · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2010, 06:01:11 PM »

Thanks guys. So far I have not tried to use the recovery disks. I'm not really sure whether they work or not? Does that mean that I should try the 1) D:\ miniNT or 2) D: I386 option. And if so, which one would you suggest? overthehill

patio · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2010, 06:14:14 PM »

Either one may or may not wipe all your data...
So See Here 1st...

Broni · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2010, 06:21:19 PM »

If I were you, I'd see, if that recovery CD will boot (do nothing else).
If we know, CD drive works, we may have more options.

Fed · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2010, 06:23:54 PM »

A while back I bought a hard drive to USB adaptor, cheap as chips & it even came with it's own power supply.
Hooked it all up and plugged it into my USB port without having to slave it.
I think it was about $25 well spent.

Broni · « **Reply #9 on:** December 26, 2010, 06:25:45 PM »

They're even cheaper now...

overthehill · « **Reply #10 on:** December 26, 2010, 07:03:27 PM »

Quote from: Broni on December 26, 2010, 06:21:19 PM

If I were you, I'd see, if that recovery CD will boot (do nothing else).
If we know, CD drive works, we may have more options.

No Broni, can't get it work. I think tomorrow (when I'm a little more awake) I'll take JJ's advice and see if I can slave the drive and then go from there. That'll be a "new" experience for an "old" fellow

. I'm sure hoping that the drive is OK? .Thanks guys, overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #11 on:** December 26, 2010, 07:13:35 PM »

Sure thing

overthehill · « **Reply #12 on:** December 26, 2010, 08:46:33 PM »

I was just reading that if the slave drive that I want to install has an O/S installed , that the PC may not boot at all. Are there steps that I should take because of this? The drive that I want to install (slave) has XP installed. The PC that I'm installing this drive on, also has XP on Master. They are both XP but quite sure that they are different versions. Your thoughts please, overthehill

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #13 on:** December 26, 2010, 08:47:18 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on December 26, 2010, 08:46:33 PM

I was just reading that if the slave drive that I want to install has an O/S installed , that the PC may not boot at all.

Sounds like nonsense to me.

Broni · « **Reply #14 on:** December 26, 2010, 08:48:10 PM »

Agreed...

overthehill · « **Reply #15 on:** December 26, 2010, 08:51:12 PM »

Thanks Guys. That should be one less problem

overthehill

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #16 on:** December 27, 2010, 11:12:34 AM »

Quote from: Fed on December 26, 2010, 06:23:54 PM

A while back I bought a hard drive to USB adaptor, cheap as chips & it even came with it's own power supply.
Hooked it all up and plugged it into my USB port without having to slave it.
I think it was about $25 well spent.

Works quite well on PATA & SATA drives.

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]

overthehill · « **Reply #17 on:** December 27, 2010, 12:14:53 PM »

Quote from: Computer_Commando on December 27, 2010, 11:12:34 AM

Works quite well on PATA & SATA drives.

Thanks C-C, but at this point I'm not even sure that the HD works and to spend any money on this old girl is probably not worth it.
In the mean time I've gotten myself into a mess. I have an old Dell Win 98 that has(had?) two drives. I removed both drives . 1 is set "Cable Select" the second shows the pins but no jumper?. Now this PC was working fine. I repaced what I thought was the slave drive with another hard drive from my daughters PC after setting the jumper to slave. Booted up and can't find hard drives. Tried other combinations, nothing. I ended up putting the two hard drives back(the ones that were working) and no matter what I try I cannot get the drives to be recognized. The first drives is a 20 GB with the O/S. The other drive(partitioned) 2 X 15GB. When in the BIOS Drive 0 set to auto. Drive 1 set to auto. Boot order shows no Hard Disk Available? All cables appear to be plugged in properly, have checked this, over and over.

overthehill

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #18 on:** December 27, 2010, 12:50:09 PM »

You may have damaged the 80-cond IDE cable with all the plugging & unplugging. Look for a very small tear in the cable at the edges right at the connector.

overthehill · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2010, 01:04:09 PM »

Quote from: Computer_Commando on December 27, 2010, 12:50:09 PM

You may have damaged the 80-cond IDE cable with all the plugging & unplugging. Look for a very small tear in the cable at the edges right at the connector.

