Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: CyberHunter on January 19, 2010, 08:05:28 PM

Title: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 19, 2010, 08:05:28 PM
I can't boot up with XP anymore. Possibly a FILE download was dirty..not sure... Wont boot up in normal or safe mode. BLUE SCREEN pops up then REBOOTS automatically. its been 3 days now. I dont know whats going..

do i need to download, a rescue cd? or win xp cd?


http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA/secu...ces/rescue-cd/


I download and ran, f-secure rescue disk, detected nothing at all 100% complete and 0 Malware found. Other rescue disks, kaspersky, bitdefender. didnt work for me.

Still having problems booting up normal. any help?!  :(
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 19, 2010, 09:32:08 PM
First step is to select Last Good Configuration instead of Safe Mode on the F8 selection screen.

If that doesn't work, use your XP installation disk to try a repair install.

If that doesn't work, you can go to a boot utility CD to try a closer inspection of the problem.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 01:47:20 AM
How can I repair? I dont have a Win XP Cd.


If that doesn't work, you can go to a boot utility CD to try a closer inspection of the problem.

where can I get that
?
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 20, 2010, 02:41:35 AM
First, of all, you skipped step one, Last Good Configuration. Can you get the screen from tapping F8 on bootup that allows you to choose Safe Mode and Last Good Configuration? If so, you need to try Last Good Configuration first.

You have to have an XP installation CD to try a repair.

Because Windows is not OpenSource, you have to have an XP Installation CD to build a boot disk at someplace like http://winbuilder.net/

It takes some technical knowledge to make an XP Live CD (boot CD), but the site does have recommended pre-made projects that you can build if you can follow instructions.

You can also search the net for other boot CDs.

You can download a Linux Live CD from somewhere like http://www.ubuntu.com

Whichever route you take, it means after you boot up the external operating system, you will then be able to inspect your hard drive and Windows system files to see what's wrong. If you don't understand what you are looking at, and don't know how to repair your installation, it won't do you any good to have a boot CD.

Therefore, it is in your best interests to try Step One first, and then if that fails, find an XP Installation CD to automate the repair process.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: Allan on January 20, 2010, 05:37:55 AM
What is the blue screen error you are getting?
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: dahlarbear on January 20, 2010, 05:44:19 AM
Disable the auto restart so you may post the blue screen information Allan asked for.  From the Windows Advanced Options menu accessed via <F8> during system startup, you should select the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" option in order to stop on the BSOD display.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 03:09:34 PM
First, of all, you skipped step one, Last Good Configuration. Can you get the screen from tapping F8 on bootup that allows you to choose Safe Mode and Last Good Configuration? If so, you need to try Last Good Configuration first.

You have to have an XP installation CD to try a repair.

Because Windows is not OpenSource, you have to have an XP Installation CD to build a boot disk at someplace like http://winbuilder.net/

It takes some technical knowledge to make an XP Live CD (boot CD), but the site does have recommended pre-made projects that you can build if you can follow instructions.

You can also search the net for other boot CDs.

You can download a Linux Live CD from somewhere like http://www.ubuntu.com

Whichever route you take, it means after you boot up the external operating system, you will then be able to inspect your hard drive and Windows system files to see what's wrong. If you don't understand what you are looking at, and don't know how to repair your installation, it won't do you any good to have a boot CD.

Therefore, it is in your best interests to try Step One first, and then if that fails, find an XP Installation CD to automate the repair process.

 >:( I only have BT3  burned into a CD that works for me, thats linux right?
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 03:10:02 PM
What is the blue screen error you are getting?

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

If this if the first time you've seen this stop error screen.
restart  your computer. If this scren appears again. Follow

Disable or uninstall  any anti-virus. disk defragmentation
or backup utilities. Check your hard drive configuration.
and check if any update drivers. Run CHKDSK /F to check
for hard drive corruption and then restart your computer.

Technical Information:

***STOP: 0x00000024 (0x001902FE,0xF7A5E378,0xF745E074,0x87212805)
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 03:12:21 PM
Disable the auto restart so you may post the blue screen information Allan asked for.  From the Windows Advanced Options menu accessed via <F8> during system startup, you should select the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" option in order to stop on the BSOD display.

