We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his computer,
it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page with no
icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When he
disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning it off
properly.

How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode without it
freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for him
as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working before
the move.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
would run chkdsk.

Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
At that prompt, enter:
CHKDSK /R

It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer to
'Repair' it.

--
Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
interface.
http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
Mark L. Ferguson
..

"Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
> We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
> computer,
> it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page with
> no
> icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When he
> disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning it
> off
> properly.
>
> How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode without
> it
> freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
> putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
> him
> as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
> before
> the move.
>
> Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are saying
to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what you're
referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I appreciate
your help.

Lori

"Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:

> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
> would run chkdsk.
>
> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
> At that prompt, enter:
> CHKDSK /R
>
> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer to
> 'Repair' it.
>
> --
> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> interface.
> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> Mark L. Ferguson
> .
>
> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
> > computer,
> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page with
> > no
> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When he
> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning it
> > off
> > properly.
> >
> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode without
> > it
> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
> > him
> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
> > before
> > the move.
> >
> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
>

Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get recovery
Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.

--
Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
interface.
http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
Mark L. Ferguson
..

"Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are
> saying
> to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
> you're
> referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
> appreciate
> your help.
>
> Lori
>
> "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>
>> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
>> would run chkdsk.
>>
>> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
>> At that prompt, enter:
>> CHKDSK /R
>>
>> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
>> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer
>> to
>> 'Repair' it.
>>
>> --
>> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
>> interface.
>> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>> Mark L. Ferguson
>> .
>>
>> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
>> > computer,
>> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page
>> > with
>> > no
>> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When
>> > he
>> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning
>> > it
>> > off
>> > properly.
>> >
>> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
>> > without
>> > it
>> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
>> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
>> > him
>> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
>> > before
>> > the move.
>> >
>> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
>>

Mark,
Thanks again for your really fast reply. My son will be home this afternoon
and I will go give this a shot on his computer. I will keep you posted.
Have a great day!

"Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:

> Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get recovery
> Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.
>
> --
> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> interface.
> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> Mark L. Ferguson
> .
>
> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are
> > saying
> > to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
> > you're
> > referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
> > appreciate
> > your help.
> >
> > Lori
> >
> > "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
> >
> >> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
> >> would run chkdsk.
> >>
> >> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
> >> At that prompt, enter:
> >> CHKDSK /R
> >>
> >> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
> >> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer
> >> to
> >> 'Repair' it.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> >> interface.
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> >> Mark L. Ferguson
> >> .
> >>
> >> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> >> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
> >> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
> >> > computer,
> >> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page
> >> > with
> >> > no
> >> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When
> >> > he
> >> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning
> >> > it
> >> > off
> >> > properly.
> >> >
> >> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
> >> > without
> >> > it
> >> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
> >> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
> >> > him
> >> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
> >> > before
> >> > the move.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
> >>

Well, Mark, no luck. Five hours later, the same thing only now the desktop
has a box that never loads that says "Personal Settings" in it. I have tried
everything I could from the Task Manager, no luck. Whenever I try to use the
"My Computer" option, it freezes. If I go to msconfig, and then choose the
"System Restore," the hourglass moves and it never comes up. It's just not
working.

Everything is still in the computer, files and all, but you cannot access
any icons or a start menu and it takes literally about 8 minutes boot up onto
an empty wallpapered desktop.

I am out of suggestions, except telling him to call The Geed Squad. Mom has
had it! Wish there was something else left to try. I did the chkdsk/r and
the boot to recovery disk and then enter, which took a long time, both of
them, and just not luck.

Thanks for trying.

"Lori" wrote:

> Mark,
> Thanks again for your really fast reply. My son will be home this afternoon
> and I will go give this a shot on his computer. I will keep you posted.
> Have a great day!
>
> "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>
> > Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get recovery
> > Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.
> >
> > --
> > Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> > interface.
> > http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> > Mark L. Ferguson
> > .
> >
> > "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> > news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > > Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are
> > > saying
> > > to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
> > > you're
> > > referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
> > > appreciate
> > > your help.
> > >
> > > Lori
> > >
> > > "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
> > >
> > >> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
> > >> would run chkdsk.
> > >>
> > >> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
> > >> At that prompt, enter:
> > >> CHKDSK /R
> > >>
> > >> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
> > >> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer
> > >> to
> > >> 'Repair' it.
> > >>
> > >> --
> > >> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> > >> interface.
> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> > >> Mark L. Ferguson
> > >> .
> > >>
> > >> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> > >> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > >> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
> > >> > computer,
> > >> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page
> > >> > with
> > >> > no
> > >> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When
> > >> > he
> > >> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning
> > >> > it
> > >> > off
> > >> > properly.
> > >> >
> > >> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
> > >> > without
> > >> > it
> > >> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
> > >> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
> > >> > him
> > >> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
> > >> > before
> > >> > the move.
> > >> >
> > >> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
> > >>