Well C-C right again. I didn't see any tears as such, but decided to try the 80 cond. from the other PC and once again the PC s good to go

. I guess I'll try that other HD once again. And yes, I'll be very carefull with the cable. I have no more spares. Thanks so much. overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #20 on:** December 27, 2010, 01:44:19 PM »

Update;
I got the HD from my daughters PC installed and it shows as; Local Disk Hp-recovery (D:) Total size 5.54 GB 991 MB Free space.
When clicked is says (recovery) do not make any changes. Here's my next question? This HD is now installed on a Win 98 O/S system and it is a 40GB HD. Is the reason that the balance of files etc. ( probably 30 GB or so?) are not shown because they are from an XP system or is there other complications ?

Thanks, once. overthehill

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 27, 2010, 02:11:29 PM »

Windows 98? Oh no!
I think I may have led you down a blind alley here.

The reason that it can see the recovery drive is that it's probably formatted as fat32. The c drive is probably ntfs. Windows 98 cant read ntfs partitions.

A quick google search comes up with this:
http://www.diskinternals.com/ntfs-reader/

I've never used that program before, so I cant say how well it works.

Are you familiar Linux live cds?

overthehill · « **Reply #22 on:** December 27, 2010, 11:12:27 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 27, 2010, 02:11:29 PM

Windows 98? Oh no!
I think I may have led you down a blind alley here.

The reason that it can see the recovery drive is that it's probably formatted as fat32. The c drive is probably ntfs. Windows 98 cant read ntfs partitions.

A quick google search comes up with this:
http://www.diskinternals.com/ntfs-reader/

I've never used that program before, so I cant say how well it works.

Are you familiar Linux live cds?

Thanks JJ. Sorry that I didn't respond sooner. Had to go to the big city

, and no, you were not leading me down a blind alley. My original thoughts were to slave this drive in my PC that's running XP. Then I started thinking why not the Win 98 mach. because it already has two drives and if something goes wrong, well it's only a backup anyway. Appears that wasn't such a good idea? Now, because I'm not familiar with Linux live cds and if I understand you correctly, and now that it appears that the drive is functional, I'm thinking the best idea may be to slave it in the XP mach and attempt to retrieve whatever is on the drive this way. overthehill

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 27, 2010, 11:25:18 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on December 27, 2010, 11:12:27 PM

I'm thinking the best idea may be to slave it in the XP mach and attempt to retrieve whatever is on the drive this way.

Yes. Do that.

overthehill · « **Reply #24 on:** December 27, 2010, 11:32:04 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 27, 2010, 11:25:18 PM

Yes. Do that.

Thanks again. Gettin' kinda late. I'll give it a shot in the morning and let you know how it went. overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #25 on:** December 28, 2010, 11:15:11 AM »

Quote from: Fed on December 26, 2010, 06:23:54 PM

A while back I bought a hard drive to USB adaptor, cheap as chips & it even came with it's own power supply.
Hooked it all up and plugged it into my USB port without having to slave it.
I think it was about $25 well spent.

Well it turns out that this may be my best method. The PC that has XP installed has a SATA drive and the drive that I want to remove the files from is an IDE.

overthehill

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 28, 2010, 02:41:25 PM »

Some motherboards have both SATA and IDE controllers. Have you looked at your motherboard?

overthehill · « **Reply #27 on:** December 28, 2010, 04:27:58 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 28, 2010, 02:41:25 PM

Some motherboards have both SATA and IDE controllers. Have you looked at your motherboard?

Thanks JJ. No never really looked for that. When I saw that there was no power supply connect for IDE, I just assumed that I would have to go the other route. overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #28 on:** December 28, 2010, 11:35:28 PM »

Quote from: Fed on December 26, 2010, 06:23:54 PM

A while back I bought a hard drive to USB adaptor, cheap as chips & it even came with it's own power supply.
Hooked it all up and plugged it into my USB port without having to slave it.
I think it was about $25 well spent.

Well I broke the bank and ordered a IDE/Sata to USB adapter. Probably take a week or so to receive it. See what happens then?
overthehill

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #29 on:** December 28, 2010, 11:37:44 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on December 28, 2010, 11:35:28 PM

Well I broke the bank and ordered a IDE/Sata to USB adapter. Probably take a week or so to receive it. See what happens then?
overthehill

I thought you needed the adapter for the older PATA drive.

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #30 on:** December 28, 2010, 11:44:50 PM »

What exactly did you order?

Can you give us a link?

overthehill · « **Reply #31 on:** December 29, 2010, 07:43:49 AM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 28, 2010, 11:44:50 PM

What exactly did you order?

