Can't boot normally, please help

After attempting to use a boot screen randomizer in an XP home system, my P.C. will not boot normally, only in safe mode. I have system restore points saved, but I had system restore off and it doesn't turn on in safe mode. The boot ini. restore in the bootXP program apperently doesn't work. Is there a way to restore my boot ini. and boot normally? I'm stumped.

 

This might help

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305671

or

Starting System Restore Tool from Command Prompt
Start your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

NOTE: You must log on as the administrator or a user that has administrator rights.
At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.
Follow the instructions on the screen to begin restoring your computer to a previous, functional state.


just copy and paste the following and follow instructions


%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

 

Thanks endiablo,
I tried that, but I don't have the static VxD tab they talk about. I've also tried manually deleting a back-up line in the boot ini that I read in a M.S. K.B. article and it didn't seem to change anything.

 

did you try the second option

system restore from the safe mode:

Starting System Restore Tool from Command Prompt
Start your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

NOTE: You must log on as the administrator or a user that has administrator rights.
At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.
Follow the instructions on the screen to begin restoring your computer to a previous, functional state.

 

No, I didn't. I tried to start Sys. restore normally in safe mode and it wouldn't start. I'm not sure how to do it with the command prompt.

 

1. restart the computer
2. press f8 right before it looks for the os
3. it should give you a list of options on how to start the computer
4 start in safe mode (not sure on the following but) look for one that says
safemode with dos prompt

5. start
6. run
7. copy and paste the following on the prompt (or type)

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

that should do it

 

I tried that, it says "system restore has been shut off and cannot be started in safe mode".

 

This article describes it perfectly, but.....I tried deleting the line it recommended and no dice. I'm still looking through the K.B. but pages scroll EXTREMELY slow in safe mode.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555044&Product=winxp

 

Just so we are in the same page

I shut down the computer and checked the startup options

the top 3 are

safe mode
safe mode with networking
and safe mode with command promp

You probably already done this but I need to ask so we can try to solve your problem with this option clearly out of the way

you did boot up with safe mode and the command promp right??
and when you did, windows did not load like regular safe mode but it took you to a safe mode dos promp right??

and then you typed the command mentioned above right??

if you did that and still did not work then we can try to figure this out another way

Let me know

Thanks

 

Ooops, no. I booted in safe mode, then went to start/command prompt. I try it the other way. Thanks.

 

when all else fails
insert os cd do repair install

 

@ endiablo: I tried doing it that way but got the exact same message "system restore cannot start in safe mode"
@ Asus: The P.C. is an HP and instead of including the disc, the XP backup is on a separate partition (the D: drive). Is it possible to do a repair install with that?

 

HP computers that ship with Microsoft Windows XP already come with a hidden preloaded recovery partition. This hidden partition can be used to recover all of the original software in the event of a major problem by pressing the F10 key repeatedly when the computer is first started. However, there may be times when recovery CDs are needed to restore the computer, like when a virus destroys the recovery partition. By using the HP Recovery CD Creator program, you can create a physical set of recovery CDs from which you can restore your computer back to its original condition.


http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=bph08097&cc=us

I think this might help you

 

Wow, thank you so much endiablo. It took 45 to do, a couple of reboots, and I have several hours of work to get rid of all the crap HP put on it and to things the way I had em, but so far so good.
Thanks again

 

Glad to hear it

I also learned right along with you now we both know


edit:
you might want to consider making a backup of your hardrive. I have and I do not have to have system restore on. If anything goes wrong I just insert my cd and 25 minutes later I am back and operational.

By me not using system restore I am in any way advocating that anybody not use it. This is just my personal option

I use norton ghost but I also hear good thing about the following program. I know Kodo uses it


http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2236

I have not used it personally but Kodo might give you a better review of it

either way I assume it works under the same principles of Norton Ghost.

a backup like that has saved me from long hours of headaches and heartaches. HP does have a backup of the OS on the hardrive but what if your harddrive fails??

and believe me they will. I have 2 hardrives go down on me the same week one with a backup and the other one without one.

I am still installing programs on the one without a backup (what a pain in the butt)

THe price is not bad for what it does.

 

Man , a year and a half of MS updates take quite a while. I just did the Black Viper services, removing a TON of crap HP puts on it..... but so far so good. I do have a lot backed up on a second PC and I use System restore but I save the restore points separetly so I can shut it off most of the time for gaming. Thanks again for the patience and the help. I learn some things the hard way.