Ok did it..  ::)

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

If this if the first time you've seen this stop error screen.
restart  your computer. If this scren appears again. Follow

Disable or uninstall  any anti-virus. disk defragmentation
or backup utilities. Check your hard drive configuration.
and check if any update drivers. Run CHKDSK /F to check
for hard drive corruption and then restart your computer.

Technical Information:

***STOP: 0x00000024 (0x001902FE,0xF7A5E378,0xF745E074,0x87212805)
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: Geek-9pm on January 20, 2010, 03:19:33 PM
Did the OP ever say what kind of PC he has?
Laptop? Vista? New? Home cooked?
Brand? Model?
No Install CD for any Microsoft OS?

From from the posts, I think his is...
trying to rest a Microwave Oven


 
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 04:48:06 PM
Did the OP ever say what kind of PC he has?
Laptop? Vista? New? Home cooked?
Brand? Model?
No Install CD for any Microsoft OS?

From from the posts, I think his is...
trying to rest a Microwave Oven


 
Laptop
Windows XP Home, Sp3
Toshiba Satellite
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: dahlarbear on January 20, 2010, 07:25:15 PM
1.  You are the third person within the last few days to post with this Stop Code.  Unfortunately neither of the other two have reported a successful resolution yet.  Their threads are:
     a.  http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98296.msg666518.html#msg666518 (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98296.msg666518.html#msg666518)
     b.  http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98338.msg666777.html#msg666777 (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98338.msg666777.html#msg666777)


2.  There are several steps you may take in an attempt to isolate and resolve the underlying problem.  Success is not guaranteed.  Start with the easiest test.

First step is to select Last Good Configuration instead of Safe Mode on the F8 selection screen.
Attempt to boot "Last known good configuration" from Windows Advanced Options menu.  While I'd be surprised if it resolves your issue, it's simple enough to try.  Report back with your results.


3.  Backup Data.  You should "backup" any data you cannot afford to lose before it gets "mangled" during any further recovery attempts.

Best choice is to "slave" your hard drive to a compatible working computer system and read, backup, and/or "fix" its file system from there.  Except for the "hard drive", this removes any power, hardware, firmware, overheating issues with the original system from the problem domain.

If you don't have a working computer system available, look for bootable operating system media (Live CD?) that will permit you read access to the file system(s) on your hard drive.

>:( I only have BT3  burned into a CD that works for me, thats linux right?
I have no clue what "BT3" is or what it stands for...


From http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/ms793935.aspx (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/ms793935.aspx)
Quote
One possible cause of this bug check is disk corruption. Corruption in the NTFS file system or bad blocks (sectors) on the hard disk can induce this error. Corrupted SCSI and IDE drivers can also adversely affect the system's ability to read and write to disk, thus causing the error.
4.  chkdsk.  Standard operating procedure is to use "chkdsk /r" to verify integrity of file system and search hard drive for bad sectors within file system.  It may be accessed from a bootable CD or the working computer's operating system.  Many on this forum are adament that it should only be run from a bootable CD.  You would need to get a compatible Windows XP Install CD or download and write (not copy) the following Recovery Console iso image (http://www.thecomputerparamedic.com/files/rc.iso) to a bootable CD-R.


5.  You may also run bootable diagnostics to check your memory and/or hard drive.  Let us know if you need links to download and create suitable bootable media for those tests.


6.  Other options would require a hard drive restore/recovery partition, restore/recovery CDs, or Windows XP Install CD (and there's no guarantee that would resolve the underlying problem).
     a.  Restore/recovery of windows from hard drive partition or CDs.
     b.  Repair installation of of windows.
     c.  Parallel installation of windows to another partition and/or directory.
     d.  Wipe current partition (delete) and reinstall to new partition.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: Geek-9pm on January 20, 2010, 08:42:54 PM
Quote
Laptop
Windows XP Home, Sp3
Toshiba Satellite
Thank you.
Which Toshiba? When did you get it?
Why does it have XP on it?
Did it eve have Vista?
Do you get automatic updates?
Do you use it for gaming?
Do you use it often on the internet?
Do you use it in a public Wi-Fi area?
Do other people use it?