Can you give us a link?

Here's what I purchased. I'm told that it should work. overthehill

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276554&CatId=3770

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #32 on:** December 29, 2010, 08:02:18 AM »

That will work.

overthehill · « **Reply #33 on:** December 29, 2010, 08:06:01 AM »

Had me worried for a minute. Whew!! Thanks guys. overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #34 on:** January 09, 2011, 04:42:02 PM »

Well after the time it took to receive the adapter, I was in fact able to save the files that my daughter needed so badly. Thanks for that info.,very much appreciated. It in fact saved me some coin and I still have the adapter. It would have cost her(probably me) 40 bucks to get the files saved, which I was able to do with your help for 30 bucks and as I said earlier I still have the adapter

. Anyway , now she has decided that she no longer wants the HP (that I've described earlier in this thread). So, I would like very much to get this PC functional, if possible. Once I was able to remove her required files I reinstalled the HD but before any further action, I removed the battery, checked voltage(2.7 V) and replaced it. I checked all connections and found that they appeared secure. When I rebooted the system I was able to get further along than anytime previously. I was able to run chkdsk \r which found at least one or more problems. After reboot it actually took me to the desktop but stalled there with the (dreaded forever) hour glass. And, I haven't been able to get that far along again. Whats happening now is that it takes me to the screen where I have the option of Safe Mode,Safe Mode with Networking, etc.,etc. But when I select one of these options what I get is a list of something like; multi(0)disk(0) rdisk(0) partition(2)\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ xxxxx(whatever). If I let the PC run it goes back to default(Start Windows Normally) and if I let it run it takes me to the Windows XP Logo screen and the space where I would normally get the progressing blue bars running, remains blank,which in turn requires rebooting which starts the procedure over once again,and again. This is where I'm stuck. Also one additional thing,I have no indication that the mouse is working?? Hopefully I can get some more help? Oh, and btw, I unfortunately do not have an XP install disk. What came with this PC, and which I have , is two recovery disks. Thks again, overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #35 on:** January 09, 2011, 05:28:49 PM »

Well, now, when your files are secured, why don't you try to reinstall Windows?
If the drive is fine...

overthehill · « **Reply #36 on:** January 09, 2011, 06:56:50 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 09, 2011, 05:28:49 PM

Well, now, when your files are secured, why don't you try to reinstall Windows?
If the drive is fine...

Without the disk, how is ths possible? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #37 on:** January 09, 2011, 06:58:58 PM »

No recovery CDs?
Possible to borrow Windows XP CD?

Before you even go there, so you don't waste your time, I'd....

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 (or http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28744&hl=hard+drive+diagnostic)
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), to make the CD bootable.
For Toshiba hard drives, see here: http://sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=ServicesSupport/FujitsuDrivesUSandCanada/SoftwareUtilities#diagnostic

Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #38 on:** January 09, 2011, 07:13:20 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on January 09, 2011, 04:42:02 PM

...What came with this PC, and which I have , is two recovery disks...

That's all you should need to reinstall Windows to the "as shipped" configuration. If there's an option in Setup to test the hard drive, do so, or follow the TackTech advice that Broni provided the link to. No sense reinstalling Windows to a bad hard drive.

overthehill · « **Reply #39 on:** January 09, 2011, 07:16:11 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 09, 2011, 06:58:58 PM

No recovery CDs?
Possible to borrow Windows XP CD?

Before you even go there, so you don't waste your time, I'd....

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 (or http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28744&hl=hard+drive+diagnostic)
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), to make the CD bootable.
For Toshiba hard drives, see here: http://sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=ServicesSupport/FujitsuDrivesUSandCanada/SoftwareUtilities#diagnostic

Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE

Hi Guys, but I'll need some help here. On this HP PC the only options that I have at the moment are 1 D:\MiniNT 2: D:\I386 or 3: C:\WINDOWS and it appears that I also have no access to the mouse. What does that leave for options. It doesn't appear that I can even get into the BIOS to select Boot options?. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #40 on:** January 09, 2011, 07:39:16 PM »

The boot order may be set correctly already.
If not, when you start computer, watch the bottom of the screen.
It should say something like:
Press <some key> to enter setup (which would be the BIOS)
You don't need a mouse to do that.

overthehill · « **Reply #41 on:** January 09, 2011, 08:13:44 PM »

I'm not able to enter BIOS. Try as I may I either end up with the black screen(almost everytime) giving me the choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Start Normally etc. Or, it goes to the windows screen and attempts to load and then goes to the screen that I just mentioned , or now the latest,a blue screen telling me that a problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage. DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Ifthis is the first time you've seen this stop error screen ya-da-ya-da-ya-da.

