Bootint into XP can't select any user after HD removal

[Guest]

Hi,
I had 3 HD's on my machine, two IDE and one SATA which is not visible for
windows.
Win XP was installed on the second IDE-HD.
Some days ago I've removed the first IDE-HD and since than I can't boot into
Win XP.
The first some problems I've solved using the recovery console (form
installation CD) and:
FIXMBR
FIXBOOT
BOOTCFG /REBUILD

Now I'm partially able to boot XP but I'm not able to log in. What I see is
the blue WinXP invitation screen with a WinXP logo in the midlle, but I can't
click anything.

I'v tried to boot into safe mode. The only change I've noticed was the
reduced resolution but I still couldn't log in.

I've also tried 'safe mode with command prompt' where I still see the blue
invitation screen but there is no command propt. If I press enter I can hear
beep signals but that's all.

I've tried to add some new users using the net command from the recovery
console, but it seems there is no possibility to add any new user.

Could anybody tell me what do I have to do to log in?

Thanks in advance,
foka.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

You have probably installed the system files on a drive that now has a changed drive letter. There is no 'repair' function for a
changed system drive letter.

 

[Guest]

You have probably installed the system files on a drive that now has a changed drive letter. There is no 'repair' function for a
changed system drive letter.

I'm not very familiar with windows, but I almost can't belive that there is
no way to fix that exept of reinstalling the whole system.
Is there no possibility to edit the registry or some another file from
outside and set the system drive to point to another device?

Regards,
foka

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

I can describe the method that MIGHT work, but it's vital to do backup before trying.

How to restore the system/boot drive letter in Windows:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223188

Restore the drive letter order, start the system, export the entire registry with regedt32, change the drive leter in the original
per the article, hack the letter into the exported reg file, restart, import the hacked reg file, try a restart.