Can't get to Desktop

[EaglesFanPhila]

The computer tries to enter windows but keeps going to the F8 screen commands. There is a screen that comes up first says invalid boot.ini file.

Can anyone tell me why this is happening?  If so, is there a way I can get to chkdsk to see if it can fix the problem?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

What happens if you choose any of the options? (i.e. Safe Mode, Last known good config, ect...)

Do you have the Windows CD?
What Operating System is it?

[EaglesFanPhila]

What happens if you choose any of the options? (i.e. Safe Mode, Last known good config, ect...)

Do you have the Windows CD?
What Operating System is it?

I don't have the windows CD. I'm using Windows XP.  No matter what option I choose, it keeps booting back to the options page.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Any chance you can borrow a Windows CD from a friend?

I think you're going to have to perform a Repair Install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
(Note: none of your personal files will be lost.)

[ale52]

Have a read...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330184

According to MS you'll need a CD.  

Alan <><  

[EaglesFanPhila]

Will I be able to do a repair even though I can't get to the desktop?

[ale52]

Good luck & let us know how it turns out.

Alan <>< 

[EaglesFanPhila]

Thanks for the replies guys! 

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Will I be able to do a repair even though I can't get to the desktop?

It seems you edited that post?

Anyways, yes. You have to boot from the CD. (it's all in the guide)

[EaglesFanPhila]

Will I be able to do a repair even though I can't get to the desktop?

It seems you edited that post?

Anyways, yes. You have to boot from the CD. (it's all in the guide)

Ok. Thanks!  I love this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Good Luck. 

[patio]

Or you can DLoad  This  .iso to make a bootable Recovery Console...
This will NOT re-install XP but it will enable some repair work to be tried from the Recovery Console...
Using Nero or another burning program burn it to CD making sure to check the option to create a bootable CD.
Boot to the CD...let it finish loading.
You will be at a command prompt window.
At the prompt type in fixboot and hit Enter.
Remove the CD and re-boot.

If no joy-joy repeat the above procedure except type in fixmbr and hit Enter.
Again remove the CD and re-boot.

A full list of all the RC commands is located Here...

Don't try any commands you are unfamiliar with...you've been warned.

Good Luck.