Technical info *** STOP; 0x000000D1 (0x0000000C,0x00000005,0x00000001,0xF7323AEB)
*** atapi.sys - Address F7323AEB base at E731C000,DateStamp 3b5e3711

overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #42 on:** January 09, 2011, 08:28:12 PM »

Quote

when you start computer, watch the bottom of the screen.
It should say something like:
Press <some key> to enter setup

You should see the above before you get this:

Quote

giving me the choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, or Start Normally etc.

overthehill · « **Reply #43 on:** January 09, 2011, 08:39:59 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 09, 2011, 08:28:12 PM

You should see the above before you get this:

Broni. Thks, and I do see it in a flash(F10) and have been prepared and have tried numerous times but to no avail? I've been striking the key in antisipation and still nothing. The latest is: I tried again and rebooted with recovery disk 1 and the screen presently shows :hp pc recovery. Choices are (Selecting Recovery Option), (Hard disk Preparation) which is highlited in Red, (Copying Files) and (Finilizing Recovery). The highlited (Hard disk Preparation) shows the cursor and the hourglass and has been this way for some time but does not appear to be responding. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #44 on:** January 09, 2011, 08:56:23 PM »

Well since it's booting to recovery CD, it looks like the boot order is correct.
I suggest, you run hard drive diagnostic program then, mentioned in my earlier post.

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #45 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:08:41 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on January 09, 2011, 08:39:59 PM

Broni. Thks, and I do see it in a flash(F10) and have been prepared and have tried numerous times but to no avail? I've been striking the key in antisipation and still nothing.

Are you using a USB keyboard?

Do the lights on the keyboard flash when you turn the computer on?

Broni · « **Reply #46 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:10:45 PM »

Quote

Broni. Thks, and I do see it in a flash(F10) and have been prepared and have tried numerous times but to no avail? I've been striking the key in antisipation and still nothing.

How did he boot to recovery CD then? I assume, the boot order is correct and it doesn't need any changes.

overthehill · « **Reply #47 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:26:11 PM »

I'm wondering if it's actually rebooting from the cd or is it working from the HD partition on the HD? When I was first trying to get this PC working it seems to me that I had set the HD 1st. But not sure? . now I'm unable to get back to the BIOS. overthehill

EDIT: Now I'm getting DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER. When I insert the recovery disk the same message keeps appearing. Just prior to this the screen that I had been looking for (setup F10) appeared and stayed there. When I pressed F10 the DISK BOOT FAILURE notification appeared??

Broni · « **Reply #48 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:29:02 PM »

I suggest, you put that drive back into USB enclosure and run hard drive diagnostic from another computer.

overthehill · « **Reply #49 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:35:10 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 09, 2011, 09:29:02 PM

I suggest, you put that drive back into USB enclosure and run hard drive diagnostic from another computer.

Broni. Is it possible to use the IDE/SATA to USB adapter to accomplish this? And if so how? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #50 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:38:39 PM »

You sure can. Connect it in very same way as you did to retrieve your data.
If the drive is not totally dead, it'll show in "My Computer".

Download Windows version of a diagnostic tool and direct it to the drive you want to test.

overthehill · « **Reply #51 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:45:39 PM »

Thanks so much. Will do. Broni, I can't help but wonder why : before I removed and installed the battery all I could really do with this PC was enter the BIOS and now it appears impossible. Any ideas? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #52 on:** January 09, 2011, 09:47:10 PM »

Unfortunately, no clue

overthehill · « **Reply #53 on:** January 09, 2011, 10:04:21 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 09, 2011, 09:47:10 PM

Unfortunately, no clue

Broni. No wonder, this PC is nuts. All of a sudden I'm able to access the BIOS and I selected CD as first boot. Unfortunately it didn't help. So I'll follow through with your last suggestion. Thanks so much. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #54 on:** January 09, 2011, 10:07:55 PM »

Keep us posted...

overthehill · « **Reply #55 on:** January 09, 2011, 10:13:03 PM »

Sure will Broni, and thanks again. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #56 on:** January 09, 2011, 10:16:14 PM »

You're welcome

overthehill · « **Reply #57 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:05:38 AM »

Quote from: Broni on January 09, 2011, 09:38:39 PM

You sure can. Connect it in very same way as you did to retrieve your data.
If the drive is not totally dead, it'll show in "My Computer".

