Windows XP won't start upon boot

[l-p]

Hey everyone,
I've read numerous threads about this topic but none of them match my
situation exactly...so here goes:

I have a laptop, which is a compaq presario v6000. It is less than 3 years
old. It worked fine yesterday before I went to class, but when I returned
from class and turned it on, the Compaq logo screen came up as normal but
then changed to a black screen with a blinking underscore in the top left
corner. It stays this way. I cannot type anything at the screen. I was able
to get into BIOS from the compaq logo screen, in which everything appears
normal. I even ran a self diagnostics check from BIOS and passed. I don't
know what to do...

Also, my computer came with a "QuickPlay" button located above the keyboard.
When I push this button when the computer is off, my computer will turn on,
show the compaq logo, show a resuming windows bar at the bottom of the page,
and then show up with the "QuickPlay" menu. This has four options: DVD,
music, some other option, and the return to windows button. If I click the
windows option, it shows the Windows XP logo but shows shows the hibernating
bar and precedes to hibernation. When I press a key on my keyboard the
computer comes out of hibernation, but again, shows the black screen and
blinking underscore.

I don't have a windows xp CD. What can I do? Please help. I only have my
laptop and all my files are on that computer and I need it for school! (I'm
at the library right now.)

Thanks

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

Hey everyone,
I've read numerous threads about this topic but none of them match my
situation exactly...so here goes:

I have a laptop, which is a compaq presario v6000. It is less than 3 years
old. It worked fine yesterday before I went to class, but when I returned
from class and turned it on, the Compaq logo screen came up as normal but
then changed to a black screen with a blinking underscore in the top left
corner. It stays this way. I cannot type anything at the screen. I was
able
to get into BIOS from the compaq logo screen, in which everything appears
normal. I even ran a self diagnostics check from BIOS and passed. I don't
know what to do...

Also, my computer came with a "QuickPlay" button located above the
keyboard.
When I push this button when the computer is off, my computer will turn
on,
show the compaq logo, show a resuming windows bar at the bottom of the
page,
and then show up with the "QuickPlay" menu. This has four options: DVD,
music, some other option, and the return to windows button. If I click the
windows option, it shows the Windows XP logo but shows shows the
hibernating
bar and precedes to hibernation. When I press a key on my keyboard the
computer comes out of hibernation, but again, shows the black screen and
blinking underscore.

I don't have a windows xp CD. What can I do? Please help. I only have my
laptop and all my files are on that computer and I need it for school!
(I'm
at the library right now.)

Thanks

There are several possible causes for this type of problem. Here are three
of them:
a) Your boot partition is no longer marked as "active".
b) The file system on your disk is corrupted.
c) The hard disk has failed.

Since you do not appear to have backups of your important files (why not?),
your best course of action is to take the machine to a qualified repair
sevice and ask them to salvage your files *before* attempting to fix the
problem.

If you're experienced in PC maintanance then you could boot the machine with
a Bart PE boot CD in order to salvage your files and to determine the state
of the file system. Post again if you have such experience and need further
instructions.

 

[Gerry]

Disable automatic restart on system failure. This should help by
allowing time to write down the STOP code properly. Keep pressing the F8
key during Start-Up and select option - Disable automatic restart on
system failure.

Do not re-enable automatic restart on system failure until you have
resolved the problem. Check for variants of the Stop Error message.

Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration?
A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/en-us


--


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Thursday, April 16, 2009 2:29:41 PM, and on a
whim, Gerry pounded out on the keyboard:

Disable automatic restart on system failure. This should help by
allowing time to write down the STOP code properly. Keep pressing the F8
key during Start-Up and select option - Disable automatic restart on
system failure.

Do not re-enable automatic restart on system failure until you have
resolved the problem. Check for variants of the Stop Error message.

Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration?
A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/en-us


--


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If it won't boot, how will they do that?


Terry R.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Thursday, April 16, 2009 2:16:01 PM, and on a
whim, l-p pounded out on the keyboard:

Hey everyone,
I've read numerous threads about this topic but none of them match my
situation exactly...so here goes:

I have a laptop, which is a compaq presario v6000. It is less than 3 years
old. It worked fine yesterday before I went to class, but when I returned
from class and turned it on, the Compaq logo screen came up as normal but
then changed to a black screen with a blinking underscore in the top left
corner. It stays this way. I cannot type anything at the screen. I was able
to get into BIOS from the compaq logo screen, in which everything appears
normal. I even ran a self diagnostics check from BIOS and passed. I don't
know what to do...

