XP won't start...getting BSOD

I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with Windows XP installed. While browsing a streaming video site, I received an IE error message saying that Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and will shut down. After logging back in to IE, it happened again so I did a re-start. On restart, I received startup message: we apologize for the inconvenience but windows did not shut down properly and the normal full screen explanation. I just powered down as I have done before but got the message again followed by the bsod. The technical information I received was as follows:
stop: 0x0000007E (0XC0000005, 0XF75A03C0, 0XF7A3852C, 0XF7A38228)
Atapi.sys - Address F75A03C0 base at F758A000, Datestamp 41107b4d
Thinking it might be a virus from the internet site, I ran Avira Antivirus Rescue Software but it only came back with minor issues which didn't allow me to see the definitions. I then booted to my installation cd, went into repair and did a chkdsk. I also did bootcfg /scan which identified 1 Windows install and a bootcfg /list which indicated that Microsoft Windows XP WAS LOCATED AT c:\windows with load options /fastdetect /noexecute=optin. I have considered doing an in-place upgrade but I fear that it might cause me to lose valuable files I need for my business. I will also be disconnecting some of my hardware devices and try to reboot also.
If anyone can suggest the proper troubleshooting procedures to help me determine my problem, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

I think the problem is a bad atapi driver. When I try to do boot in safe mode, several driver related lines scroll down the screen. They scroll fast and then are gone so I'm unable to tell you what they say. I searched another forum and found a post that recommended downloading ubuntu and saving it to a thumb drive and then downloading MagicISO to burn it to cd. Then booting to the cd where I can replace the bad driver. I must be doing something wrong since nothing happens when I boot to the cd. If someone can tell me which version of ubuntu I should download and give me the procedures to burn, boot to and replace the driver I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

Are you able to fully boot into the safe mode windows desktop environment? If so try Start -> Run -> "sfc /scannow" and see if you have corrupt system files.

If you can't, check to make sure your video card is fully seated and other connections are secure. You could also have a hard drive going bad or a corrupt filesystem. MS chkdsk doesn't work as well as some other hard drive diagnostic tools. I would download a copy of Ulitmate Boot CD for Windows and burn it to CD, it has some great diagnostics. Run a full scan with Victoria for Windows, and do a full ram check. At least you'll have a working OS to do diagnostics and filesystem modifications from. Ubuntu isn't required to do that, and in your troubled state, I wouldn't want to force you into that learning curve.

 

No I can't boot into safe mode or any other options. So you're saying that by running chkdsk in the Recovery console with good results doesn't necessarily mean that my hard drive is ok? Ok, I will take your suggestions and give it a try. What about the Atapi.sys and scrolling error messages referring to the drivers? Wouldn't that indicate driver issues? Thanks for your response. I'll post back with results.

 

Ok, I downloaded UBCD but when I tried to burn to cd, I received the error message "invalid source path (cannot find file C:\UBCD4win\i386\setupldr.bin)

I don't know if this helps but the following is what is entered in builder:
Source: (path to Windows Installation files) C:\UBCD4WIN\
Custom: empty
Output: (C:\UBCD4Win\BartPE) BartPE
Media Output: C:\UBCD4Win\UBCD4WinBuilder.iso
Burn to cd/dvr
Burn using Starburn

Does this seem correct? Thanks again for your help.

 

My mistake. In my tired state last night I took shortcuts and missed some steps. I have created the UBCD cd and am able to boot to it. I haven't located Victoria for Windows to do a scan yet. I will continue looking after performing chkdsk. Any suggestions on what to use to check my drivers.