Computer won't start up

[Bev]

I have gone to turn on my computer this morning (home PC with XP) and it's
just going 'round in circles' to that black screen where it asks how do you
want to start it. I have chosen all options, safe, last known configuration
etc etc and it just takes me back to the same screen every time. I have been
having a bit of trouble with it lately and wonder if it might be worthwhile
re in stalling Windows? I think it would fix a lot of my problems, starting
with a clean slate but how do I back up documents etc before I do that? What
do you think?

 

[Richard Urban]

It's kind of late to think about backing up your documents after the horse
has been let out of the barn. You do that "before" you start having
problems - like once a week or so!

If you have a retail version of Windows XP you can do a repair install. It
may be enough to get you going again without destroying your personal files.

You can also remove the drive from your computer and connect it to another
computer so you can copy the files you need. Then you can perform a clean
install, or bring the system back to "out of box" condition (if you have a
store bought computer with the OEM operating system installed).

 

[njem]

I have gone to turn on my computer this morning (home PC with XP) and it's
just going 'round in circles' to that black screen where it asks how do you
want to start it.  I have chosen all options, safe, last known configuration
etc etc and it just takes me back to the same screen every time.  I have been
having a bit of trouble with it lately and wonder if it might be worthwhile
re in stalling Windows?  I think it would fix a lot of my problems, starting
with a clean slate but how do I back up documents etc before I do that?  What
do you think?

As Richard said, take the drive out and attach it to another system
and pull your files off. Or take it to someone who can. The drive
might very well be dying and the more you mess with it the less chance
someone can get some of your data off.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Bev

Or use a Linux Live Distro like Knoppix or Ubuntu to boot your system and then save
all the necessary files

 

[Bev]

yes, I realise the 'horse has already bolted'. Can I do a repair install and
not lose any files? I thought that reformatted my hard drive? My computer
came with 2 disks - Operating system CD XP Professional Service Pack 2 and HP
Restore Plus! Please let me know what I can do. Thank you.