Also, my computer came with a "QuickPlay" button located above the keyboard.
When I push this button when the computer is off, my computer will turn on,
show the compaq logo, show a resuming windows bar at the bottom of the page,
and then show up with the "QuickPlay" menu. This has four options: DVD,
music, some other option, and the return to windows button. If I click the
windows option, it shows the Windows XP logo but shows shows the hibernating
bar and precedes to hibernation. When I press a key on my keyboard the
computer comes out of hibernation, but again, shows the black screen and
blinking underscore.

I don't have a windows xp CD. What can I do? Please help. I only have my
laptop and all my files are on that computer and I need it for school! (I'm
at the library right now.)

Thanks

You may have a corrupt hibernation file. I've seen that happen before.
I would try booting to a Safe Mode command prompt and delete the
hibernation file.

Turn your PC on or restart it. Press the F8 key repeatedly until you
enter the Windows Advanced Options Menu and select "Safe Mode with
Command Prompt". Choose the Administrator account (default password is
no password).

Then type
attrib -s -s C:\hiberfil.sys

and press Enter. Then type

del C:\hiberfil.sys
and press Enter

See if it will start properly.


Terry R.

 

[Randem]

See if this helps...
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938


--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

 

[Himanshu Dogra]

Hi

As many people said before it can be some issue with startups. do the
following steps:
1). When u start computer, start pressing F8 again and again but not too
fast otherwise you will get " some keyboard failure message ". After you get
the advanced boot menu options select LAST KNOWN GOOD CONFIGURATION and
press enter..let the computer restart automatically. If it resolves the issue
thel its all good.

2). If it dont resolves, again go in same options list and select " Safe
Mode with networking " and press enter, select your user name and when
prompted click on yes. If you are using wireless internet it wont work in
safe mode so better use a vable which is attached to your computer and other
end to modem or router.

3). Now we will do some general cleanup process to make your computer
healthy. Hello

In this case according to me there is some kind of program which is trying
to load up when ur computer starts and this program is responsible for the
problem.
Follow the follwing steps:

1. Click on start-->run-->type in " prefetch " and press enter.

2. Click on edit on top left hand side of the prefetch windows and click on
selct all. Delete all the files in this windows. Dont worry you wont loose
anything from computer . these files are actually making the computer slow.

3. Click on start-->run-->type in "%temp%" and press enter and delete as
many files you can from this windows. You may not be able to delete all the
files because some files are not allowed to delete by windows.

4. Click on start-->run-->type in " cleanmgr " and press enter. select c
drive and try to scan the computer. In the last again click on ok....it will
delete all unnecessary junk files from the computer.

5. Download this software from this link:
http://www.filehippo.com/download/f...6e331eaa99bbf15fcd26fc8c4d02805478fe1c85cbca/

6. In this software click on--> analyse ur computer and then click on run
cleaner. it will remove all the junk hidden files and im sure computer should
become little fast.

7. after doing all these steps: we will do the clean boot step:

8. click on start-->run-->msconfig and press enter

9. Select startup tab on the top right and then click on disable all on the
bottom click on apply and restart the computer. when ur computer restarts
click on check box message which will come up and click ok. ur computer
should be fast and restart without any issues.

If these steps resolve issue, let me know ...cheers




Regards

Himanshu Dogra
B.Engg, GCB, DBA, MISM (Australia)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003

 

[James Watkins]

=> I like your flowery, colourful language, in spite of the nonsense you
write - see below.

Hi

As many people said before it can be some issue with startups. do the
following steps:
1). When u start computer, start pressing F8 again and again but not too
fast otherwise you will get " some keyboard failure message ". After you get
the advanced boot menu options select LAST KNOWN GOOD CONFIGURATION and
press enter..let the computer restart automatically. If it resolves the issue
thel its all good.

2). If it dont resolves, again go in same options list and select " Safe
Mode with networking " and press enter, select your user name and when
prompted click on yes. If you are using wireless internet it wont work in
safe mode so better use a vable which is attached to your computer and other
end to modem or router.

=> What benefit does the OP get from booting up with networking"
=> What is a "vable"?
=> Why should a wireless connection not work in Safe Mode? Most of them do!

3). Now we will do some general cleanup process to make your computer
healthy. Hello

=> Hello to you too!

In this case according to me there is some kind of program which is trying
to load up when ur computer starts and this program is responsible for the
problem.
Follow the follwing steps:

1. Click on start-->run-->type in " prefetch " and press enter.

2. Click on edit on top left hand side of the prefetch windows and click on
selct all. Delete all the files in this windows. Dont worry you wont loose
anything from computer . these files are actually making the computer

slow.
=> Rubbish. The whole purpose of the "prefetch" folder is to make Windows
run faster. You should do some homework and find out about the prefetch
mechanism.

