Please Help Me w/ Booting My System (Win XP)

Hi um... well, I was in the middle of doing the steps needed to help free my computer of Maleware and the sorts (via http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407), until I got to the rebooting in Safe Mode part.

Well, my problem during that step changed when I couldn't boot in Safe Mode, so I followed the link to where it directs you to "reboot in Safe Mode using msconfig." SO! zzz I did that... but the same thing happened, and I couldn't get into the User Log In menu, and remained stuck on the screen that allows you to choose from "Safe Mode" "Safe Mode w/ Networking" "Safe Mode w/ Command Prompt" "Last Good Config..." and "Normal"

lol, so that kind of sucks. And not only can I NOT get into my account, but that I fear I may have screwed up big time with that.

But hey... if anybody can help guide me, I'd very much appreciate it since, the last thing I'd want to resort to is getting the computer fixed the old fashion way. (um... however it's done, that is)

 

I'm unsure what you are saying. What do you mean by you are stuck on the screen that allows you to start in safe mode. If you select safe mode what happens?

 

Hm, alright well... just for the heck of it, I'll post the problem more specificially here, just to make it much easier to understand.

1. I did the READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide Steps 1-4.

2. Got to Step 5 and was beginning to restart my computer under Safe Mode.

3. Tried the normal way of starting in Safe Mode, but didn't work.

4. So I resorted to the following direction:
"If you cannot use the above Preferred Method you can use the below MSconfig method with Windows 98, Me, and XP (Windows 2000 users must use the F8 method - keep trying until you get it.)"

5. I followed the instructions on the link below that, and checked the box needed to reboot my computer in Safe Mode using MSConfig.

6. I clicked okay and was prompt to restart my computer now or later. I clicked now.

7. The computer restarted, but didn't get pass the screen that normally shows up when you press F8 (for the Safe Mode options).

8. When the first 3 Safe Mode options on that screened failed, I chose the Last Good Config, and afterwards Normal Startup - each failing as well, but both taking me to the Windows XP screen that shows the loading bar at the bottom.

9. When that finished loading, though, a blue screen would pop up for like a split second, and the computer would go back to restarting again - doing the process all over.

NOW:
Well, I searched the forums more and may have found what I needed, but I feel I need to get it confirmed by more experienced people.

Would I have to find the Windows XP CD and try repairing it? Like what one of the members here stated in the thread I was viewing:

"At this point I'd just install Windows again, over the previous install. Don't format, this way it resets windows back to it's default configuration and you still keep everything that was on the drive. From there you should be able to find out if the program that was keeping you from booting is still there or not.
"

 

Ah, sorry... I didn't know somebody replied.

Lol... but I guess I was just in time in explaining my problem better, eh? zzz

 

Well, if I select Safe Mode... it'll do it's processing thing (with like all the words and numbers scrolling down the screen) - but that's it, lol.

Afterwards, it restarts my computer again, and EVEN if I don't press F8 for the Safe Mode options... it still comes up, since I did the thing w/ MSConfig (regarding having that reboot my computer in Safe Mode).

So the same thing happens over and over and... I'm kinda freaked out 'cuz I've never experienced this before, and that... it's not my computer! rolleyes

 

Nek, try resetting the cmos and see if that helf.

 

Thanks for the advice, but I have no idea how to go about doing that... lol.

 

Sorry, I've seen this problem here before but never experienced it. Was just looking at the safe mode screen. If you have the option on your safe mode screen select disable restart on system error. Then when you try to start again it should stay on the blue screen, copy the error info and post back. We might be able to determine whether or not a repair is necessary.

I'm trying to figure out how trying to start in safe mode could cause this problem. You just downloaded but hadn't run the anti-malware programs. Set your system to open in safe mode and got stuck. Right?

 

:cool lol, you're pretty sharp.

But yeah... that's about it. However, I don't have the option that you mentioned: Disable Restart on System Error. So I'm afraid I can't post anything... lol, in fact, I'm using my brother's computer to try and get some help since the one w/ the problems won't allow me to even log on.

