reboot problem after software installation

I installed clone dvd from a disc on my friends pc, I was asked to re boot, then I installed Any DVD fom a USB thumb drive, I was asked to reboot again but got this message on startup.....Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected device and press any key.

The thumb drive was left in the machine on reboot
The OS is XP pro

He has a CD marked XP pro recovery, I booted it and got to the part where it asks, do you want to install windows on selected drive, make a new partition or delete partition. My question is, if I do the install, will it delete any of the files?

Bob

 

Remove the thumb drive then reboot.

 

I did that but nothing changed

 

providing you are only performing a repair installation it will leave all other data in tack it will only repair the windows components

 

I didn't get the option to repair, does that option come after I press enter to install windows on selected drive

 

iff you follow the guide here it will instruct you on how to perform the repair installation " http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm " good luck

 

Is there some way I can access his files with a bootable Linux disc? I have a copy of Ubuntu 8.04 but have no idea how to use it.

 

sorry i am not familiar with the software you have mentioned, but if you be patient some one will be by who may be and will help you with that question

 

I will have a go at doing the repair tomorrow, if I don't get the option to repair, maybe I can access with a bootable Linux disc, if that fails I guess I could hook up another HDD and load windows on it so I can get his files of the the original drive.

 

Boot up with the Ubuntu disc in the tray. The operating system will run from that CD. You will need access to another CD/DVD, USB or external hard drive to copy and save any files you wish to keep.

 

I managed to solve the problem, I went into this bios and noticed there were two HDD's, somehow the drive with the OS on it had been changed and it was reading the second HDD, hence no startup. Got me stuffed how that could happen ?????

Anyway! thanx for your help guys, much appreciated.

 

good to see you have the problem sorted have a good one