3. Click on start-->run-->type in "%temp%" and press enter and delete as
many files you can from this windows. You may not be able to delete all the
files because some files are not allowed to delete by windows.

=> Cleaning out the temp folder is unlikely to resolve the OP's problem.

4. Click on start-->run-->type in " cleanmgr " and press enter. select c
drive and try to scan the computer. In the last again click on ok....it will
delete all unnecessary junk files from the computer.

=> Another step that gives you a warm feeling but is unlikely to do anything
useful.

5. Download this software from this link:

http://www.filehippo.com/download/file/5e8709785a03aa19a6d46e331eaa99bbf15fc
d26fc8c4d02805478fe1c85cbca/
=> Why should the OP trust an executable file from a total stranger who
gives such confused advice? Dangerous stuff!

6. In this software click on--> analyse ur computer and then click on run
cleaner. it will remove all the junk hidden files and im sure computer should
become little fast.

=> It will probably suffer some permanent damage.

7. after doing all these steps: we will do the clean boot step:

8. click on start-->run-->msconfig and press enter

9. Select startup tab on the top right and then click on disable all on the
bottom click on apply and restart the computer. when ur computer restarts
click on check box message which will come up and click ok. ur computer
should be fast and restart without any issues.

If these steps resolve issue, let me know ...cheers
Regards

Himanshu Dogra
B.Engg, GCB, DBA, MISM (Australia)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003

=> I would be extremely surprised if a genuine MCSE provided such mixed and
unprofessional advice.

 

[Himanshu Dogra]

Hi

This is how i do troubleshooting and I resolve many issues. If you knoe any
other steps give a try may be it resolves the issue ..which that guy is
facing.

Microsoft blogs should not be used like any other techie blogs websites for
rubbish comments. Just solve the issues if any one knows.

Regards

Himanshu Dogra
B.Engg, GCB, DBA, MISM (Australia)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003
Ex-Microsoft Server Engineer ( Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 &
Microsoft Exchange Server)

 

[Gerry]

Himanshu

Sorry but I agree with most of the comments by James Watkins. Whilst it is
true that many of us have our own ways of troubleshooting I would pick up on
these points.

Suggesting safe mode options is fine but it is best to simplify the
situation where a computer will not boot. Thus opting for Networking is a
move in the wrong direction. It would be better to disconnect all
peripherals, except keyboard, mouse and monitor! This would include
disconnecting all modems, routers rtc. Once the computer does boot you can
then look to add back devices to try to find out the cause of the problem.

Running Disk CleanUp before running chdsk can be helpful but this is a
non-starting computer so your point is academic until it does start.

Providing a link to an executable file is totally wrong. This is the way to
get a malware infestation. A Registry Cleaner for many are more likely to
make situations worse rather than better. I cannot see how the suggestion
will resolve the problem of a non-booting computer?

--


Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Gerry]

Terry

If they have already been tried then they will not help. The question is
have they been tried?


--


Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 6:01:44 AM, and on a whim,
Gerry pounded out on the keyboard:

Himanshu

Sorry but I agree with most of the comments by James Watkins. Whilst it is
true that many of us have our own ways of troubleshooting I would pick up on
these points.

Pick up on these points? I guess you're the definitive answer now?

Suggesting safe mode options is fine but it is best to simplify the
situation where a computer will not boot. Thus opting for Networking is a
move in the wrong direction. It would be better to disconnect all
peripherals, except keyboard, mouse and monitor! This would include
disconnecting all modems, routers rtc. Once the computer does boot you can
then look to add back devices to try to find out the cause of the problem.

SM w/N is fine. It surely is NOT a "move in the wrong direction".

Running Disk CleanUp before running chdsk can be helpful but this is a
non-starting computer so your point is academic until it does start.

But it isn't bad advice, so why are you knocking it?

And speaking of "academic". YOU suggested disabling Automatic Restart!
And yet you inform this person that IT IS A NON-STARTING COMPUTER!v

Providing a link to an executable file is totally wrong. This is the way to
get a malware infestation. A Registry Cleaner for many are more likely to
make situations worse rather than better. I cannot see how the suggestion
will resolve the problem of a non-booting computer?

Providing links is NOT "totally wrong". It's done all the time.

And speaking of "I cannot see how the suggestion will resolve the
problem of a non-booting computer?" YOU suggested disabling Automatic
Restart! Take your own advice Gerry!