Lord No, DON'T let the Geek Squash or any other like them anywhere near the
machine, find a reputable repair shop in your area.

Aside from that, a damaged component could be a likely cause due to him pulling the
plug while it was running, yet let's check another thing or two first.

During the move it's possible a connection came loose. With the machine off and
the power cord unplugged, open the case up and check inside to make sure all of the
power/data connectors, adapters/cards and memory modules are firmly and securely
seated.

If they all appear to be in proper order, can you boot to "Safe Mode w/Command
Prompt? If yes try:

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/

--


Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


"Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C1F37A94-6730-4F41-9B59-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Well, Mark, no luck. Five hours later, the same thing only now the desktop
> has a box that never loads that says "Personal Settings" in it. I have tried
> everything I could from the Task Manager, no luck. Whenever I try to use the
> "My Computer" option, it freezes. If I go to msconfig, and then choose the
> "System Restore," the hourglass moves and it never comes up. It's just not
> working.
>
> Everything is still in the computer, files and all, but you cannot access
> any icons or a start menu and it takes literally about 8 minutes boot up onto
> an empty wallpapered desktop.
>
> I am out of suggestions, except telling him to call The Geed Squad. Mom has
> had it! Wish there was something else left to try. I did the chkdsk/r and
> the boot to recovery disk and then enter, which took a long time, both of
> them, and just not luck.
>
> Thanks for trying.
>
> "Lori" wrote:
>
>> Mark,
>> Thanks again for your really fast reply. My son will be home this afternoon
>> and I will go give this a shot on his computer. I will keep you posted.
>> Have a great day!
>>
>> "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>>
>> > Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get recovery
>> > Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
>> > interface.
>> > http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>> > Mark L. Ferguson
>> > .
>> >
>> > "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> > news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > > Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are
>> > > saying
>> > > to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
>> > > you're
>> > > referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
>> > > appreciate
>> > > your help.
>> > >
>> > > Lori
>> > >
>> > > "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>> > >
>> > >> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
>> > >> would run chkdsk.
>> > >>
>> > >> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
>> > >> At that prompt, enter:
>> > >> CHKDSK /R
>> > >>
>> > >> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
>> > >> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer
>> > >> to
>> > >> 'Repair' it.
>> > >>
>> > >> --
>> > >> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
>> > >> interface.
>> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>> > >> Mark L. Ferguson
>> > >> .
>> > >>
>> > >> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> > >> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > >> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
>> > >> > computer,
>> > >> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page
>> > >> > with
>> > >> > no
>> > >> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When
>> > >> > he
>> > >> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning
>> > >> > it
>> > >> > off
>> > >> > properly.
>> > >> >
>> > >> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
>> > >> > without
>> > >> > it
>> > >> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
>> > >> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
>> > >> > him
>> > >> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
>> > >> > before
>> > >> > the move.
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
>> > >>

I agree, and just booting to plain Safe Mode might log him on in the default
"Administrator" account. This would let him create a new user and copy the
old user data to the new profile.

--
Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
interface.
http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
Mark L. Ferguson
..