If this is a recent model of their make,
you have to call Toshiba. Ask for a recovery disk with windows for your model. Expect to pay about $25 mow or less.
Have your warranty registration number before you call 1-800-457-7777
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 11:30:12 PM
1.  You are the third person within the last few days to post with this Stop Code.  Unfortunately neither of the other two have reported a successful resolution yet.  Their threads are:
     a.  http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98296.msg666518.html#msg666518 (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98296.msg666518.html#msg666518)
     b.  http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98338.msg666777.html#msg666777 (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,98338.msg666777.html#msg666777)

:-\  I'll take a look on those thanks

2.  There are several steps you may take in an attempt to isolate and resolve the underlying problem.  Success is not guaranteed.  Start with the easiest test.
Attempt to boot "Last known good configuration" from Windows Advanced Options menu.  While I'd be surprised if it resolves your issue, it's simple enough to try.  Report back with your results.

:-\ Tried 3-4 times still same results :(


3.  Backup Data.  You should "backup" any data you cannot afford to lose before it gets "mangled" during any further recovery attempts.

Best choice is to "slave" your hard drive to a compatible working computer system and read, backup, and/or "fix" its file system from there.  Except for the "hard drive", this removes any power, hardware, firmware, overheating issues with the original system from the problem domain.

If you don't have a working computer system available, look for bootable operating system media (Live CD?) that will permit you read access to the file system(s) on your hard drive.
I have no clue what "BT3" is or what it stands for...

:-\ BT3, meaning Back Track 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BackTrack
 :-\ How can I back up if I cant boot up :( And I have another available computer..with 2-3 Black Cds and 1 Flash Drive.

From http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/ms793935.aspx (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/ms793935.aspx)4.  chkdsk.  Standard operating procedure is to use "chkdsk /r" to verify integrity of file system and search hard drive for bad sectors within file system.  It may be accessed from a bootable CD or the working computer's operating system.  Many on this forum are adament that it should only be run from a bootable CD.  You would need to get a compatible Windows XP Install CD or download and write (not copy) the following Recovery Console iso image (http://www.thecomputerparamedic.com/files/rc.iso) to a bootable CD-R.


:-\ From Boot up I have 2 Options to start with, Recovery Console or Windows Xp. I ran Recovery Console and did..
commands, fixboot, fixmbr, chkdsk /r and /p
Same results and now I can't use it anymore its asking for Admin Password. which I dont know what it is. Tried, clear, set, password, none, and my Admin Password I use to log in to, none of them work :(

5.  You may also run bootable diagnostics to check your memory and/or hard drive.  Let us know if you need links to download and create suitable bootable media for those tests.


6.  Other options would require a hard drive restore/recovery partition, restore/recovery CDs, or Windows XP Install CD (and there's no guarantee that would resolve the underlying problem).
     a.  Restore/recovery of windows from hard drive partition or CDs.
     b.  Repair installation of of windows.
     c.  Parallel installation of windows to another partition and/or directory.
     d.  Wipe current partition (delete) and reinstall to new partition.

:-\ I dont have Win Xp CD,   but I'll try and borrow it I guess. or if theres a link for download anywhere I can use.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 20, 2010, 11:35:12 PM
Thank you.
Which Toshiba? When did you get it? << Toshiba Satellite M55-S3512 , got it from a friend 3 years ago
Why does it have XP on it? << Win Xp Home Edition, Sp3
Did it eve have Vista? << No
Do you get automatic updates? << Yes had it, then 2-3 months disabled the option for automatic updates.
Do you use it for gaming? <<< No
Do you use it often on the internet? <<< Yes
Do you use it in a public Wi-Fi area? << No
Do other people use it? <<< No

If this is a recent model of their make,
you have to call Toshiba. Ask for a recovery disk with windows for your model. Expect to pay about $25 mow or less.
Have your warranty registration number before you call 1-800-457-7777

Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: Geek-9pm on January 21, 2010, 12:06:10 AM
The machine is out of warranty. Hard to know what problesm the original owner may have had.
But still your best option is to beg Toshiba for a recovery CD. It is a special item the have and you can not get it off of the internet.
What you can get is a "recovery Console" for Windows XP, but this may not be enough to fix your problem.
As mentioned earlier, You need to think about a backup of out data. You remove the hard drive and image backup the data to a desktop PC with an adapter, if needed.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: dahlarbear on January 21, 2010, 01:55:54 AM
1.  Slave Hard Drive.  Pull the hard drive out of the Toshiba laptop and hook it up as a "second" hard drive to a desktop computer. (As a slave - you do not want to boot this drive).  You may need to purchase an interface adaptor to do this.  Also, if you're working with IDE drives; you may have to adjust "jumper" settings.  Best to use one of the internal interfaces of the "other" computer rather than an external "USB" connection.

2.  Recovery Console.  The default state for a Windows XP Home Edition system is no password set for Administrator" account.  Unless you explicitly set a password for this account, just hit <Enter> key when it is requested.

So...  You ran Recovery Console and did commands, "fixboot", "fixmbr", and "chkdsk /p /r".

     a.  Does that mean you successfully booted from CD, selected option to "repair" a Windows installation, selected the desired Windows installation, successfully responded to the prompt for Administrator password (which you successfully entered?), and then successfully executed all of those commands?

     b.  And now it requests an Administrator "password" that you don't know?

     c.  Did the "chkdsk" commands report and/or "fix" any errors?

     d.  Did any of the commands report any warnings and/or errors?

3.  Windows XP Install CD.  If you're thinking of reinstalling the operating system, you'll need compatible installation media.  A Windows XP Home Edition "product key" will require a Home Edition install CD. Try to get SP3.  A "repair" install will revert your system files back to the version of the source CD.  Look for a "product key" sticker on the bottom of the laptop or possibly under the battery.  Not sure, but I don't believe OEM and Retail versions of the CD accept each others' keys.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 21, 2010, 02:03:07 AM
Not sure I can contribute to this discussion until this is sorted out a little more.

I just wanted to mention that BT3 is BackTrack3. This is a Linux live CD security suite. I don't know that any of the tools are useful in this scenario.

Ubuntu is an easy Live CD download that will give a desktop to use in retrieving your data to another media.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 21, 2010, 02:46:18 AM
Not sure I can contribute to this discussion until this is sorted out a little more.

I just wanted to mention that BT3 is BackTrack3. This is a Linux live CD security suite. I don't know that any of the tools are useful in this scenario.

Ubuntu is an easy Live CD download that will give a desktop to use in retrieving your data to another media.

I have Ubuntu 9.4 or  9.5 burned into a CD, works. how can I do this Retriving Data.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: dahlarbear on January 21, 2010, 03:35:26 AM
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/)
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 21, 2010, 03:59:56 AM
Thanks for that link.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: dahlarbear on January 21, 2010, 04:07:55 AM
Don't thank me yet... I've never used it!
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 21, 2010, 04:15:49 AM
Ohhhhh!!!

I just mentioned it because Linux Live CDs have gotten me out of jams twice now, the last one being the current version of Ubuntu.

Since I recommend it to people, I'm glad for the link to instructions for inexperienced users! (so I won't have to explain it.... a link is worth a thousand words!!!)

SOOOOOOO!!! Thanks again!!!
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 21, 2010, 05:45:31 AM
1.  Slave Hard Drive.  Pull the hard drive out of the Toshiba laptop and hook it up as a "second" hard drive to a desktop computer. (As a slave - you do not want to boot this drive).  You may need to purchase an interface adaptor to do this.  Also, if you're working with IDE drives; you may have to adjust "jumper" settings.  Best to use one of the internal interfaces of the "other" computer rather than an external "USB" connection.

2.  Recovery Console.  The default state for a Windows XP Home Edition system is no password set for Administrator" account.  Unless you explicitly set a password for this account, just hit <Enter> key when it is requested.

So...  You ran Recovery Console and did commands, "fixboot", "fixmbr", and "chkdsk /p /r".

     a.  Does that mean you successfully booted from CD, selected option to "repair" a Windows installation, selected the desired Windows installation, successfully responded to the prompt for Administrator password (which you successfully entered?), and then successfully executed all of those commands?

     b.  And now it requests an Administrator "password" that you don't know?

     c.  Did the "chkdsk" commands report and/or "fix" any errors?

     d.  Did any of the commands report any warnings and/or errors?

