Windows XP pro wont start fully

[KLR]

Having a nasty problem with my Windows XP pro.

was having a few problems with it (the usual crap - running slow
occasionally, and taking about 5 minutes to go through the normal
start sequence

decided to try using the boot disks and do a "repair" of the existing
windows.

This process worked fine (according to the machine), but when it was
restarted - it gets as far as the "windows xp" logo with the bargraph
underneath (the part that occurs just before the pic changes to the
desktop or the "select user" menu) and just stays in that screen
indefinitely. The bargraph in the lower middle continues to move -
so presumably the thing hasnt totally frozen ?

When you use the boot options (from the F8 menu during startup, they
produce the same results - or just sit and hang indefinitely, whether
safe mode, (of any type) last known good settings etc.



I tried to boot again using the boot disks and "repair" the
installation once more but it still doesnt work.


anyone got any ideas about how I can recover this windows installation
?

 

[Andrew]

%<
XP is relatively stable, provided you keep updated. I would guess that you
have most likely caught a virus or have a driver problem. Turn on boot
logging. Since you are posting a message here I assume you have access to
the web. Do a search on troubleshooting XP at boot time.

 

[Lord-Data]

You could also try posting it to a group that is even slightly relevant?

 

[Patrick Dunford]

Having a nasty problem with my Windows XP pro.

was having a few problems with it (the usual crap - running slow
occasionally, and taking about 5 minutes to go through the normal
start sequence

Could be HDD problem? are you using NTFS?

decided to try using the boot disks and do a "repair" of the existing
windows.

This process worked fine (according to the machine), but when it was
restarted - it gets as far as the "windows xp" logo with the bargraph
underneath (the part that occurs just before the pic changes to the
desktop or the "select user" menu) and just stays in that screen
indefinitely. The bargraph in the lower middle continues to move -
so presumably the thing hasnt totally frozen ?

When you use the boot options (from the F8 menu during startup, they
produce the same results - or just sit and hang indefinitely, whether
safe mode, (of any type) last known good settings etc.



I tried to boot again using the boot disks and "repair" the
installation once more but it still doesnt work.


anyone got any ideas about how I can recover this windows installation

Check H/W. I assume you have a backup of your data.

 

[Dave]

Having a nasty problem with my Windows XP pro.

was having a few problems with it (the usual crap - running slow
occasionally, and taking about 5 minutes to go through the normal
start sequence

I would have run bootvis, (search for it), at this point.

decided to try using the boot disks and do a "repair" of the existing
windows.

This process worked fine (according to the machine), but when it was
restarted - it gets as far as the "windows xp" logo with the bargraph
underneath (the part that occurs just before the pic changes to the
desktop or the "select user" menu) and just stays in that screen
indefinitely. The bargraph in the lower middle continues to move -
so presumably the thing hasnt totally frozen ?

When you use the boot options (from the F8 menu during startup, they
produce the same results - or just sit and hang indefinitely, whether
safe mode, (of any type) last known good settings etc.

I tried to boot again using the boot disks and "repair" the
installation once more but it still doesnt work.

Remove all 'extra' hardware, (ie. everything EXCEPT mouse, keyboard, HD,
floppy and video card), then boot into Safe Mode.

anyone got any ideas about how I can recover this windows installation
?

If you can boot to the command console then run System Restore and see
if you can restore to before your repair installations, (but I don't
think so). http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=304449

If you can't recover it, then, (providing you have access to another XP
machine), go to http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ and make a BartPE CD with
the tools you want/need.

Boot off of it, then run a virus scanner, other recovery tools or just
be able to access your files on NTFS/FAT partitions to copy them off to
somewhere else.

I've found that when XP dies, it dies very well, (ie. format then
reinstall).

Dave

 

[KLR]

You could also try posting it to a group that is even slightly relevant?

yes

I see you are about as relevant with your typical posts of late too.

 

[KLR]

I would have run bootvis, (search for it), at this point.


Remove all 'extra' hardware, (ie. everything EXCEPT mouse, keyboard, HD,
floppy and video card), then boot into Safe Mode.


If you can boot to the command console then run System Restore and see
if you can restore to before your repair installations, (but I don't
think so). http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=304449

If you can't recover it, then, (providing you have access to another XP
machine), go to http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ and make a BartPE CD with
the tools you want/need.

Boot off of it, then run a virus scanner, other recovery tools or just
be able to access your files on NTFS/FAT partitions to copy them off to
somewhere else.

I've found that when XP dies, it dies very well, (ie. format then
reinstall).

It was very persistant in staying faulty unfortunately.

Even though i didnt want to go that far - this last bit of advice
turned out to be the best, so I copied all the important stuff onto
another drive using a second machine and reformatted and did a clean
install

While it took several hours to get everything installed and back how I
like it - its a lot less time than has been spent (wasted) to date
getting it to work, but it's running very well again now

Thank you for all your help