"Brian A." <gonefish'n@afarawaylake> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Lord No, DON'T let the Geek Squash or any other like them anywhere near
> the machine, find a reputable repair shop in your area.
>
> Aside from that, a damaged component could be a likely cause due to him
> pulling the plug while it was running, yet let's check another thing or
> two first.
>
> During the move it's possible a connection came loose. With the machine
> off and the power cord unplugged, open the case up and check inside to
> make sure all of the power/data connectors, adapters/cards and memory
> modules are firmly and securely seated.
>
> If they all appear to be in proper order, can you boot to "Safe Mode
> w/Command Prompt? If yes try:
>
> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/
>
> --
>
>
> Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
> Conflicts start where information lacks.
> http://basconotw.mvps.org/
>
> Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:C1F37A94-6730-4F41-9B59-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Well, Mark, no luck. Five hours later, the same thing only now the
>> desktop
>> has a box that never loads that says "Personal Settings" in it. I have
>> tried
>> everything I could from the Task Manager, no luck. Whenever I try to use
>> the
>> "My Computer" option, it freezes. If I go to msconfig, and then choose
>> the
>> "System Restore," the hourglass moves and it never comes up. It's just
>> not
>> working.
>>
>> Everything is still in the computer, files and all, but you cannot access
>> any icons or a start menu and it takes literally about 8 minutes boot up
>> onto
>> an empty wallpapered desktop.
>>
>> I am out of suggestions, except telling him to call The Geed Squad. Mom
>> has
>> had it! Wish there was something else left to try. I did the chkdsk/r
>> and
>> the boot to recovery disk and then enter, which took a long time, both of
>> them, and just not luck.
>>
>> Thanks for trying.
>>
>> "Lori" wrote:
>>
>>> Mark,
>>> Thanks again for your really fast reply. My son will be home this
>>> afternoon
>>> and I will go give this a shot on his computer. I will keep you posted.
>>> Have a great day!
>>>
>>> "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>>>
>>> > Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get
>>> > recovery
>>> > Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
>>> > interface.
>>> > http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>>> > Mark L. Ferguson
>>> > .
>>> >
>>> > "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> > news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> > > Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you
>>> > > are
>>> > > saying
>>> > > to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
>>> > > you're
>>> > > referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
>>> > > appreciate
>>> > > your help.
>>> > >
>>> > > Lori
>>> > >
>>> > > "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>>> > >
>>> > >> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving
>>> > >> around. I
>>> > >> would run chkdsk.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
>>> > >> At that prompt, enter:
>>> > >> CHKDSK /R
>>> > >>
>>> > >> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this
>>> > >> time
>>> > >> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and
>>> > >> offer
>>> > >> to
>>> > >> 'Repair' it.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> --
>>> > >> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the
>>> > >> web
>>> > >> interface.
>>> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>>> > >> Mark L. Ferguson
>>> > >> .
>>> > >>
>>> > >> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>> > >> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> > >> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up
>>> > >> > his
>>> > >> > computer,
>>> > >> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop
>>> > >> > page
>>> > >> > with
>>> > >> > no
>>> > >> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable.
>>> > >> > When
>>> > >> > he
>>> > >> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than
>>> > >> > turning
>>> > >> > it
>>> > >> > off
>>> > >> > properly.
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
>>> > >> > without
>>> > >> > it
>>> > >> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try
>>> > >> > that by
>>> > >> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so
>>> > >> > sorry for
>>> > >> > him
>>> > >> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was
>>> > >> > working
>>> > >> > before
>>> > >> > the move.
>>> > >> >
>>> > >> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
>>> > >>
>

LOL! No Geek Squad? I thought they were good. My bad.

I already opened the case yesterday when the mouse wouldn't work and made
sure everything was tight and in order. So that's not going to help.

I cannot get into safe mode, even with command prompt. If I choose
administrator, it goes into a DOS screen and freezes. If I choose my son's
account, it opens up a box for his password and freezes then.

I am at a loss. With no way to restore the system, I don't know what else
to do. Plus, you would think after reinstalling Windows to repair it today
and even that didn't work, this machine is messed up.

Any other ideas? I'd be open to any suggestions at this point. I feel so
bad for him. Guess he should never have pulled that plug.

By the way, I did run Spybot S&D on it while I had it in regular mode today
via the Task Manager and it found three culprits, two of which it fixed and
one it couldn't, some CDilla. Other than that...

Thanks,
Lori

"Brian A." wrote:

