BIG start up problems - PLEASE HELP

[Guest]

Yesterday I tried to install msn live messenger which totally screwed up my
system. I uninstalled it and tried messenger 7.0 instead but it crashed every
time it loaded. Luckily before all this mess I made a restore point so I went
back to that point.

But now whenever I start up my PC (either from a cold re-boot or a
hibernation) it all hangs; the windows screen comes up but nothing else
happens. The only solution I can find is to flip the power switch at the back
which I am sure is definitely not good for my hard drives.

After I do this it reboots and gives me several options. After choosing
start windows normally, I finally get my computer back. But am I going to
have to go through all this fuss every single time I power down?!!

I am a bit desperate for help

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Running a Repair setup of XP is probably your best bet.

315341 - How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation or Repair) of
Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

 

[Guest]

But won't I end up having to re-install all my software again? I just had to
format and re-install windows from a similar situation a few months ago -
when my auto-update added windows live! I really don't feel like doing this
all over again. Isn't there any other possible solution?

 

[Guest]

No, a Repair setup retains the registry, and all installed apps.
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Anna]

No, a Repair setup retains the registry, and all installed apps.
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

zalamander:
It's possible, even likely, that you will need to run a Repair install of
the OS as Mark indicates to resolve your problem. If that does become
necessary, before undertaking the Repair install copy (backup) whatever data
is important to you. While the Repair install - even if it fails to correct
the problem - usually will not cause loss or corruption of data there's
always a chance this can happen. So be aware of it.

You apparently understand that should the Repair install be successful you
will still have to download/install the Windows XP Critical Updates, etc. at
least since SP2 assuming you're using an XP installation CD that
incorporates SP2. It's not the most pleasant thing to look forward to
especially if you're connecting to the Net with a dialup connection.

But before undertaking the Repair install, why not try the SFC /SCANNOW
routine and/or the chkdsk command on the chance that one or the other will
correct the problem? If you're unfamiliar with these commands do a Google
search for background & instructions on using these commands. They should be
part of your "computer arsenal".
Anna

 

[Guest]

Dear Anna

Thanks very much for your SFC /SCANNOW suggestion - it worked brilliantly
and was so simple compared to the extremely laborious and complex procedures
involved in the repair install which I read on the links that Mark Ferguson
suggested.

My main question is - why doesn't Microsoft include these with the
administrative or system tools in the start menu - I'm sure that if all these
fixes that every one on this forum suggests were included in a simple to use
programme, most of us wouldn't need to query the forum.

Regards

Antoine Giusti

 

[guzarva16]

Yesterday I tried to install msn live messenger which totally screwed up my
system. I uninstalled it and tried messenger 7.0 instead but it crashed every
time it loaded. Luckily before all this mess I made a restore point so I went
back to that point.

But now whenever I start up my PC (either from a cold re-boot or a
hibernation) it all hangs; the windows screen comes up but nothing else
happens. The only solution I can find is to flip the power switch at the back
which I am sure is definitely not good for my hard drives.

After I do this it reboots and gives me several options. After choosing
start windows normally, I finally get my computer back. But am I going to
have to go through all this fuss every single time I power down?!!

I am a bit desperate for help

Thanks

 

[guzarva16]

zalamander:
It's possible, even likely, that you will need to run a Repair install of
the OS as Mark indicates to resolve your problem. If that does become
necessary, before undertaking the Repair install copy (backup) whatever data
is important to you. While the Repair install - even if it fails to correct
the problem - usually will not cause loss or corruption of data there's
always a chance this can happen. So be aware of it.

You apparently understand that should the Repair install be successful you
will still have to download/install the Windows XP Critical Updates, etc. at
least since SP2 assuming you're using an XP installation CD that
incorporates SP2. It's not the most pleasant thing to look forward to
especially if you're connecting to the Net with a dialup connection.

But before undertaking the Repair install, why not try the SFC /SCANNOW
routine and/or the chkdsk command on the chance that one or the other will
correct the problem? If you're unfamiliar with these commands do a Google
search for background & instructions on using these commands. They should be
part of your "computer arsenal".
Anna