How about getting rid of that delimiter if you're going to reply at the
top? Take some GOOD advice for a change!


Terry R.

 

[Himanshu Dogra]

Hi..

I agree with Gerry, and i know i told that guy to boot computer in safe mode
with networking because i want him to download ccleaner in safe mode with
networking mode, he cannot use internet in safe mode.....

I never suggested him to use registry mechanic as myself I dont rely on
third party softwares because I believe i have access to Microsoft database
which is available to only employees, some ex- microsoft employees and MVPs.
Beaing a part of Microsoft i never trust 3d party softwares but in this case
i gave those steps which i have resolved when i first started with microsoft
as technical troubleshooting engineer. To be true most of Microsoft experts
use CCleaner software and Microsoft has inherited this technology in their
Microsoft windows live one care product.

I know some of my steps looks like silver bullets, but if the issue is with
startups this will resolve......

I should say if he has access to internet on some other computer, then he
should download a software " AUTORUNS " and this will help him in removing
the startup entries without entering the registry which is very complex for
many users.

All this work only if you are able to enter the safe mode. So Mr. I-p give a
try ...
--
Regards

Himanshu Dogra
B.Engg, GCB, DBA, MISM (Australia)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003
Ex-Microsoft Server Engineer(Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 &
Microsoft Exchange Server)

 

[Himanshu Dogra]

Hi

Thanks Terry..for supporting me on some points. I was like alone fighting
for my case...noone can be 100% correct, it all depends on user ....im sure
he is enjoying online dicussions betwwen us....cheers.
--
Regards

Himanshu Dogra
B.Engg, GCB, DBA, MISM (Australia)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003
Ex-Microsoft Server Engineer(Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 &
Microsoft Exchange Server)

 

[Gerry]

Himanshu Dogra

I doubt that l-p is going to get the computer to boot, probably for one of
the reasons Pegasus mentioned. A reinstall of Windows XP might be successful
after recovering the data files needing to be recovered. It is unlikely that
we will ever hear from l-p again to get more information so this is a total
guessing game.

There are many Registry Cleaners available; Registry Mechanic is just one.
In my view none are to be recommended.

I do not see the connection you make between cCleaner an excellent third
party product and Windows Live OneCare. Windows Live OneCare is a product I
would not recommend. Indeed Microsoft have announced the intention to drop
Windows Live OneCare, which in itself gives out a message.


--


Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Gerry]

Terry

Replies in line.

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 6:01:44 AM, and on a whim,
Gerry pounded out on the keyboard:


Pick up on these points? I guess you're the definitive answer now?

No just expressing an opinion like you do. Readers can take it or leave it.

SM w/N is fine. It surely is NOT a "move in the wrong direction".

Only if another safe mode option works first.

But it isn't bad advice, so why are you knocking it?

I didn't!

And speaking of "academic". YOU suggested disabling Automatic Restart!
And yet you inform this person that IT IS A NON-STARTING COMPUTER!v

That was part of an attempt to get more clues / pointers to the nature of
the problem. Actually "non-starting computer" is an incorrect description as
the computer starts but fails to complete the boot process. I am surprised
your razor sharp intellect did not cause you to correct my mistatement!

Providing links is NOT "totally wrong". It's done all the time.

To web pages not to executable files!

And speaking of "I cannot see how the suggestion will resolve the problem
of a non-booting computer?" YOU suggested disabling Automatic Restart!
Take your own advice Gerry!

You cannot run an executable file from online if you cannot access the
internet. Do you have a magic formula for doing this?

How about getting rid of that delimiter if you're going to reply at the
top? Take some GOOD advice for a change!

That's your opinion not mine!

Terry R.

--


Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 3:24:18 AM, and on a whim,
James Watkins pounded out on the keyboard:

=> I like your flowery, colourful language, in spite of the nonsense you
write - see below.


=> What benefit does the OP get from booting up with networking"

Ummm, to network...

=> What is a "vable"?
=> Why should a wireless connection not work in Safe Mode? Most of them do!

Really! Without networking enabled? Why don't you try to rethink that
one. Or better yet, try it so you'll be convinced.

=> Hello to you too!

Do you make fun of mentally challenged people too? Or here's a thought.
Since this is obviously at LEAST a 2nd language for this person, why
don't you try to offer support in another language and see how well you
do before being a wise ass!

slow.
=> Rubbish. The whole purpose of the "prefetch" folder is to make Windows
run faster. You should do some homework and find out about the prefetch
mechanism.

Why don't YOU do some homework. It's a fact that prefetch can slow down
an Windows, and removing the files and letting Windows recreate them can
sometimes be a fix.

