BOOTING UP WINDOWS XP PRO

[Shane]

Hi, I am using windows xp pro. When I boot up the system I only get the
desktop with no icons or start buton or task bar. When I check the BIOS, it
says the hard drive is not being detected. What can I do to have it detect
the HD?

I Already Tried:
tried booting up in safe mode but no success
tried booting up with last known successful config. but no success
based on info. in BIOS settings, looks like the OS is not detecting the HD

If anyone can help I would be very greatful. I stupidly have data that I
need desperately on this hard drive.

Thanks in advance.

Shane

 

[Andrew E.]

How or why do you think the hd isnt being detected,try booting into xp (even
with the desktop problem),once in xp,press Ctrl_Alt_Delete keys at same
time,this brings up task mgr,in task mgr,click on applications tab,locate
"new
task" & type:cmd In cmd,type:Sfc /Scannow press enter key,install xp cd,
exit the menu page.Once its thru,type:CHKDSK C: /F Agree to restart,type:
EXIT remove xp cd,restart pc...

 

[Shane]

Hey Andrew,

Thanks for responding.

However, I am not able to do this. Performing Control Alt delete was one of
the first things I tried and it did not work. I performed cntrl alt delete
once I was on the desktop screen and nothing happened. The computer gets to
the desktop screen, which is the one I have always had but I can't do
anything once I am there. There are no icons no task bar, no start
button.....Does it matter if I do it at another point, like just after I turn
on the power?

It appears the HD is not being detected bec. I looked in the BIOS at HD
config and it says it is not detected. Although, as a test I did disconnect
the CD ROM cable and connected the HD in its place and thru this method the
system recognizes the HD in BIOS. But it doesn't help me boot up the system.

So, I don't know what else to do. I tried booting the system with the Windos
xp CD and I even made this the priority for booting in the BIOS but still no
luck. Not sure I would even be able to reinstall XP and if I did I would need
to be careful not to lose my data.

Any thoughts?

 

[Jerry]

If the hard drive is not being detected then how is it even possible to
appear to boot and get into Windows? No hard drive means the ystem should
not even boot. You have problems above and beyond Windows.

 

[Dave]

Andrew, I saw your previous post. I too only have background of desktop with
no icons and no start button. I have read to type in: desk.cpl in the RUN
but I cannot get into run from the Start button. How do I do it from Ctrl,
Alt, Del.

Thanks,

Dave