And I don't know how trying to start in Safe Mode caused the problem either - or maybe it's simply the virus on the computer, I dunno. But that's why I was trying to get rid of them, lol. But yeah, I just downloaded the anti-malware programs, but didn't do the scanning parts.

I ran the ones that I was directed to "install" but that's it. Then restarted my computer, pressed F8... but that didn't work, so I clicked to start it up normally and then came back and read the other option about rebooting in Safe Mode, if the first method didn't work.

Soooo... I'm basically tied to Safe Mode even though I'm not directly in it. And something's keeping me from getting through... :cry

... dang porno.

lol, kidding... sorry. Please help still.

EDIT!!
My problem is pretty similar to this guys': http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=91109&highlight=booting+problems
(Just for the record)

 

I'm thinking That a repair might be the easiest way if you have the XP CD. There is someone that posts an XP Repair in 8 easy steps. That simplifies the process from a "wordier" version but can't quite find a copy of the post. I'm still looking around.

Because no options on the safe mode page work for you, I don't know what else to recommend. Unless a post about creating an XP start-up disk is available. If that's the case you may be able to make one off your brother's computer and then start yours and try to do a system restore from a command prompt. That's what I'm thinking now anyway. I'll continue to look around and see what's available.

 

*sighs* Yep... I was thinking the same thing a while ago too. The only problem was... my brother's computer (that I'm on now) doesn't have a floppy disk drive (and I don't know why...) - so I can't do the XP start-up disk method, which I've also already looked into when I searched Google (before I came to Major Geeks).

I can try and find the Windows XP CD, sure. Lol... though I'll probably... have to ask my dad, but then he'd find out and then I'll get grounded, ha! Which isn't really all that funny now that I think of it... but it's better than leaving it at it's state I suppose, right?

BUT HEY!!

... thanks for the help, really. I appreciate the time you've taken to look around and stuff to help me.

If I end up fixing the problem, I'll be sure to let ya know right away. SO THANKS!

 

Huh, well... I seemed to have made a little progress in getting this problem resolved, but now... I ran into a NEW problem.

First of all though, I'll post what it is I did, and what's changed since last night for ya... so that maybe you can provide me with more advice from there.

1. Taking sach's advice, I ended up finding the Windows XP CD, and popped it into the CD/DVD-rom drive, but it turned out that the CD wouldn't even run it's installation program before the options that come up using Safe Mode (F8) appear.

2. So I was stuck with the same old problem again, but trying my luck... I decided to get into the system setup (by pressing DEL during startup) and changed the order in which the system boots hardrives.

3. The original order was that it would boot the Floppy Disk Drive, then the Hardrive, then the CD-rom Drive.

4. Out of curiousity, I changed it to (1) CD-rom, (2) Floppy, and (3) Hardrive - and what do you know! The CD ends up playing, and I get the blue screen that appears that then asks you if you want to install Windows XP, or Repair it, etc.

5. So I clicked 'R' to Repair, and I'm taken to a black screen that asks me what part of the system I want to repair. C:/Windows being the only option.

6. So! I type in 1 (for that option) - and then I'm asked the Administrator Password.

7. lol... thing is now, I know what the password is, but it doesn't seem to accept it. And I don't know if it means my User Name password, since I'm the Admin, or... if it meant the Supervisor Password, or the 'other' User Password (that you can create via the 'DEL' key Setup-thing').

8. Well... in any case, I tried all three - and of course, only had 3 chances to put in the right one before it went back to restarting again. And now I don't know where to go from here.

9. Kinda like... why won't it recognize my password? But then I started thinking... when we first installed Windows on this computer... could it be that we created an account and password then? Lol.

... please help. :wave

 

Would anybody be able to tell me if this method here would work?

1. Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen, press the Enter key.