> Lord No, DON'T let the Geek Squash or any other like them anywhere near the
> machine, find a reputable repair shop in your area.
>
> Aside from that, a damaged component could be a likely cause due to him pulling the
> plug while it was running, yet let's check another thing or two first.
>
> During the move it's possible a connection came loose. With the machine off and
> the power cord unplugged, open the case up and check inside to make sure all of the
> power/data connectors, adapters/cards and memory modules are firmly and securely
> seated.
>
> If they all appear to be in proper order, can you boot to "Safe Mode w/Command
> Prompt? If yes try:
>
> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/
>
> --
>
>
> Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
> Conflicts start where information lacks.
> http://basconotw.mvps.org/
>
> Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:C1F37A94-6730-4F41-9B59-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Well, Mark, no luck. Five hours later, the same thing only now the desktop
> > has a box that never loads that says "Personal Settings" in it. I have tried
> > everything I could from the Task Manager, no luck. Whenever I try to use the
> > "My Computer" option, it freezes. If I go to msconfig, and then choose the
> > "System Restore," the hourglass moves and it never comes up. It's just not
> > working.
> >
> > Everything is still in the computer, files and all, but you cannot access
> > any icons or a start menu and it takes literally about 8 minutes boot up onto
> > an empty wallpapered desktop.
> >
> > I am out of suggestions, except telling him to call The Geed Squad. Mom has
> > had it! Wish there was something else left to try. I did the chkdsk/r and
> > the boot to recovery disk and then enter, which took a long time, both of
> > them, and just not luck.
> >
> > Thanks for trying.
> >
> > "Lori" wrote:
> >
> >> Mark,
> >> Thanks again for your really fast reply. My son will be home this afternoon
> >> and I will go give this a shot on his computer. I will keep you posted.
> >> Have a great day!
> >>
> >> "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
> >>
> >> > Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get recovery
> >> > Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> >> > interface.
> >> > http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> >> > Mark L. Ferguson
> >> > .
> >> >
> >> > "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> >> > news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
> >> > > Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are
> >> > > saying
> >> > > to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
> >> > > you're
> >> > > referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
> >> > > appreciate
> >> > > your help.
> >> > >
> >> > > Lori
> >> > >
> >> > > "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
> >> > >
> >> > >> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around. I
> >> > >> would run chkdsk.
> >> > >>
> >> > >> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
> >> > >> At that prompt, enter:
> >> > >> CHKDSK /R
> >> > >>
> >> > >> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this time
> >> > >> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and offer
> >> > >> to
> >> > >> 'Repair' it.
> >> > >>
> >> > >> --
> >> > >> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
> >> > >> interface.
> >> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
> >> > >> Mark L. Ferguson
> >> > >> .
> >> > >>
> >> > >> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> >> > >> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
> >> > >> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
> >> > >> > computer,
> >> > >> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page
> >> > >> > with
> >> > >> > no
> >> > >> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable. When
> >> > >> > he
> >> > >> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than turning
> >> > >> > it
> >> > >> > off
> >> > >> > properly.
> >> > >> >
> >> > >> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
> >> > >> > without
> >> > >> > it
> >> > >> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try that by
> >> > >> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry for
> >> > >> > him
> >> > >> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was working
> >> > >> > before
> >> > >> > the move.
> >> > >> >
> >> > >> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
> >> > >>
>
>

perhaps at the blank
desktop you can open
the task manager, then
go to the process tab and
kill the explorer.exe

