Select the operating system to start

[Lisa010262]

Hi,

I think my computer has several issues. the first being when ever I boot the computer I receive a screen which says " please select the operating system to start."

        Windows XP Pro
        Windos XP media center edition

I believe that this computer was originally loaded with media center and someone removed it and added a uncertified copy of xp pro.

i would like to get this computer back to the original factory settings.

Don't know where to start to correct this issue?

[Broni]

i would like to get this computer back to the original factory settings.

Do you have Windows CD, or Recovery CD (for that particular computer)?

[Lisa010262]

Yes, I have the recovery Cd for the computer

[Broni]

Well, if you don't have any data to lose, pop the CD in, restart computer, watch for "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key, and follow on-screen instructions.

[Lisa010262]

Here is when other problems appears , I don't ever see the message to "press any key"

[Broni]

You have to make sure, the boot order in BIOS reads:
- floppy drive(if you have one)
- CD drive
- hard drive

[Lisa010262]

No floppy drive
 I made cd drive 1St
 hard drive 2nd
Pressed f10
computer rebooted still no message to press any key?

[Broni]

Are you sure, CD drive is in working condition?
Are you sure, Recovery CD is OK? Can you read its content through Windows Explorer?

[Lisa010262]

CD drives reads other disk regularly and yes I can read the contents thru explorer

[Broni]

I don't know what's going on. Are you positive, you have recovery CD for that exact machine?

[Lisa010262]

yes

[Broni]

It's puzzling.
1. Do you have only one optical drive?
2. Are CD drive, and hard drive hooked up to the same cable inside the computer? If CD drive is on separate drive, it may be a problem.
3. If you have any other bootable CD, see, if the computer will boot from it. If you don't have any, create one, memtest CD: http://www.easydesksoftware.com/news/news10.htm, for instance, and see, if it'll boot from it.

[Lisa010262]

hi sorry its been a while.

i only have one optical drive

This computer is a laptop, i did take the case of as far as my comfort level would let me, I did not see any thing unusual?

Could not locate any other bootable cd's.  went to the easydesk link provided not sure I saw how to make a boot disk?

[Broni]

Here: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic62524.html is a manual, how to make bootable memtest CD.

[JJ 3000]

Most laptops have a recovery partition. Tap F11 as you computer starts up.

[Lisa010262]

Unsuccessful with the bootablememtest cd?

F11 does not respond

[Broni]

If you tell us more about what happened, we may have some advice.

[Lisa010262]

OK

A "friend" sold me this computer.

I think the computer was originally loaded with window xp media, as this is the certificate of authenticity label on the bottom.

i had told the "friend" that I preferred a laptop with Xp Pro on it.

Apparently he attempted to remove media and load a copy of xp pro that is not authentic, as i cannot get updates.

when you turn the computer on it very quickly (aproximatlely 9 sec) gets to a screen that says:
please select the operating system to start."

        Windows XP Pro
        Windos XP media center edition

If I select media center i recieve the following:

Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem.
Could not read from selected boot disk. Check boot path and disk hardware.
Please check the windows documentation about hardware disk configuration and your hardware refereence manuals for additional information.

If i select xp pro it goes to the windows user menu, once I select a user it takes an extremely long time to load and become operational Maybe 6 - 7 minutes.

Then the computer is very sluggish

[Broni]

I'd format HD, and go for clean XP install.

[Lisa010262]

i'm sorry but i'm not sure what you mean?

[Broni]

Windows XP clean install: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Lisa010262]

ok went to the web site. Not sure I understand what I am doing, the instructions talk abot floppy disk, i have?? no floppy drives on this laptop? It talk about upgrading from, this computer already has xp on it

[Broni]

You must read it carefully.
For instance, it says:

If booting from CD is impossible, you have the options below.

Download the XP floppy boot disk set from Microsoft.

It has also screenshots.
That's the best manual, I'm aware of.

[Lisa010262]

Both options under the area

If booting from CD is impossible, you have the options below.

Download the XP floppy boot disk set from Microsoft.

Require the use of a flppy disk, I do not have a floppy drive on this computer?

[truenorth]

Lisa010262 If i have read your posts and the replies correctly it appears that you do NOT have any certified copies of a FULL WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM. If that is indeed the case you have a substantial problem to overcome before you can formatt and recover the laptop.Do you have ANY Windows operating system disks that are legit? Does the previous owner remain accesible and do THEY have a certified operating system on a disk you can use? If the problem were only a none existant floppy drive that can be overcome by the inexpensive purchase of a USB connectable floppy drive. However i think it is premature to purchase anything (maybe other than an operating system) at this point. Reply awaited. truenorth

[BC_Programmer]

Both options under the area

If booting from CD is impossible, you have the options below.