2. You will be taken to the Windows XP Licensing Agreement. After reading the agreement, press F8 to proceed.

3. The next screen gives you the option to do a fresh (clean) install, or to repair the selected Windows XP installation. To run a Repair Install, press "R" at this time.
****CAUTION**** If you do not see the option to repair the selected Windows XP installtion DO NOT choose the option to continue installing a fresh copy without repairing, as that will overwrite your data and cause unrecoverable data loss.

4. Windows XP will copy the necessary files to your Hard Drive to begin the installation and will then reboot. You will see the message that informs you to "Press any key to boot the CD." Do not press any keys this time, just wait a few seconds and the Windows Startup Screen will be displayed. Following this you will be greeted by the Windows XP Setup Screens.

5. When Setup has completed, you should find all of your previously installed apps and settings are intact.

My Worry?
Even though this method sounds like the right one to choose, since the computer won't seem to recognize none of the passwords I've typed in - I'm still kinda worried that I'll lose a lot of data and stuff, over something as little as this. (Even though it really isn't that little of a problem - Safe Mod not working? Hmm...)

But still, can anyone advise me as to whether this will work for my problem?
Or is it too much of a risk, if I'm not looking to see my computer go down the drain?

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EDIT 2!!
So at the Command Prompt, I typed in "Help" for a list of available options and noticed a "BOOTCFG" (boot configuration?) and "FIXBOOT" option. However, I have no idea how to proceed from here.

Is my computer in need of a configuration? Or would the "FIXBOOT" command help solve my problem and at least allow me to log onto my account normally?


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDIT!!
For the Admin Password problem I was having below... I found out that by default, the password is created blank - so I just pressed Enter when asked the password, and I seemed to have gotten through.

Now I have to get into reading the next steps. *sigh*

Oh, and sorry if I'm posting/editing too much... guess I'm just trying to make sure that I know what I'm doing, and that others can see what I'm doing, or if anybody had the same problem - could follow these instructions, etc (if it works).

 

Please ignore the post below this one, as this is an updated post in regards to my previous problem.

The System Refresh/Non-Destructive Reinstall Method
1. Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen, press the Enter key.
2. You will be taken to the Windows XP Licensing Agreement. After reading the agreement, press F8 to proceed.
3. The next screen gives you the option to do a fresh (clean) install, or to repair the selected Windows XP installation. To run a Repair Install, press "R" at this time.
****CAUTION**** If you do not see the option to repair the selected Windows XP installtion DO NOT choose the option to continue installing a fresh copy without repairing, as that will overwrite your data and cause unrecoverable data loss.
4. Windows XP will copy the necessary files to your Hard Drive to begin the installation and will then reboot. You will see the message that informs you to "Press any key to boot the CD." Do not press any keys this time, just wait a few seconds and the Windows Startup Screen will be displayed. Following this you will be greeted by the Windows XP Setup Screens.
5. When Setup has completed, you should find all of your previously installed apps and settings are intact.

My Worry?
So far, this method seems to be the one I'll need to follow after - if I hope to increase my chances of having all of the data on my computer kept intact. The only problem here is that my computer will be vulnerable to maybe even more viruses, but all I need to do is make sure I get the security updates and such downloaded properly before the system can be infected again.

However, I still haven't tried it yet... as I'm waiting to see whether or not I should, lol. But so far, it seems like the safest way to go, I guess. I mean the repair process seems much different than the first one (where the first repair method asks you to press 'R' at the beginning of the Setup, instead of going through the Licensed-Agreement thing).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: 3
Well, after reading into it more... I found a thread that mentioned something about the BELOW method here (Edit: 2) tending to create more problems for you and your computer, lol. Anyways... here's a link for any expert or professional to look over, to see if the above method (known as the System Refresh or Non-Destructive Reinstall) will do, rather than the ones I have listed below.

But so far, it seems as if the above method will be the best way to go, since I'm not quite knowledgeable in the other areas, mentioned in Edit: 1 and 2.