Download Windows version of a diagnostic tool and direct it to the drive you want to test.

Well, perhaps this HD is dead. The only "My Documents" that I see on this drive is in Documents and Settings\All Users\My Documents\My Videos which is empty. In the list of programs/files when the k: drive is opened it does not show "My Documents". Also, I downloaded SHDIAG Version 1.25 for this older Samsung HD from http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 and it can't find the drive? Is it time to give up on this drive? Thks, overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #58 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:15:27 AM »

Possibly.
See, if the drive shows up in "Disk Management".

overthehill · « **Reply #59 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:31:11 AM »

Thks Broni. I'm going to have to leave this for a spell. I'll be back this evening. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #60 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:31:39 AM »

Sure thing

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #61 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:38:39 AM »

Samsung utility may not support USB. Try Seagate Seatools, it works with USB and most other manufacturers.

overthehill · « **Reply #62 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:06:26 PM »

Quote from: Computer_Commando on January 10, 2011, 10:38:39 AM

Samsung utility may not support USB. Try Seagate Seatools, it works with USB and most other manufacturers.

Great lead C_C. Downloaded SeaTools for Windows and was able to analyze my Samsung HD with the following results and although I don't understand it, from what I can see, it looks OK.
Long DST Test -- Pass , Long Generic -- Pass , Outer scan-- Inner Scan -- Random Read ,Short Generic -- Pass , Long Generic-- Pass

So Broni and C-C ,what would you recommend next? Are there other tests that I should perform on this HD or what would you suggest? And thanks Guys, overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #63 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:16:30 PM »

See, if that recovery CD will boot in another working computer.

overthehill · « **Reply #64 on:** January 10, 2011, 06:04:00 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 05:16:30 PM

See, if that recovery CD will boot in another working computer.

Hi Broni. Used the recovery CD in my everyday PC (another XP), rebooted and received this message; These System Recovery CD's do not support this hp pc model. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #65 on:** January 10, 2011, 06:11:02 PM »

That's fine, but it looks like it's booting.

Can you try to use recovery CD on bad computer again?

overthehill · « **Reply #66 on:** January 10, 2011, 06:15:03 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 06:11:02 PM

That's fine, but it looks like it's booting.

Can you try to use recovery CD on bad computer again?

Sure will Broni. I'll replace the HD , try the recovery CD, see what happens and report. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #67 on:** January 10, 2011, 06:15:45 PM »

OK...

overthehill · « **Reply #68 on:** January 10, 2011, 06:42:34 PM »

Well Broni, I'm pretty well back to where we were before. It boots to the screen where the message "We apologize etc.etc." and defaults to start Windows normally. If left to run, next is the Windows XP screen where it appears to attempt to load, then the Hp "invent screen" shows up very briefly, this is where now I can press F2 for BIOS and then the screen immediately goes back to, We apologize etc. If this is left to run then the Windows XP screen shows back up with an empty box or sometimes three locked blue bars where they normally would be running. The screen then freezes at this point and requires, re start. Hope you can follow my gibberish? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #69 on:** January 10, 2011, 06:51:26 PM »

Was the CD drive working before?

overthehill · « **Reply #70 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:00:56 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 06:51:26 PM

Was the CD drive working before?

Not being my PC I'm not 100% sure?
I just found an option for recovery(which I chose) and then I was asked if I wanted to (and this happened fast) something about 3rd party RAID? Press F6. I tried this and now I'm at a screen that says "Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Drive A: * Press Enter when ready. ENTER= Continue ESC= Cancel F3= Exit. This leads to believe that it's now looking for a floppy?
Is this correct? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #71 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:05:07 PM »

Yeah, but when I see a word RAID, I run....I hate that thing and I know nothing about it.
You may want to wait for someone, who's familiar with RAID.

Meanwhile, so you stay busy (

), let's try something...

Let's see, if we can look at your computer booting from an external source.

Please download OTLPE (filesize 120,9 MB)

When downloaded double click on OTLPENet.exe and make sure there is a blank CD in your CD drive. This will automatically create a bootable CD.
Reboot your system using the boot CD you just created.

Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE

Your system should now display a REATOGO-X-PE desktop.
Depending on your type of internet connection, you should be able to get online as well so you can access this topic more easily.
Double-click on the OTLPE icon.
When asked Do you wish to load the remote registry, select Yes
When asked Do you wish to load remote user profile(s) for scanning, select Yes
Ensure the box Automatically Load All Remaining Users" is checked and press OK
OTL should now start.
Press Run Scan to start the scan.
When finished, the file will be saved in drive C:\OTL.txt
Copy this file to your USB drive if you do not have internet connection on this system
Please post the contents of the OTL.txt file in your reply.

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #72 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:13:04 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on January 10, 2011, 07:00:56 PM

...3rd party RAID? Press F6. I tried this and now I'm at a screen that says "Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Drive A: * Press Enter when ready. ENTER= Continue ESC= Cancel F3= Exit. This leads to believe that it's now looking for a floppy?...

Only if it needs drivers for an add-in drive controller card. You have a standard IDE interface. ESC= Cancel
You previously had a bad IDE cable; is the new one now damaged?

overthehill · « **Reply #73 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:17:11 PM »

Quote from: Computer_Commando on January 10, 2011, 07:13:04 PM

Only if it needs drivers for an add-in drive controller card. You have a standard IDE interface. ESC= Cancel
You previously had a bad IDE cable; is the new one now damaged?

No the IDE cable has been replaced. Not 100% positive but to the best of my knowledge the cable that I'm now using is OK.
I think? overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #74 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:20:24 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 07:05:07 PM

Yeah, but when I see a word RAID, I run....I hate that thing and I know nothing about it.
You may want to wait for someone, who's familiar with RAID.

Meanwhile, so you stay busy (), let's try something...

Let's see, if we can look at your computer booting from an external source.

Please download OTLPE (filesize 120,9 MB)

When downloaded double click on OTLPENet.exe and make sure there is a blank CD in your CD drive. This will automatically create a bootable CD.
Reboot your system using the boot CD you just created.
Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE
Your system should now display a REATOGO-X-PE desktop.
Depending on your type of internet connection, you should be able to get online as well so you can access this topic more easily.
Double-click on the OTLPE icon.
When asked Do you wish to load the remote registry, select Yes
When asked Do you wish to load remote user profile(s) for scanning, select Yes
Ensure the box Automatically Load All Remaining Users" is checked and press OK
OTL should now start.
Press Run Scan to start the scan.
When finished, the file will be saved in drive C:\OTL.txt
Copy this file to your USB drive if you do not have internet connection on this system
Please post the contents of the OTL.txt file in your reply.

Thanks for the homework Broni (-: but you lost me. Which part of the procedure is to be done on my PC that is working, and which part on the non-working PC? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #75 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:24:20 PM »

You create OTLPE CD on any working computer and you boot bad computer from it.

overthehill · « **Reply #76 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:31:25 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 07:24:20 PM

You create OTLPE CD on any working computer and you boot bad computer from it.

Gotcha. Makes perfect sense. Thks. overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #77 on:** January 10, 2011, 08:35:02 PM »

[

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 07:05:07 PM

Yeah, but when I see a word RAID, I run....I hate that thing and I know nothing about it.
You may want to wait for someone, who's familiar with RAID.

Meanwhile, so you stay busy (), let's try something...

Let's see, if we can look at your computer booting from an external source.

Please download OTLPE (filesize 120,9 MB)

When downloaded double click on OTLPENet.exe and make sure there is a blank CD in your CD drive. This will automatically create a bootable CD.
Reboot your system using the boot CD you just created.
Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE
Your system should now display a REATOGO-X-PE desktop.
Depending on your type of internet connection, you should be able to get online as well so you can access this topic more easily.
Double-click on the OTLPE icon.
When asked Do you wish to load the remote registry, select Yes
When asked Do you wish to load remote user profile(s) for scanning, select Yes
Ensure the box Automatically Load All Remaining Users" is checked and press OK
OTL should now start.
Press Run Scan to start the scan.
When finished, the file will be saved in drive C:\OTL.txt
Copy this file to your USB drive if you do not have internet connection on this system
Please post the contents of the OTL.txt file in your reply.

Well Broni, the bad PC won't boot the disk. I think that tomorrow I'll take the CD drive out of the "Old Dell" that you brought back to life and see if I can get that CD drive to work in this "Old HP". The boot sequence was correct but disk was not recognized. Perhaps that's been a lot of my problems? Thanks so much and I'll be back. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #78 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:00:33 PM »

Yeah, it looks like there is something wrong with the CD drive.

overthehill · « **Reply #79 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:09:12 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 09:00:33 PM

Yeah, it looks like there is something wrong with the CD drive.