:-\ When Laptop starts, it gives me 2 options to load, Recovery or WinXP Normal Boot. I didnt run this with a CD. Bu anyway in Recovery Console in Admin Password, I hit enter , and took me to, C:\WINDOWS :) worked :)

now doing this command, chkdsk /r

Finished with......


Volume created 03/08/04
The volume Serial Number: b4bd-a73c

CHKDSK is checking the volume....
CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovery....
CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovery....
CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovery....

117025460 kilobytes total disk space.

30427484 kylobytes are available.

4096 bytes in each allocation unit.

29256365 total allocation units on disk.

7606871 allocation units available on disk.

C:\WINDOWS>

:-\ Still wont boot normally, reboots by itself :(

3.  Windows XP Install CD.  If you're thinking of reinstalling the operating system, you'll need compatible installation media.  A Windows XP Home Edition "product key" will require a Home Edition install CD. Try to get SP3.  A "repair" install will revert your system files back to the version of the source CD.  Look for a "product key" sticker on the bottom of the laptop or possibly under the battery.  Not sure, but I don't believe OEM and Retail versions of the CD accept each others' keys.

:-\ All I have is the product key, which is on the bottom of laptop. no CD
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 21, 2010, 05:52:45 AM
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/)

ty for link :)
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 21, 2010, 06:03:00 AM
:-\ All I have is the product key, which is on the bottom of laptop. no CD

The ideal situation is to borrow the correct CD and try the repair install which is theoretically non-destructive of your applications and data, but things have been known to go wrong. Product key is not needed for repair install if it repairs without reinstalling. Reinstalling does call for the product key, in which case the type of XP CD must also match what was on your computer.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 21, 2010, 06:48:47 AM
The ideal situation is to borrow the correct CD and try the repair install which is theoretically non-destructive of your applications and data, but things have been known to go wrong. Product key is not needed for repair install if it repairs with reinstalling. Reinstalling does call for the product key, in which case the type of XP CD must also match what was on your computer.

That's another issue I do not know which CD is the right one for me. All I know it had when I got this laptop,    Windows Xp Home, Sp3

You say get the correct CD, how many are there for Windows Home Xp..?
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: patio on January 21, 2010, 07:26:29 AM
Any XP Home CD will do...
You will have to slipstream SP 3 into it...

Slipstream Guide (http://www.theeldergeek.com/)
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 21, 2010, 07:30:13 AM
Right. You can't use an XP Media Center or XP Professional CD. It has to be XP Home.

Is there an issue with OEM versus Retail editions of XP Home?

Sorry I just caught this typo: "if it repairs withOUT reinstalling". I corrected my post, but it has already been quoted with the error.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: patio on January 21, 2010, 07:56:00 AM
OEM CD's won't facilitate a Repair Install...
They are designed to wipe everything and take a machine back to Day One status...

Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 21, 2010, 02:30:42 PM
Right. You can't use an XP Media Center or XP Professional CD. It has to be XP Home.

Is there an issue with OEM versus Retail editions of XP Home?

Sorry I just caught this typo: "if it repairs withOUT reinstalling". I corrected my post, but it has already been quoted with the error.

:-\ I was getting confused there for a minute :) everyone makes mistakes its alright :) Now I know I need Xp Home CD only.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: Geek-9pm on January 21, 2010, 02:35:49 PM
OEM CD's won't facilitate a Repair Install...
They are designed to wipe everything and take a machine back to Day One status...
Are we beating a deed horse?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412m-Zu8yYL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
Quote
DELL OEM Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 (SP3) reinstallation recovery CD
Price:    $34.99
http://www.amazon.com/DELL-Windows-Professional-Service-reinstallation-recovery/dp/B0029SOTBC
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 22, 2010, 05:09:55 AM
:-\ I am trying the Xp Repair ...

I get this screen,

Welcome to Setup.

To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.



So I enter, r

Then takes me to Recovery Console :(
Is there a command to delete recovery console? I boot up always with 2 options.

