EVERYTHING is Gibberish - Can't restore, HELP!

[Shankster]

I just ran Autopatcher for the first time - it ran for a good 20 minutes
installing Windows updates. When my computer restarted all the text was
gibberish - any text associated with an icon is nonsense - it's not like it's
a different language - it's all strange shapes and symbols. I tried to
restore Windows to an earlier time but was told it couldn't be done. I tried
3 different times to restore from different times over the last couple of
days - got the same message each time that the restore had failed (no other
explanation was given). I then tried to reinstall XP using the CD but got a
message that what was on the machine is a later version and that I couldn't
use the CD. I've started in Safe Mode and get the same gibberish. What
happened? How can I fix it - the computer is useless (I'm using another
computer right now). Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[philo]

I just ran Autopatcher for the first time - it ran for a good 20 minutes
installing Windows updates. When my computer restarted all the text was
gibberish - any text associated with an icon is nonsense - it's not like it's
a different language - it's all strange shapes and symbols. I tried to
restore Windows to an earlier time but was told it couldn't be done. I tried
3 different times to restore from different times over the last couple of
days - got the same message each time that the restore had failed (no other
explanation was given). I then tried to reinstall XP using the CD but got a
message that what was on the machine is a later version and that I couldn't
use the CD. I've started in Safe Mode and get the same gibberish. What
happened? How can I fix it - the computer is useless (I'm using another
computer right now). Any help would be much appreciated.

To perform a repair install on a machine with SP2 with a non-sp2 XP cd
you will need to create a slipstreamed CD

http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=8000044B-1193346162


There is of course the possibility that your entire installation is too
corrupt to repair..


You may want to slave the drive to another machine and attempt a data
recovery
if you do not have a backup.


Finally, if your data is backed up or if there is nothing on the machine you
need...
you could just delete the drive and reinstall XP.

You can run this from a win98 boot floppy

http://www.aefdisk.com/

then use the switch aefdisk /delall

to totally delete the drive

 

[Nepatsfan]

I just ran Autopatcher for the first time - it ran for a good 20 minutes
installing Windows updates. When my computer restarted all the text was
gibberish - any text associated with an icon is nonsense - it's not like it's
a different language - it's all strange shapes and symbols. I tried to
restore Windows to an earlier time but was told it couldn't be done. I tried
3 different times to restore from different times over the last couple of
days - got the same message each time that the restore had failed (no other
explanation was given). I then tried to reinstall XP using the CD but got a
message that what was on the machine is a later version and that I couldn't
use the CD. I've started in Safe Mode and get the same gibberish. What
happened? How can I fix it - the computer is useless (I'm using another
computer right now). Any help would be much appreciated.

You'll get that error message when you try to begin the installation from within
Windows if your installation CD is at a lower service pack level than your
current installation.

The easiest approach would be to configure your computer to boot from your CD
drive, boot from the installation CD, and start the repair installation by
hitting the Enter key when you see this screen.

http://www.theeldergeek.com/images/XP Pro Setup Graphic/CC.gif

Hit the F8 key to accept the licensing agreement.
On the next screen, you should see your current windows installation
highlighted. Hit the R key to begin the repair process.

Keep in mind that you should backup any files you can't afford to lose before
doing this procedure. Also, you can expect to have a lot of updates to install
once the repair is finished.

Here are a couple of web sites with info you may find helpful.

http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Shankster]

Thanks for the help - how do I boot from the installation CD? Even when I
start the computer with the XP CD in the drive it boots from the hard drive.

 

[Nepatsfan]

First off, it would be helpful to know what make and model computer you have.

That said, in order to boot from the CD, you'll need to get into your system's
BIOS setup program and configure the order of boot devices so the CD drive is
listed first. Getting into the setup program is done by hitting a certain key as
soon as you restart your computer. The most common keys are F2 or DEL. When your
computer first starts, look on the screen for something like Setup=F2 or <F2> to
run Setup. Here's a list you may find helpful.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Once you're in the setup program, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot
section. Look for an entry such as Boot Device Priority. Better yet, take a look
at the manual for your system to see exactly how to change the boot device
order. Check the computer manufacturer's support site if you don't have a
manual.

If you're still not sure exactly what to do, post back with the make and model
of your computer and I'll see if I can find any helpful info on the topic.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Shankster]

Thanks so much for all your help - that seems to have done the trick - no
more gibberish. I'm busy updating XP back to where it was now.

 

[Nepatsfan]

You're welcome. Thanks for letting us know you were able to fix the problem.

Nepatsfan