Computer Crashed

  • Thread starter Thread starter Faith UMC
  • Start date Start date
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Faith UMC

I was having trouble downloading SP1 due to a slow dial-up and an error that
would prevent the total download. I finally got the service pack to load to
the point of installing the new files, but before it was finished another
error popped up causing me to re-boot. NOW the OEM screen starts,then the XP
splash screen and after about a minute it re-boots all over again.

Also, before this had happened I turned off the system recovery feature as I
was trying to run an anti-virus program and defrag (defrag would never
finish without an error).

What can I do now? I don't have an XP disk nor recovery discs (computer
never came with them), and I foolishly (stupidly) never created any boot
disk for such an emergency.

I am running an hp pavilion with Pentium 4 -- 1.7ghz and 512 megs ram. My
hard drive has about 52 gb free yet.


Johnny
 
Try booting up in safe mode (keep tapping the F8 key when
you first start the comp.). Once in safe mode you should
be able to enable system restore and use it to restore to
a point before SP1. Personally, I still haven't installed
SP1 due to the many issues people have with it. I can do
everything I want without it. In other words "if it ain't
broke, don't fix it"
 
Have you tried getting into safe mode? Try pressing the F8 key quickly and
repeatedly on start up and see if the Windows boot menu displays. If this
works try running System Restore. If you cannot get into safe mode there is
another possibility.

Recent HP Pavilions that come without media (an infuriating practice) have a
hidden partition that contains a reinstallation process. To access it try
hitting F10 immediately and repeatedly on start up. (This process is
launched by the BIOS.) See HP instructions at the following link.
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=bph07145

Read this carefully! You can perform either a 'non-destructive'
reinstallation or a destructive one which would reformat your hard drive and
wipe out all data. The former is highly preferable. You will have to
reprocess Windows updates. (See note below however.) If you cannot access
the hidden partition for some reason, you can order a recovery CD set from
HP which will cost about $15.00 to $20.00.

NOTE!:
I strongly recommend NOT attempting to process massive updates like SP1 by
dial up. That can be purchased from Microsoft on CD for about $7.00.
Another alternative is if you have a friend with broadband who can download
the full version and burn it to a CD.
 
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