XP boot issue - Linux/testDisk -

Discussion in 'Software' started by kamkar1, Nov 24, 2008.

  1. kamkar1

    kamkar1 Private E-2

    Hello majors-
    Gateway laptop HD (XP) would not boot. Tried to recover using original cds (did not work). Now at boot up, I have three options of Windows XP.
    The original option can't find system32\hal.dll
    The others boot to blue screen with errors that I can not read fast enough.
    --------------------------------------------------

    I used Linux trinity to backed up the HD\mydocuments - done
    (Great piece of software, 3 commands and I transfered 25G over the network)

    Testdisk is another software included in Linux trinity.
    I've followed the manual and eventually end up with:
    D: or recovery is currently set as boot able drive ( can be changed to Primary)
    and
    C: has two boot sectors. I am not sure how to decide which is the correct one.

    Can you help? Questions are:
    A- Should I delete the recovery windows XP from the HD by deleting WINDOW0 and WINDOWS1 directories?

    B- How do I use the testDisk correctly to recover and boot XP HD?

    thanks
    jk
     
  2. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    I assume by original CDs, you mean Gateway's restore/recovery rather than an XP CD.
    Borrow an XP CD of the same flavor you are running (home or pro) then try this
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330184

    Some additional reading on the issue
    http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm

    Browse through the restore/recovery CD on another computer and see if you can find hal on it; if so, copy it to a floppy.
    Put the floppy in the sick computer and type the following
    copy a:\hal.dll c:\windows\system32
    to get hal back in the proper place on the sick computer.
     
  3. kamkar1

    kamkar1 Private E-2

    Good Morning,
    Thanks for your help. I tired your recommendations and I was unable to recover the hard drive. Since all the data was already backed up, I did a complete reformat and re-install. It's good .

    PS: For your info I found LINUX TRINITY a very useful tool for backing up HD over the network.

    Hope you had a great thanksgiving.

    regards,
    jk
     
  4. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

  5. kamkar1

    kamkar1 Private E-2

    This is the link.
    Review the manaul, specially where is gives instructions on:
    1- How to determine the devices that are attached
    2- How to mount drives
    3- most importantly how to connect to LAN to copy fils.

    best
    jk
     

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