XP doesn't boot

OK so it appears some bug got me, and infected the boot sequence. I cannot go to safe mode, or last known config... but thru BIOS when i have it load the failsafe it tells me to insert a clean bootable floppy.
Can someone help me please? this is an emachine that had windows OEM.
Have i lost everything anyway? if so I will just use the recovery disk, but if there is another way to work around this I would like to know.

thanks,

 

Lets firstly try to save your data.

1. You will need to download a Linux Live CD (Puppy my favourite, as its 100Mb download and loads entirely in ram so after booting you can take the cd out).

Boot with the Linux Live CD and once on the desktop you should see the icon to your HD (or several icons if your HD has several partitions).

You will be able to navigate / locate and save your data to external usb (just connect your external and Linux will detect and show you an icon on the desktop).

NOTE: On Linux when you access a drive/partition/volume, a little green dot will appear on the icon (the partition is mounted). Remember to Unmount after you finish (right click>unmount).

IF you do not see the HD icon on the Linux desktop > that is trouble. However, lets assume that all goes well and you copy your data off the HD.

As regards, the non boot issue given that you cannot access windows at all ie safe mode, I would initially suggest that you download the Antivir Rescue CD and run that and see what it comes up with.

http://www.avira.com/en/support-download-avira-antivir-rescue-system

Download the .iso version, burn to cd and boot from that CD. This is a Linux based utility, just select option 1 when prompted ie default boot.

You will hit a simple GUI. I would suggest that you set it to log nasties only the first scan. That option will be in one of the tabs.

See how you get on with that first.

I am sure that other users will add their contributions shortly.

Good Luck

 

An alternative to a Live Linux CD would be the Ultimate Boot CD 4 Windows (or UBCD4Win). It's similar to a Live Linux CD in that it's a bootable operating system that runs entirely from CD, but it's much more "Windows-ish", meaning there's a Start button, it has all sorts of built-in programs (like file explorers, search tools, disk tools, etc), the right-click brings up the ol' familiar options like you'd see in Windows (copy, paste, etc), and for me personally, it's much easier to use than the Linux CDs, mainly due to the very familiar environment. Just be sure that you plug in your external USB storage device before booting to the CD, or as it's loading. If you connect it after the CD has completely loaded, the USB device may or may not be recognized (usually not) and can be a pain to get it running. There's extensive info at the UBCD4Win home page about customizing the CD and adding your own plug-ins and programs if you're motivated in that direction. Anyway - I hope this helps, GOOD LUCK!

(The download is a 269mb self extracting .EXE file which ends up being a much larger .ISO file; I believe it gives you the option to burn the CD after it extracts itself, but I don't remember; I use the disc almost every day, but haven't burned a new one in quite some time)

 

Ok so I tried the UBCD first... and I am not sure what I did wrong. It downloaded to my Windows 7 computer just fine.. and it asked me to install so I did. But then I was lost as it never gave an option to burn-- all it wanted to do was search for install files. On their site it says I need the windows installation disks... which I dont have.... since it was an OEM version.
I am not quite sure I know enough to tackle the "LINUX" option.. sounds kinda scary to a novice LOL .:-o

Also, had a question about the AVIRA... do I boot from that or how does it work?
Again I am sorry I am not too knowledgeable about some of this stuff.
I had a friend suggest Hirens Boot CD but was not able to get it to work either. UGH..

 

Hi,

To put the boot disc aside for a minute.
What exactly are you seeing when you try to boot XP--what does the screen say/look like?

Does it look the same when you try Safe Mode?

 

I get nothing... it flashes on showing the HD, memory, etc, and then goes black. I can go into the boot choices.. but none that I have tried work either. (safe mode, last good config etc)

 

You don't see a blinking cursor in the top left corner of the screen after the BIOS page? Your mouse cursor doesn't show either?

On creating a bootable CD. The UBCD needs a Windows disk to get the files to build the actual disc, so that may not work for you if you don't have a Windows installation disc. I'm not sure about Hiren's I haven't used it in a while so I'm not sure what the options will be if you get it to boot.

To burn a an ISO file such as Hiren's you must burn it as an image file. Imgburn makes this fairly easy. Install the program and start it. Select "Write Image file to Disc". Then Select the ISO file and then click the double icon at the bottom of the window to burn the CD.

 

Nope, no blinking cursor.. no mouse pointer... nothing.

I found out that I needed to burn the ISO file to CD and will try that when I get home tonight.

 

Yeah - I forgot that building the UBCD4Win .ISO file requires the use of a WindowsXP SP2 or SP3 disc (I haven't had to build one in a very loooong time). If you don't have one, maybe a friend has one you can borrow. If not, let me know and I'll build the .ISO and set up an on-line storage where you can download it from. All the options mentioned above (the Avira rescue disc, the Linux option, etc) all require the burning of an .ISO file to a disc. Just about every burning program released in the past 5 years (both free and paid) can burn an .ISO image, but it MUST be burned "as an image" and not like you'd burn a regular data disc. Personally, I use ImgBurn for all my .ISO burning chores. It's free and easy to use (simply install the program, put a blank CD in the drive, launch ImgBurn, select "Write image file to disc", browse to the .ISO file, click on the "Burn image" symbol, wait). So if you decide to try the Avira or Linux discs, you'll still need to burn the downloaded .ISO files as described.... I guess all this should have been mentioned sooner.
:-o

(BTW- I just realized that "the Linux option" sounds a lot like an espionage thriller spy/action movie, doesn't it? LOL )

 

OK - I built the ISO and I'm in the process of setting up some online storage for it now (which is a learning experience in itself considering I've never done it before, and the file size prevents me from using some of the free services which max at 500mb, but I found one that allows up to 5gb of storage )

 

WOW you are awesome!! I wonder if Pando will let something that big transfer? I use that a lot at work.
Just let me know.
Thanks again.

Oh and.. yes.. since i am not much into spy thrillers.. maybe that is why it seemed so intimidating LOL

 

@ gofergal - I tried to send you a PM, but it appears you have private/personal messages disabled.... I need to send you some info (like an email address) that shouldn't be posted in a public forum... send me a PM and/or post here when you have PMs working....

 

OHhh I dont know how to enable that messenger. I am sorry... i looked all over and in my profile and can't see where to change it.
However, one of the tekkies at work gave me a copy of Hiren's and I am able to log into the computer. Let me try running the cleaners etc and if I have further problems or questions I will give you a holler. I appreciate all your help!! You have been awesome.
Thanks again...and if you want to tell me how to enable messenger I will be happy to do that.
:wave

 

dlb: I could REALLY use that .iso to attempt recovering my xp pro SP3 pc, as the machine was purchased with software installed (serial no. tag on pc case / don't remember the correct terminology)....no OEM disc...

....and I can't send you a PM (less than 50 posts)

Thank you.



"Yeah - I forgot that building the UBCD4Win .ISO file requires the use of a WindowsXP SP2 or SP3 disc (I haven't had to build one in a very loooong time). If you don't have one, maybe a friend has one you can borrow. If not, let me know and I'll build the .ISO and set up an on-line storage where you can download it from."