Windows XP logs on and off, can't get into Windows

[sturner]

 My pc logs on and off quickly and gets back to the main windows xp menu (with all the users listed).
 
I can't get into any part of the system in order to check the registry. I have tried making a boot diskette


I have changed the boot.ini to be rdisk(1) and partition (1) instead of 0, and 2.


I have the two other NT files on the diskette

boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home


The only CD I have from Dell is the reinstallation CD that doesn't boot up or do anything.

Any help would be appreciated.. I am stuck..

[patio]

Did you happen to save a copy of the bootini before you edited it ? ?

[sturner]

I actually copied it from another Pc in my home.. it looked like this:


boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition"
/fastdetect /Noexecute=OptIn

[sturner]

Here is what I did

I copied the boot.ini and 2 NT files onto a diskette. The diskette was formatted to be a system disk.  I read that the broken PC will read off of that. And it does.. BUT it takes me to the a:\ prompt.  I don't have the Recovery Console installed, so I can't get to that.  I have tried booting in Safe Mode, that gives me the same results. I have tried booting from the last good configuration, that gave me the same results.

I have found many forums with people having the same problems. EXACTLy.  but their solutions always mention going into the registry... But I can't even get to it - it order to change it.  It is possible I don't know the correct commands.

[patio]

You can run the Recovery Console from your XP CD...

Here Ya Go

[sturner]

I only have the "Reinstallation CD" for Windows Xp - does that have Recovery Console on it?

F10 doesn't do anything when I press it with this CD in. I hear the drive spinning, but nothing is running off of it while booting.  once it stops, f10 doesn't do anything

is it possible it is the correct cd and I am just not using it to boot from?

thanks for your quick response..