then go to the first tab, click
new task and enter explorer.exe

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

"Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:12D1C3FC-357D-4CD8-AD45-(E-Mail Removed)...
> LOL! No Geek Squad? I thought they were good. My bad.
>
> I already opened the case yesterday when the mouse wouldn't work and made
> sure everything was tight and in order. So that's not going to help.
>
> I cannot get into safe mode, even with command prompt. If I choose
> administrator, it goes into a DOS screen and freezes. If I choose my son's
> account, it opens up a box for his password and freezes then.
>
> I am at a loss. With no way to restore the system, I don't know what else
> to do. Plus, you would think after reinstalling Windows to repair it today
> and even that didn't work, this machine is messed up.
>
> Any other ideas? I'd be open to any suggestions at this point. I feel so
> bad for him. Guess he should never have pulled that plug.
>
> By the way, I did run Spybot S&D on it while I had it in regular mode today
> via the Task Manager and it found three culprits, two of which it fixed and
> one it couldn't, some CDilla. Other than that...
>
> Thanks,
> Lori
>
> "Brian A." wrote:
>
>> Lord No, DON'T let the Geek Squash or any other like them anywhere near the
>> machine, find a reputable repair shop in your area.
>>
>> Aside from that, a damaged component could be a likely cause due to him
>> pulling the
>> plug while it was running, yet let's check another thing or two first.
>>
>> During the move it's possible a connection came loose. With the machine
>> off and
>> the power cord unplugged, open the case up and check inside to make sure all
>> of the
>> power/data connectors, adapters/cards and memory modules are firmly and
>> securely
>> seated.
>>
>> If they all appear to be in proper order, can you boot to "Safe Mode
>> w/Command
>> Prompt? If yes try:
>>
>> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
>> Conflicts start where information lacks.
>> http://basconotw.mvps.org/
>>
>> Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>
>>
>> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:C1F37A94-6730-4F41-9B59-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > Well, Mark, no luck. Five hours later, the same thing only now the desktop
>> > has a box that never loads that says "Personal Settings" in it. I have
>> > tried
>> > everything I could from the Task Manager, no luck. Whenever I try to use
>> > the
>> > "My Computer" option, it freezes. If I go to msconfig, and then choose the
>> > "System Restore," the hourglass moves and it never comes up. It's just not
>> > working.
>> >
>> > Everything is still in the computer, files and all, but you cannot access
>> > any icons or a start menu and it takes literally about 8 minutes boot up
>> > onto
>> > an empty wallpapered desktop.
>> >
>> > I am out of suggestions, except telling him to call The Geed Squad. Mom
>> > has
>> > had it! Wish there was something else left to try. I did the chkdsk/r and
>> > the boot to recovery disk and then enter, which took a long time, both of
>> > them, and just not luck.
>> >
>> > Thanks for trying.
>> >
>> > "Lori" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Mark,
>> >> Thanks again for your really fast reply. My son will be home this
>> >> afternoon
>> >> and I will go give this a shot on his computer. I will keep you posted.
>> >> Have a great day!
>> >>
>> >> "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > Yes, Dell Recovery CD's are complete XP setup disks. You will get
>> >> > recovery
>> >> > Console, and a/or Repair setup, as needed.
>> >> >
>> >> > --
>> >> > Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
>> >> > interface.
>> >> > http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>> >> > Mark L. Ferguson
>> >> > .
>> >> >
>> >> > "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> >> > news:2669C9CA-1C43-451D-891B-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> >> > > Thank you, Mark, for the quick reply. I just want to confirm, you are
>> >> > > saying
>> >> > > to do this from the Dell Recovery CD? I can only figure that's what
>> >> > > you're
>> >> > > referring to. Don't want to take anything for granted, though. I
>> >> > > appreciate
>> >> > > your help.
>> >> > >
>> >> > > Lori
>> >> > >
>> >> > > "Mark L. Ferguson" wrote:
>> >> > >
>> >> > >> Best guess is some simple hard drive damage due to the moving around.
>> >> > >> I
>> >> > >> would run chkdsk.
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> Boot to setup CD, press 'r' for repair.
>> >> > >> At that prompt, enter:
>> >> > >> CHKDSK /R
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> It's likely this will fix it, but if not, you reboot to CD and this
>> >> > >> time
>> >> > >> press ENTER to start setup. It will find the installed system, and
>> >> > >> offer
>> >> > >> to
>> >> > >> 'Repair' it.
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> --
>> >> > >> Was this helpful? Then click the Ratings button. Voting helps the web
>> >> > >> interface.
>> >> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales...eAPostAsAnswer
>> >> > >> Mark L. Ferguson
>> >> > >> .
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> "Lori" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> >> > >> news:4A41EFC1-0BF8-4DA4-8ABC-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> >> > >> > We moved my son last weekend and when we plugged in and set up his
>> >> > >> > computer,
>> >> > >> > it boots at a snail's pace and only goes as far as the desktop page
>> >> > >> > with
>> >> > >> > no
>> >> > >> > icons, no ability to access the start menu, virtually unusable.
>> >> > >> > When
>> >> > >> > he
>> >> > >> > disassembled it, he admitted to just unplugging it rather than
>> >> > >> > turning
>> >> > >> > it
>> >> > >> > off
>> >> > >> > properly.
>> >> > >> >
>> >> > >> > How can I fix this, if possible? I can't even get into safe mode
>> >> > >> > without
>> >> > >> > it
>> >> > >> > freezing. I do have a recovery XP disc (Dell), so should I try
>> >> > >> > that by
>> >> > >> > putting the boot sequence into the CD drive first? I feel so sorry
>> >> > >> > for
>> >> > >> > him
>> >> > >> > as he really needs his computer. It is an older Dell, but was
>> >> > >> > working
>> >> > >> > before
>> >> > >> > the move.
>> >> > >> >
>> >> > >> > Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
>> >> > >>
>>
>>