[http://www.anetforums.com/posts.aspx?ThreadIndex=30064]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: 2
So at the Command Prompt, I typed in "Help" for a list of available options and noticed a "BOOTCFG" (Boot Configuration?) and "FIXBOOT" option. However, I have no idea how to proceed from here, nor do I know what either one of them do...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: 1
For the Adminstrator Password problem I was having below... I found out that by default, the password is created blank - so I just pressed Enter when asked the password, and I seemed to have gotten through into a command prompt.

 

Hey Sach, I was finally able to get the Disable Restart on System Error option to show up, but only after I had followed through with the method I posted below. The System Refresh method, I mean.

However, even by doing so - my computer still didn't get me to the User Log In menu, and would reboot again after the Windows loading screen was done.

I have the error log that showed up on the blue screen after the Windows loading screen, so here it is. I can't 'attach' it or anything, since it's on the other computer, so I'll type it down for you instead.

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

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appear again, follow these steps:

Check to make sure any hardware or software is properly installed. If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any Windows updates you might need. If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical Information:
*** STOP: 0x0000000A (0xF7D52354, 0x000000FF, 0x00000001, 0x804E34DD)
---------------

I'll see what I can figure out in disabling the BIOS memory options. But it might take a while since I've never done these kind of of things before. And I know I can't do Safe Mode again, unless it got fixed - I'll have to try. And if I can get in with Safe Mode, then... well lol, I guess I'll keep you posted or something.

 

Here's a link to step-by-step non-destructive repair option. http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

It is often recommended for this problem. I'm taking a quick look around to see if Bootcfg or Fixboot can be used to change the start in safemode option by editing boot.ini file.

 

Hold off on the repair. I think bootcfg can be edited to remove the safemode switch. It may not get you running but it is least invasive. Let me look at this for a few more minutes.

 

lol, well... I mean already did the first repair before you posted the link, but then I did it again - but couldn't get into the Windows Setup, since the computer would once again just reboot.

I'll hold off for now though - I left it alone at the Advanced Options screen. But
there are more options now than before, such as:

- Enable Boot Logging
- Enable VGA Mode
- Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows controllers only)
- Debugging Mode
- Reboot
and
- Return to OS choices menu

 

My settings for boot.ini:

You're currently running with a line that looks like this "OS Load Options: /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /safemode"

You want to remove the /safemode part. Have a look at this thread http://discussions.virtualdr.com/archive/index.php/t-186540.html and saslab's reply at 11:01

I'm looking for actual step by step commands where I can duplicate what he said he did. But for example /list doesn't work for me, I have to use /query. But I think this might be the right track to try before a rebuild.

 

Aye, at first glance it's a little difficult (for me at least) to try and find out how to actually go about doing what he did.

But I know how to get into the Recovery Console sure enough. All I have to do is load the CD, wait for the setup, press 'R' at the first options screen, until I get into the black screen with the command prompts, right?

From there, I'll type in 1 - as the part I want to fix, do the Admin Password, which for me is blank (as in just press Enter), and then... I guess type in bootcfg /list (or) /query and copy the information down?

What information I don't know... but judging from what you said, I'll probably have to type in bootcfg /rebuild and somehow find a way to change my computer's OS Load Options: /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /safemode to OS Load Options: /noexecute=optin /fastdetect, right?

And from there on exit, and restart my computer to see if anything changed.

The only thing I don't understand though, is the part where he said:
"... first you select the windows installation to use and enter the corresponding number (default is "1"); then it asks you to enter the load identified. I typed in "Microsoft Windows XP Professional", without the quotes. Lastly, it prompted for the OS load options. Here I typed in "fastdetect /noexecute=optin"

I don't know what the 'load' is... and I'm sure I'm running XP Home Edition, rather than Professional... and I have no clue what the OS load options are, or if I did... whether I would type in OS Load Options: /noexecute=optin /fastdetect or just fastdetect /noexecute=optin like he did.

