Windows XP Repair Issues HELP!

[The7thColumn]

I was just using my computer one day and the next day when I booted it
it did everything normal untill just aster the loading bar dissapears
to goto the desktop. Then the computer reboots. So I tried safe mode
and it worked fine, so I tryed windows again and it still did not work.
So I put in my XP cd and booted it and went to the Repair option (not
the first one) but the one under windows reinstall, I try to repair it
it copys files and then it has to restart, it dose that and I am
supposed to allow it to bypass the CD to continue with fixing XP (so i
dont loose all my documents) and it dose the windows loading screen and
either 1) Reboots and goes is loops again like before or 2) gose to a
Repair splash screen that says Restarting Installer....... then reboots
and dose it over and over and over. So i went back to safe mode wich
now dose not work. I NEED HELP! also my hardware is fine. I can not
loose any information on my computer so reinstalling it fully is not a
option.

 

[Guest]

Try the repair install again with the cd.

Some other articles
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279625

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828267

Repair Install
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

 

[Plato]

Try the repair install again with the cd.

Other repair install links:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315341

 

[The7thColumn]

I have done it multiple times, after it copys files it asks me to
restart, I do then it asks me if i want to boot from cd but i wait to
allow it to continue re install. But then it goes to the install page
and says Restarting Installation over and over....

 

[Malke]

I have done it multiple times, after it copys files it asks me to
restart, I do then it asks me if i want to boot from cd but i wait to
allow it to continue re install. But then it goes to the install page
and says Restarting Installation over and over....

Retrieve the data that you forgot to back up by using Knoppix or a data
recovery program if Knoppix doesn't work.

You said your hardware is fine, so I assume that means you've done
extensive hardware diagnosis, especially of the RAM and the hard drive.
If you didn't and you are just guessing that the hardware is fine
because it is new, then you need to do hardware diagnosis. Post back if
you want help with that.

After you've retrieved your data, do a clean install - but only if you
know for sure the hardware is good.

If this is too difficult - and there is no shame in admitting that -
take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local
version of BigStoreUSA) and have them fix it.

Malke

 

[The7thColumn]

Well I just puchased anouther 512 MB ram so I have dual 512 sticks. I
replaced the hard drive last year t a Western Digital 120GB HD, and I
also upgraded my AMD processor to a 3000 (sempron) So all the hard ware
was replaced.

 

[Malke]

Well I just puchased anouther 512 MB ram so I have dual 512 sticks. I
replaced the hard drive last year t a Western Digital 120GB HD, and I
also upgraded my AMD processor to a 3000 (sempron) So all the hard
ware was replaced.

That doesn't mean it is good. In fact, if hardware is going to fail it
will usually do so fairly quickly. I would do RAM and hard drive
testing just to be sure, since there is no point trying a software
solution (installing Windows) on faulty hardware. Here are some general
hardware t-shooting steps:

1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing). Obviously
you can't do this with a laptop, but you can hear if the fan is running
and feel if the laptop is getting too hot.

2) Test the RAM - I like Memtest86+ from www.memtest.org. Obviously, you
have to get the program from a working machine. You will either
download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or
the .iso to make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll
need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you
download the file - XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job.
In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run
immediately. Let the test run for an hour or two - unless errors are
seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.

3) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Download
the file and make a bootable floppy or cd with it. Boot with the media
and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical errors, replace it.

4) The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
you have in the system. The adequacy issue doesn't really apply to a
laptop, although of course the power supply can be faulty.

5) Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it isn't.

Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts
with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing yourself and/or are
uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a professional
computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of BigStoreUSA).

Malke

 

[Plato]

I have done it multiple times, after it copys files it asks me to
restart, I do then it asks me if i want to boot from cd but i wait to
allow it to continue re install. But then it goes to the install page
and says Restarting Installation over and over....

Anti-virus is disabled in bios right?