Thanks once again Broni. I'll see what I can come up with tomorrow and I'll most certainly let you know. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #80 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:13:48 PM »

I'll be around

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #81 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:36:17 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on December 27, 2010, 01:44:19 PM

Update;
I got the HD from my daughters PC installed and it shows as; Local Disk Hp-recovery (D:) Total size 5.54 GB 991 MB Free space.
When clicked is says (recovery) do not make any changes.

That hard drive has a recovery partition.
On HP computers I believe its F11 or alt F11 at boot.

overthehill · « **Reply #82 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:42:04 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on January 10, 2011, 09:36:17 PM

That hard drive has a recovery partition.
On HP computers I believe its F11 or alt F11 at boot.

Thanks JJ . I can get to and run that recovery partition but to no avail ??. I'm currently taking the CD drive from another PC and I'll see if I can boot from there? overthehill

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #83 on:** January 10, 2011, 09:48:41 PM »

What happens when you start the recovery?

overthehill · « **Reply #84 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:00:37 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on January 10, 2011, 09:48:41 PM

What happens when you start the recovery?

It actually runs through what it says is the recovery console, it takes me to a black screen with these options;
1: D:\MiniNT
2: D:\I386
3: C:\WINDOWS
Which Windows installation would you like to log onto
(To cancel,press ENTER>?

Καρπενήσι · « **Reply #85 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:17:17 PM »

the same problem for me also, well it get solved.

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #86 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:23:56 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on January 10, 2011, 07:00:56 PM

Not being my PC I'm not 100% sure?
I just found an option for recovery(which I chose) and then I was asked if I wanted to (and this happened fast) something about 3rd party RAID? Press F6. I tried this and now I'm at a screen that says "Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Drive A: * Press Enter when ready. ENTER= Continue ESC= Cancel F3= Exit. This leads to believe that it's now looking for a floppy?
Is this correct? overthehill

If you can get back here, do not press F6. Let the disk continue loading.

If you do manage to install from the cd you will probably need your windows product key. Do you have the product key sticker on your computer?

overthehill · « **Reply #87 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:50:47 PM »

Quote from: JJ 3000 on January 10, 2011, 10:23:56 PM

If you can get back here, do not press F6. Let the disk continue loading.

If you do manage to install from the cd you will probably need your windows product key. Do you have the product key sticker on your computer?

Yes JJ I have the product key. And I did let it run a number of times before I tried the F6. With the recovery disk in the drive it still wants to run from the partition. The recovery runs, the win logo comes up, it appears that it's going to load but after the blue bars run through the motions four or five times the blue bars stop and the PC locks up. The recovery disks just don't seem to work although the drive lights up etc. but the partition then takes over and as I said it then locks up. This is what I'm going through presently and it doesn't seem to matter whether the disk is in or not. If I don't select the recovery mode and choose anything else -- start normally -- safe mode etc. etc. what I then get is what I mentioned earlier in this post something like multi 0 disk 0 1disk 0 PARTITION 2\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Drivers xxxx. Which again requires a re start. overthehill

overthehill · « **Reply #88 on:** January 10, 2011, 11:10:13 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 07:05:07 PM

Yeah, but when I see a word RAID, I run....I hate that thing and I know nothing about it.
You may want to wait for someone, who's familiar with RAID.

Meanwhile, so you stay busy (), let's try something...

Let's see, if we can look at your computer booting from an external source.

Please download OTLPE (filesize 120,9 MB)

When downloaded double click on OTLPENet.exe and make sure there is a blank CD in your CD drive. This will automatically create a bootable CD.
Reboot your system using the boot CD you just created.
Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE
Your system should now display a REATOGO-X-PE desktop.
Depending on your type of internet connection, you should be able to get online as well so you can access this topic more easily.
Double-click on the OTLPE icon.
When asked Do you wish to load the remote registry, select Yes
When asked Do you wish to load remote user profile(s) for scanning, select Yes
Ensure the box Automatically Load All Remaining Users" is checked and press OK
OTL should now start.
Press Run Scan to start the scan.
When finished, the file will be saved in drive C:\OTL.txt
Copy this file to your USB drive if you do not have internet connection on this system
Please post the contents of the OTL.txt file in your reply.

