Computer will not boot past the Welcome/log-on screen.

[CBC]

I am attempting to boot a computer running Windows XP Pro and it will show
the Windows is starting up screen then proceeds to the choose the username
screen. When I choose the username, the computer immediately shuts down. I
have tried to boot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking and get the same
response. This occurred after running the Computer Associates Anti-Virus
program and defragmenting the machine.

Any suggestions as to resolution of this problem would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[neil]

Can you boot to a command prompt, if so you can use system restore from a
command prompt.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449

Neil

 

[CBC]

No, I am not able to get that far "into" the boot sequence to get to a
command prompt.

 

[neil]

I did mean by selecting "boot with command prompt" it's another option when
you try to boot safemode.
Neil

 

[CBC]

I did not try that option in the safe mode boot up. I will give it a try.
Is this system restore going to wipe out all of the data files on the
C:drive? If so, is there anyway to recover this information before I do a
system restore command prompt?

 

[neil]

System restore should not remove your data. I say SHOULD NOT but you never
know, its never happened to me but you never know. Look up knoppix boot
disk, you can boot from the CD & save you important files.
Neil

 

[CBC]

I am asking this question out of lack of information. Is the "knoppix boot
disk" the same as the Windows XP Pro Reinstallation disk? I not could you
give me an explanation of this disk?

My goal is to get the machine to a place where I can dowload the data files
to an external hard drive and then I can do whatever I want with the system
without worrying about loosing data.

 

[neil]

Sorry let me explain more. A knoppix CD will boot an operating system is
fully functional and allow you to explore your hard drive and copy your data
files to an external disk. Also known as a "Live CD"
See http://www.knoppix.org/ if the text is in German then select the UK flag
near the top left corner.

Neil

 

[CBC]

Thanks for the explanation.
If I understand corretly, I can download the knoppix disk contents from one
of the many dowload sites listed on the knoppix website and burn it onto a
CD. This CD when placed in the problem computer will boot the system and I
will be able to access the data folders and files that I wish to download
onto the external hard drive. First, I have to get to the BIOS on the
computer to change the boot sequence before this disk will boot the computer.
I should be able to do this based on the fact that that safe mode "options"
screen appears when using the corret function key "F8". I believe the Bios
options are found after pressing the "F2".
Is the boot process from the knoppix disk an intuitive process? It appears
to be based on what I read on the website?

 

[HeyBub]

Thanks for the explanation.
If I understand corretly, I can download the knoppix disk contents
from one of the many dowload sites listed on the knoppix website and
burn it onto a CD. This CD when placed in the problem computer will
boot the system and I will be able to access the data folders and
files that I wish to download onto the external hard drive. First, I
have to get to the BIOS on the computer to change the boot sequence
before this disk will boot the computer. I should be able to do this
based on the fact that that safe mode "options" screen appears when
using the corret function key "F8". I believe the Bios options are
found after pressing the "F2".
Is the boot process from the knoppix disk an intuitive process? It
appears to be based on what I read on the website?

The BIOS options will occur way before you get an opportunity to select
"Safe" mode.

Instructions for accessing the BIOS menus briefly display during POST (Power
On Self Test) and usually involve the [DEL] key.

 

[neil]

If you BIOS is accessed by pressing F2 then you will need to press that key
just as the PC has started up, before the time you pressed F8. Just start
tapping the key for the BIOS as the PC powers up. Some times you can press a
key and just select the boot sequence, my PC is also F8 but I have to select
it before windows loads then I can select the device to boot from on a list.
Yes the boot process for the knoppix disk is simple, if I remember correctly
you don't need to select anything for the knoppix desktop to appear.

best of luck
Neil