Can't get past safe mode

[Steve T]

Gateway XP SP-2 started having boot problems. No new hardware and only new
software was latest Windows Update in July. I was able to boot using "last
known good configuration" but no more. And "Start Windows normally" does not
work. Monitor just stays at black Windows XP and does not advance to
"Starting Windows" blue screen.
I went to Device Manager in Safe Mode and there are no yellow question
marks.
System Restore is turned off, don't know why; and cannot enable unless I
start Windows normally; which I cannot.
I have ERUNT software but going back 10 days and restoring that registry
configuration does not help
The PC does not have a 3.5" floppy drive and did not come with an XP CD
The recover files are on drive D:
I have removed and re-installed the RAM modules, the HD works as I can
access the files in Safe Mode
The last Windows Update in July, which I installed; does not appear in
Control Panel. Last update is June 14, 2007. Maybe just coincidence.
What are my options?
Is there a way I can enable Windows System Restore in Safe Mode?
I can choose System Restore ( though Gateway's Recover option) by clicking
F11 but how much damage will this do? Will my documents stay intact if I go
this way?
Thank you, Steve T

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Gateway XP SP-2 started having boot problems. No new hardware and only new
software was latest Windows Update in July. I was able to boot using "last
known good configuration" but no more. And "Start Windows normally" does
not work. Monitor just stays at black Windows XP and does not advance to
"Starting Windows" blue screen.

What about VGA mode? If that works, you'll have full access, just without
your real video driver.

I went to Device Manager in Safe Mode and there are no yellow question
marks.
System Restore is turned off, don't know why; and cannot enable unless I
start Windows normally; which I cannot.
I have ERUNT software but going back 10 days and restoring that registry
configuration does not help

Then I'm not sure why System Restore would help.

The PC does not have a 3.5" floppy drive and did not come with an XP CD
The recover files are on drive D:
I have removed and re-installed the RAM modules, the HD works as I can
access the files in Safe Mode

Make a data backup, now, to another physical disk, and verify the data.

The last Windows Update in July, which I installed; does not appear in
Control Panel. Last update is June 14, 2007. Maybe just coincidence.
What are my options?
Is there a way I can enable Windows System Restore in Safe Mode?

No, but you can use the technique here to do the same sort of thing.
However, it requires a way to boot the system or gain full access to the
drive, usually the recovery console, a Linux boot CD, or hosting the drive
in another system.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

But if you were using ERUNT to do the same sort of thing, you may see no
benefit.

I can choose System Restore ( though Gateway's Recover option) by clicking
F11 but how much damage will this do?

That depends on the way the restore works.

Will my documents stay intact if I go this way?

Maybe.. maybe not. You'll have to ask Gateway, and carefully examine the
documentation.

But in case they're wrong, I'd make a backup first, which can be easily and
quickly done with another system, or by copying files to a temporarily
attached drive via Safe Mode.

Also, export your email settings.

HTH
-pk

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Is there a way I can enable Windows System Restore in Safe Mode?

You need to have it running... and it should be running even in Safe
Mode.

I can choose System Restore ( though Gateway's Recover option) by clicking
F11 but how much damage will this do? Will my documents stay intact if I go
this way?

It will restore your computer to the condition it was in when you
first turned it on... i.e, all that you've done since that date will
be erased.

 

[Panic]

Restore only effects system files. He won't lose material he has produced.
Here's part of Help... Restore.

Notes

a.. Restoring your computer does not affect or change your personal data
files. It is a good idea to back up your data files periodically. For
example, you might copy your data files to removable media, such as a
writable compact disc, once a week.

 

[Steve T]

All I could do was to use Gateway's Recover program. It re-installed the OS
and programs that came with it. I lost all of my programs and documents and
got the same PC I had 2 years ago. I did all of my backups to an external
HD. Now I am having all of the fun of putting it back to the way I want it,
again. Thanks for all of your input. Steve T.

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

All I could do was to use Gateway's Recover program. It re-installed the OS
and programs that came with it. I lost all of my programs and documents and
got the same PC I had 2 years ago.

Just like I told you.