1.Microsoft Windows Recovery Console
2.Microsoft Windows Xp Home Edition
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 22, 2010, 05:47:34 AM
No. I know it's the wording is misleading. A repair install isn't the same as repairing with Recovery Console.

When you get here to

Welcome to Setup.

You have to select:

Quote
To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER

If you have the right kind of CD, the next screen will let you choose between repairing a Windows installation or doing a fresh install.

If you have the wrong CD, repair install won't be offered. You can still back out at that point.

When you choose to repair an existing Windows Installation, you are offered a list of Windows installations on the hard drive. If you have more than one, be sure you choose the one you want.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: the_mad_joker on January 22, 2010, 06:13:16 AM
I HAd The Same Problem Few Months Ago

Ma Frnd Told Me That Ur System File Have Benn Infected by Virus
and UR Antivirus Is Blocking That Files 2 Work

Try this stuff if u wanna Format And RepaiR

1) Format the Hard drive [the main drive , Usually "C:\"] :'(

2) Install Anitvirus 8)

3) Install Only The Drivers Such As Audio and Graphics  ;D
    (No Extra Drivers)

After All These Steps UR PC Should Work!
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 22, 2010, 10:28:47 PM
I HAd The Same Problem Few Months Ago

Ma Frnd Told Me That Ur System File Have Benn Infected by Virus
and UR Antivirus Is Blocking That Files 2 Work

Try this stuff if u wanna Format And RepaiR

1) Format the Hard drive [the main drive , Usually "C:\"] :'(

2) Install Anitvirus 8)

3) Install Only The Drivers Such As Audio and Graphics  ;D
    (No Extra Drivers)

After All These Steps UR PC Should Work!

scanned for virus and detected a couple :)

going to download and install now drivers :D
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 22, 2010, 11:29:59 PM
So I did re-install with " XP HOME SP2 CD " , even though my system came with SP3, does it matter?

I am little confused here, I was running a Virus/Malware scanner programs, and I looked and seemed like its  going through my old files. Does this mean I havent lost my data? since I did a RE-INSTALL :-\

Will a Data Recovery Program help? Or not :)

Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 23, 2010, 02:41:37 AM
I wouldn't leave it that way long. Be sure you run Windows Update as soon as possible so you don't get any system conflicts from having mixed SP2 and SP3 files on your computer.

(Ask me how I know....!!! It's explained in my thread where I'm getting malware help....)

Check your root directory. Do you see more than one Windows folder at C:\ ?

Something like Windows, Windows1, Windows 2, etc?

It sound like you might have. Repair install goes into your existing installation. Reinstall will create a new Windows directory, hence the variation on the name so as not to delete or overwrite your old one. Some like this because it allows them to fetch stuff out of the old installation.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: zodiacmaster on January 23, 2010, 04:55:07 AM
When I did a reinstall it put a folder in my C: labeled backup were I could get my old files now I am keeping docs etc. backed up on flash drives just in case .
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 23, 2010, 05:11:00 AM
That's a good idea.

Conventional wisdom is keep the data on a separate partition, but the computer I have in malware help came close to losing the 3rd partition, which is the largest and holds the most of my data.

So my next bright idea was separate hard drives in the same computer, but then I read an article that said that's not safe because a power supply short can kill both hard drives. Oddly enough, that happened to me last year. In all my years of power supply failures, I've only had to buy a new one. This time cost me two HDD.

I used to have an external USB HDD for data backups. Then my UPS let me down last year when a big short (lightening-like arc about a foot long) on a nearby power pole fried the HDD.

So now I am using the LAN to swap files between computers for backup.
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: CyberHunter on January 24, 2010, 07:00:00 AM
Would like to thank you all for your time and posts for this topic, I did a re-install  with XP Home CD, I'll recommend this to anyone who's having an issue starting windows or any missing files, blue error screens etc.  :)
Title: Re: Xp Boot Cd Needed?!
Post by: jkolak on January 24, 2010, 07:37:31 AM
Thanks for reporting your results. A lot of people feel a reinstall is the best way to go for system integrity and cleanliness. It's just that others have a lot invested in their setup, or need to get their data.