 

Try this at command prompt

bootcfg /copy /d "Windows XP 2" /id 1

bootcfg /raw "/noexecute=optin /fastdetect" /id 2


Then restart, you should get a boot loader choice of your normal XP OS and the XP 2. Select XP 2 and see if it starts normally.

*****************
Basically, we're just making a copy of your current settings and editing the copy. If the copy doesn't work it can be deleted and you are back where you started. bootcfg /delete /id 2

 

I'm using Windows XP Home Edition.

But anyways, while using the RC, I typed in:
bootcfg /copy /d "Windows XP 2" /id 1
- pressed Enter, then typed in
bootcfg /raw "/noexecute=optin /fastdetect" /id 2 - pressed enter, then typed in
Exit to reboot, but didn't get a boot loader choice like you mentioned.

 

Neither "/copy" or "/raw" exist in the bootcfg list of commands, though. So I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

The available commands for bootcfg that I was shown were:
/scan
/add
/rebuild
/default
/list
/disableredirect
/redirect

 

Does bootcfg /query list both boot entries 1 and 2 ?

 

No.
When I type in the command bootcfg /query I get shown the list of available commands for bootcfg as if I had just typed in bootcfg alone instead.

 

In fact, now that I think of it... same thing happens when I did the other 2 commands you listed for me.

 

Why do they make it so difficult? I have to head out for a couple of hours, I'll look at an XP home computer and see if those commands translate. Sorry, I didn't realize the commands were different on home and pro.

 

*laughs* Ah, I don't know! Maybe they enjoy showing off all that intellect and stuff!

... which really isn't funny now that I think of it because even though I'm kinda smart, this whole thing's making me feel a little dumb. zzz

But hey, Sach lol. Take your time - I still appreciate the help, nonetheless. And I'll also look around and see if there's a way to translate those commands into a Home Edition computer, like you mentioned.

If I find anything... uhh, well. Lol, guess you can look forward to like, oh I dunno... more random posts.

*sigh*

Enjoy!

 

Bootcfg is limited in Home XP. I'm not sure if using the /add switch will let you add a second pointer to the same partition like copy will in Pro. If it does you would just use Bootcfg /add

In your case it would only list [1] C:\Windows; you would select [1] and then put in a description/label(like XP 2) and then enter /fastdetect for OS Load Options. If it gives you an error trying to add (something like entry already exists) then making a copy won't work.

It shouldn't matter, it looks like the Home version is trying to protect you from making mistakes and fills in the partition info for you. I think you can use the Bootcfg /rebuild option without making a safety copy first.

or this link http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000648.htm Basically just Yes to add, Description and /fastdetect as the option.Don't worry about the /noexecute=optin line I mentioned earlier, if omitted it is the default anyway.

***********
This should get you out of the start in safe mode problem, I'm unsure if it will get you out of the boot/reboot loop.

 

Well, that way seemed to help now. I'm able to reach the setup this time - that I wasn't able to reach after I had did the "XP's No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option."

So, lol... now I've gotta follow through with this (hopefully) repair-installation, that won't erase or overwrite any of my data!

zzz

But! If any more problems occur, then you'll probably be hearing them, again... and again, ha. But thanks for the help, again. Everything should go by smoothly now, unless... I happen to not find a CD that needs to be insteretedlikeNOW!!!!!ARGH!!!

:wave
Take care.

 

Just curious did you add or rebuild?

Sorry, locating installation CD's is always trouble for me too. I put them in such a safe place, even I can't find them.

 

Safe Mode Lock/MSConfig/Boot Lock
SOLUTION!

Well, the method Sach suggested seems to be the best solution for this type of problem, at least, from what I've experienced - along with the System Repair method that was linked here: http://www.informationweek.com/windo...leID=189400897​

So for anybody who is having problems with Safe Mode, or even getting into
their User Accounts for that matter, I would suggest you look through some
of posts here in this thread, to see if any of them would help lol. However! I
can confirm that neither of these methods have been able to release
whatever problem that is keeping Safe Mode from running properly (if at all).
I've tried it out, but even under the new XP2 boot setting (which is now like
a modified setting) that I used with Sach's help... Safe Mode tends to still be
problematic. Why? I don't know. Maybe I can research on it some more.