=> Cleaning out the temp folder is unlikely to resolve the OP's problem.

=> Another step that gives you a warm feeling but is unlikely to do anything
useful.

http://www.filehippo.com/download/file/5e8709785a03aa19a6d46e331eaa99bbf15fc
d26fc8c4d02805478fe1c85cbca/
=> Why should the OP trust an executable file from a total stranger who
gives such confused advice? Dangerous stuff!

If they would believe you, why wouldn't they believe him? At least he
was trying to offer support.

Did you even check the site? Maybe you should before making blanket
statements. But maybe you couldn't because you don't understand the
link was broken.

=> It will probably suffer some permanent damage.

=> I would be extremely surprised if a genuine MCSE provided such mixed and
unprofessional advice.

Read my comments again about your "Hello to you too!" statement.

Terry R.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 7:23:01 AM, and on a whim,
Himanshu Dogra pounded out on the keyboard:

Hi

Thanks Terry..for supporting me on some points. I was like alone fighting
for my case...noone can be 100% correct, it all depends on user ....im sure
he is enjoying online dicussions betwwen us....cheers.

Hi Himanshu,

Unfortunately there are some people offering support that believe their
way is the ONLY way. Gerry criticized you about suggesting something
that wouldn't work because the computer is unbootable, but yet he
suggested disabling Automatic Restart, which can't be done either if the
computer won't boot.

The only suggestion I might make to you is that you suggested to
download some software from a link, but the link offers a lot of
different choices. You may have forgot to include the software name you
wanted them to download specifically, and by your further comments it
appears that was CCleaner.

Take care,


Terry R.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 8:23:24 AM, and on a whim,
Gerry pounded out on the keyboard:

Terry

Replies in line.



No just expressing an opinion like you do. Readers can take it or leave it.

Usually when someone offers an opinion, they don't preface it with, "...
pick up on these points."

Only if another safe mode option works first.

No Gerry. Enabling the network adapter isn't the "wrong direction". I
will suggest to clients or in newsgroups to boot into SM w/N and
download a malware program or something that may be needed off the internet.

I didn't!

"... your point is academic until it does start." is knocking his
suggestion.

That was part of an attempt to get more clues / pointers to the nature of
the problem. Actually "non-starting computer" is an incorrect description as
the computer starts but fails to complete the boot process. I am surprised
your razor sharp intellect did not cause you to correct my mistatement!

The point being that Windows is not loading is basically non-starting,
to the point where your suggestion of telling them to disable AR was
useless.

To web pages not to executable files!

Which shows you didn't even check the link. So you criticized without
knowledge, which in turn makes YOU totally wrong.

You cannot run an executable file from online if you cannot access the
internet. Do you have a magic formula for doing this?

I wasn't talking about Himanshu's suggestions. I was directly
commenting to YOUR suggestions. You cannot disable AR from a computer
that won't boot into Windows either. Do you have a magic formula for
doing this?

Himanshu suggested booting using SM w/N and you said it was wrong. IF
the computer would boot and they followed Himanshu's suggestions, they
WOULD be able to access the internet. But either are incorrect since
Windows will not load. So you should apologize to Himanshu.

That's your opinion not mine!

If you won't manually remove the delimiter before sending like I see
others do sometimes, here's a challenge for you. You like to reply at
the top. I have no problem with that. My whole issue is with the way
OE/WM inserts the delimiter when replying at the top which wipes out
prior discussion in a post.

Why not take an hour, install Mozilla Thunderbird, configure it for your
newsgroups (or at least THIS newsgroup). Set the reply configuration to
reply above the quote, the way you like it. Set your signature file the
way you like it.

Then you can reply at the top, have your sig file, and the only thing
that will change is that no delimiter will be inserted above your sig.

If you really are concerned about offering support, it would be a small
move to help those who don't understand how newsgroups and news readers
work.


Terry R.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 17, 2009 8:05:32 AM, and on a whim,
Gerry pounded out on the keyboard:

Himanshu Dogra

I doubt that l-p is going to get the computer to boot, probably for one of
the reasons Pegasus mentioned. A reinstall of Windows XP might be successful
after recovering the data files needing to be recovered. It is unlikely that
we will ever hear from l-p again to get more information so this is a total
guessing game.

Actually, I believe that if the OP takes my suggestion and deletes the
hibernation file, their problem will be resolved. I've seen that exact
issue and have performed that action on laptops many times, and was able
to get Windows running again. They may need to boot via another method
(BartPE, etc), but I'm pretty sure that's the issue.


Terry R.