Well Broni, I changed the CD drive and inserted the boot disk into the Old Hp and it ran up until I saw the REATOGO-X-PE logo but I never got the chance to click on the icon, it was gone? Now what's happening is after starting Reatogo is goes to Win logo screen, attempts to load and then goes to a blue screen with the message ; A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and then the rest of the stuff. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #89 on:** January 10, 2011, 11:14:37 PM »

I'm really not sure what's going on here.
Possibly some more serious problems (motherboard?).

Quote

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and then the rest of the stuff

Is there any file mentioned there?

overthehill · « **Reply #90 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:24:12 AM »

Quote from: Broni on January 10, 2011, 11:14:37 PM

I'm really not sure what's going on here.
Possibly some more serious problems (motherboard?).Is there any file mentioned there?

Hi Broni. I'm certainly not sure whether or not this means anything but the rest of the message as I recall is only warnings and such. overthehill

Technical info *** STOP; 0x000000D1 (0x0000000C,0x00000005,0x00000001,0xF7323AEB)
*** atapi.sys - Address F7323AEB base at E731C000,DateStamp 3b5e3711

Broni · « **Reply #91 on:** January 11, 2011, 10:36:57 AM »

atapi.sys is a IDE/ATAPI Port driver, which basically controls your drives, CD drive included.
Since I know nothing about RAID, I'm not sure, if it has something to do here, or not.
Try the same OTLPE CD on another working computer and see, if it'll fully boot.

overthehill · « **Reply #92 on:** January 11, 2011, 11:17:36 AM »

Quote from: Broni on January 11, 2011, 10:36:57 AM

atapi.sys is a IDE/ATAPI Port driver, which basically controls your drives, CD drive included.
Since I know nothing about RAID, I'm not sure, if it has something to do here, or not.
Try the same OTLPE CD on another working computer and see, if it'll fully boot.

Thanks Broni. I tried it my everyday PC and it appears fine. I'll be away this afternoon but when I get back I'm going to take the CD drive that's questionable and see if it works in the "Old Dell". Perhaps I'm wrong but if that drive works in the Dell but not the HP, then I'll have to suspect the motherboard. If it doesn't work there either, I think that I'll '' just throw up my hands?" Either way ,I'll get back to you then. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #93 on:** January 11, 2011, 11:22:11 AM »

No problem

overthehill · « **Reply #94 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:36:42 PM »

Quote from: overthehill on January 11, 2011, 11:17:36 AM

Thanks Broni. I tried in it my everyday PC and it appears fine. I'll be away this afternoon but when I get back I'm going to take the CD drive that's questionable and see if it works in the "Old Dell". Perhaps I'm wrong but if that drive works in the Dell but not the HP, then I'll have to suspect the motherboard. If it doesn't work there either, I think that I'll '' just throw up my hands?" Either way ,I'll get back to you then. overthehill

Well Broni I tried the questionable CD drive(from HP) in the Dell and it doesn't work there either. And the good drive(from the Dell) doesn't want to work properly in the HP. I'm thinking that we've given this old (HP) PC more attention than it probably deserves. As suggested earlier it could be a problem with the mobo or ?. I've confirmed that the CD drive is shot, haven't been able to get any movement at any time from the mouse and it couldn't have been a very expensive unit in the first place. I'll think I'll save the IDE cables, the HD drive and a few incidentals and send it on it's way. Don't know if they make such a thing? but the info. on the PSU indicates that it's a 165 W. Do they actually make them that small? If in fact that's correct, won't need that. Anyway, I started out hoping to save my daughters files, and with help I was able to do this. From what we've encountered to date , I'm thinking that putting this thing out to pasture is probably the way to go. Would you not agree? overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #95 on:** January 11, 2011, 09:15:45 PM »

That's probably the only choice at this point...

overthehill · « **Reply #96 on:** January 11, 2011, 09:45:44 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 11, 2011, 09:15:45 PM

That's probably the only choice at this point...

OK will do. I sure want to thank you for all the time and effort that you put into this ordeal. Like I mentioned, the main objective was to save the files which I was able to do with help. Also for me it was another learning experience,( just hope that this "old fella" can remember some of it

). I also want to thank all that contributed in this thread. Great people and the help was very much appreciated. overthehill

Broni · « **Reply #97 on:** January 11, 2011, 10:18:39 PM »

You're very welcome

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