But anyways, the solution here has been posted by Sach. Just remember
that Windows XP Professional and Home Edition are different from each other,
so the command prompts may have to change, or be translated somehow -
like how Sach did here.

BOOTCFG /ADD
Seems to be equivalent or similar to the command BOOTCFG /COPY, albeit less
complicated since there isn't much work needed to be done.

Example for Home Edition Users:
Enter Load Identifier: XP2
(Custom description for an operating system loading from the Boot menu)

Enter Operating System Load Options: /fastdetect
(instead of: bootcfg /copy /d "Windows XP 2" /id 1
bootcfg /raw "/noexecute=optin /fastdetect" /id 2)

And once you've typed in the above and press Enter, you'll be taken back to
the regular command prompt again, where you can check to see whether the new setting was added
or not by typing in BOOTCFG /LIST - which should show you the newly created setting, as well as the
previous one. The new setting will also be shown as the new default setting.

From there, you can then proceed to type in EXIT to restart your computer
thus giving you the option to boot from either:

1. XP2 (the newly added/modified boot setup you've just created)
or
2. Windows XP Home Edition (the previous boot setup that had you stuck)

So all in all, XP2 will be your new and default boot setup configuration, so
you can get into your User Accounts. But from here on out, depending
whether or not you have done the System Repair (via the Windows XP CD)
as mentioned here again:
http://www.informationweek.com/windo...leID=189400897

- you might have to continue with that setup, in order to get to your
User Accounts - which I had to do. However, for those who are concerned
whether or not finishing the repair installation will erase all of your previously
saved data, then the answer is No.

As long as you follow the directions given in the link, then your data will be
safe, I assure you. But that's only if you've done the repair before
doing the BOOTCFG method. I haven't tried doing BOOTCFG first, since... I
kinda jumped the gun on that one, and went ahead and repaired my Windows
XP - which is now, still intact.

But anyways, like I said... I'm unsure of how to get Safe Mode working
properly again, or as to what's even plaguing it. But all in all, thanks for the
help, Sach! And it's been fun! Sorta... my head kinda hurts now, but I
learned quite a lot for my first time. Ha, feel like a virgin! *blink*

Anyways, I'm done now being all smart-sounding and stuff. So cheers guys,
before I get grounded!

zzz

 

Haha... yeah, I had to sneak into my dad's closet to get them out.
But to answer your question... I used BOOTCFG /ADD.

Using /REBUILD would've been my last option, but only if /ADD didn't work of
course, ha. But... I wonder if /REBUILD would've solved the Safe Mode problem itself, y'know? confused

 

Just so you know you don't need both startup entries in your boot.ini file. They both are starting the same Windows XP program just with
different options. Now that you can run XP you can edit the boot.ini file directly and delete the extra listing to eliminate the boot menu
screen. To be safe, I would do it in two steps first just edit the file to remove the /safemode switch on your original listing. Then if both
listings start up normally, you can remove the extra "XP 2" listing altogether. The blue font just shows that both listings are starting the same OS. The red font is where you make the changes.

As far as safe mode not working, I'm wondering if one of the safemode switches is causing the problem. For instance your /safemode line probably has extra characters at the end describing what type of safemode to enter, these could be causing the trouble. I wonder if, originally, you gave the F8 option a proper chance to work. It has only a very short window to open. You can hit F8 multiple times but it has to be immediately after the BIOS screen. It might be worth a try to attempt safemode from F8 again. Good Luck

 

"-minimal" is the extra characters that are followed after the "/safemode" line.

And yes, of course I gave it time to work too.
In fact, the two boot options to choose from (XP2 and Windows XP Home
Edition) also offer the option to press F8 for Safe Mode, and this is all
immediately after the BIOS screen. I'll try it out tonight though, for sure.