Download the XP floppy boot disk set from Microsoft.

Require the use of a flppy disk, I do not have a floppy drive on this computer?

As in, if you don't have a CD-ROM drive or the computer doesn't support booting to CD-ROM. in this case I'm sure it can do both.

[fgdn17]

Both options under the area

If booting from CD is impossible, you have the options below.

Download the XP floppy boot disk set from Microsoft.

Require the use of a flppy disk, I do not have a floppy drive on this computer?

create/use a bootable CD....

http://www.bootdisk.com/ntfs.htm

[Lisa010262]

truenorth, appreciate your assistance.

I do have a windows xp disk that came with another computer. I also have the system disk, and recovery disk that came from the manufacturer.

[truenorth]

Lisa010262,At this point you may have that sinking feeling of abandonment by the good folks at CH. Such will not be the case.In my case i was experiencing withdrawl symptoms from an extended absence from home (and my usual computer to participate in the CH forums). So when i saw your post i was actually in a public library in the southern U.S. and felt the need to get back into the forums.But now i'm back in my own nest and anxious to get back to trying to help. If i understand correctly due to the circumstances of the aquisition of this laptop (from a friend) you probably at this time have not been able to really use it for anything and hense have nothing on it that you would be at a loss if you lost it. IE: personal data? Is that correct? If that is so i would recommend a complete earasure of the HD and a full install of your operating system. I am of the opinion that you really,at the moment do NOT have a fuctioning O/S of either of the O/S's that are being offered at your startup.This is based on your earlier posts of how the questionable O/S's were installed and by whom. So at this point you would just like to be able to get a laptop working  so as to realize some payback from your purchase. Is that a fair assesment? I would like you to go to this linked site ( i know Broni provided one earlier but i have examined it and with no disrepect to either of you it seemed a bit intimidating for a neophyte). So maybe this one will be less so. Have a look and let us know what you would like to do. http://grownupgeek.com/reformat  goodluck,truenorth

[Lisa010262]

Yes you are correct, no information of any importance on the computer. You are correct we are trying to get a laptop that works.

I have gone to the site you have recommended and as i understand it you are thinking that  by using the dos commands fdisk and format that I would be able to restore the operating system using the system disk and recovery disk I have from he manufacturer?

[truenorth]

Lisa, Essentially yes. As you will be doing a complete removal and re formatt i don't forsee the use of the "recovery" disc but certainly the O/S system disc is fundamental to your gaining the use of the computer via a reinstall. How do you feel re the descriptions provided in my link? Do you feel ok about proceeding? It might serve you well to read them over a few times until you feel comfortable about starting the process. I feel given your replies above that you can only improve your situation as at the present time all you have is a dust collector. truenorth
P.S. Have a look at this as well. http://www.ehow.com/how_6026_format-hard-drive.html

[Lisa010262]

I have looked over both sites you referenced, and although both appear to be easy enogh to understand, they both require booting from the cd drive and this computer does not seem to be able to do this??

[truenorth]

Lisa,I have a bit of confusion as to the exact nature of the CD drive in your laptop. From one of your posts there seems to be a reference to it working with some other disks other than the O/S disks. Is that so? If yes what were those disks? Also if other disks work in the drive what do they do to indicate that they are working? Also can you put any CD disk in the drive and regardless of whether it plays or not can you actually select and open the drive to access a disk or put a disk in? If the answer is yes then at least you have power working on the drive. You were asked by another CH member as to the physical connections vis-a -vis your hardrive and CD drive. Are you able to determine that? Are they on the same ide cable or on separate cables? I must tell you while i have delved into the innards of many desktop PC i have never (yet) had the opportunity to get inside a laptop. It is my understanding they are much more difficult to work on so i do appreciate your trepidation. I don't believe you replied as to any continued access to the "Friend" that sold you this laptop. I feel if they are still available they should make this right for you. I don't know if you want to spend any more money in regards to this computer but as i suggested earlier USB connectable floppy drives are available at very little cost and would allow you to try the floppy route to reformat. I am including another reference this time to do with malfunctioning Cd drives in the hopes it may point to something that brings about an "AH HA" moment. truenorth  http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-1043936.html

[Lisa010262]

I apologize for any confusion.

The CD drive does work, for instance I can put the widows Xp pro disk in and the following menu comes up,

                  Welcome to MS windows XP
                     what do you want to do
                         Install XP
                         Learn more about set up
                         Install optional windows components
                         Perform additional task
                         Check system compatibility

Un fortunately when I reboot the computer it does not boot from this drive.

Again unfortunately I do not have access to the "friend"

I guess I should looking into the purchase of the floppy drive and usb cable

Thanks,

[truenorth]

Lisa, If when you put the XP Operating system disk in and it asks you "what do you want to do" and offers a choice of "install Xp" what happens if at that point you chose "install XP"? If you do decide to purchase a USB connectable floppy drive there is no need to additionally purchase a USB cable. It will come with one attached to the floppy drive. While with a bit of searching USB floppy drives can be found for under $10.00 here are a few links to help you along the way. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=287
http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=742
http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2143215&Sku=D15-1078
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=150498
   I wouldn't yet run out and buy anything as from your reply you "DO" have a functioning CD drive. So it should be possible to move from that to reinstalling your operating system from the CD you have (unless there is something wrong with the CD itself). At this point (given that it is a legit copy of the XP O/S) i would appreciate that someone else make a comment on whether an issue exists if this particular O/S disk which may have been associated with another computer will present a problem if it is attempted to be installed on another computer other than the one it was sold with.
   Don't give up yet. truenorth
 

[Lisa010262]

well, when i choose install, i believe the next option is to install new or repair I have tried both and although the computer does appear to have sped up a little, i still have the question when the computer is first turned on to select an operating system with one additional option XP set up?

Thanks again

[truenorth]

Lisa, It does sound like there has begun a process to install a new and complete version of XP from your CD by virtue of the appearance of the new added option of "XP setup". I suspect that you did not allow the installation to continue long enough when you last selected the option to fully install (not repair) the O/S. I suggest you select the "XP setup" choice and let us know what happens. It should lead you through the process of reinstalling ( a slightly exaggerated statement--as i don't believe XP was ever properly installed on that computer). You will be asked to confirm that you really do want to reinstall the O/S and also you should be warned that you will lose all data currently on the computer.let us know your results,goodluck,truenorth
P.S. make sure the XP O/S disc is in the CD drive when you start this process.
P.S.P.S.If the computer that your doing this process on is the only one you have prior to starting it may serve you well to print out a copy of one of the data/explanation of installing a new O/S that i sent you the links to before you begin so that you will have something to guide you.

[busweb]

Format and install which operating system you want; of course if you do not have important data on it. If you have, save all your data and after that format it.

[Lisa010262]

OK, I will have to guess that at this point I have probally made it worse.
When I went to do the install I got the following message for several file really probally 20.

Setup cannot copy the file: win_dos.chm
retry press enter
esc to skip

After retrying on each file several times a chose to skip. In hind site probally a bad decision.

When the computer rebooted I now get the following message:

STOP: c0000135 {unable to locate component}
This application has failed to start because winsrv was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.

I receive this message whenever I turn off and restart the computer??

[truenorth]

Lisa, I know that things seem to have gotten worse. However i do not think that.Obviously the Cd drive is working properly. The fact that you chose to skip some items that it claimed were missing does not make your situation worse. But it does indicate something is amiss with the data contained on the O/S disc (likely incomplete). However i am going to request on your behalf that some software and format experts on the CH forums come on-board to help you. I have done this process a few times usually with assistance from forum members--so i do not concider myself an expert on this. However there certainly are some on here. I actually feel more confident about your likelyhood of gaining use of the computer now than i did earlier due to the things that have occur ed. Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.If Patio or Broni read this perhaps they will come back in now with these new developments. I shall continue to monitor the posts in this thread as i don't want to miss the eureka moment. goodluck,truenorth

[JJ 3000]

OK, I will have to guess that at this point I have probally made it worse.
When I went to do the install I got the following message for several file really probally 20.

Setup cannot copy the file: win_dos.chm
retry press enter
esc to skip

After retrying on each file several times a chose to skip. In hind site probally a bad decision.

You either have a dirty CD or CD drive. Try cleaning the CD. If that doesn't work, swap out the CD drive.
When you go back into setup, make sure you follow this order:
1. Delete partitions (all of them)
2. Create a partition
3. Format your partition (to set up windows on selected item press enter)

[Lisa010262]

Ok, Sorry I haven't been back sooner. In my frustration I was playing around with the few thinks I could do with this computer when I got to the BIOS screen and found an area where you could enable\disable the computer to read a boot drive it was disabled. When I enabled it I was able to boot from the system disk and restore the computer to it original factory setting! which I have done, and as of this point all is well!! Again thank you for your time and efforts.

[truenorth]

Lisa, Are we in a celebration YAHOO! situation here? Does this mean that you now have a fully installed fully functioning NEW XP O/S on your laptop? Please say yes so we can all crack open a bubbly (or whatever). Or have you just returned to the stage you were in when we were trying to get a new O/S to be installed? Which is it? Fingers crossed. truenorth

[Lisa010262]

It appears that we have a fully function xp operating system!

[truenorth]

YAHOO!Well done. truenorth