need help, XP wont let me in.

[Imemine]

Hello,,,,

I have developed a problem with my dual boot system. I have win98 and xp,, win98 being on the c:
drive, and xp on the d drive.
I switched to xp today after a reboot, all seemed okay as it went through the normal motions, then
it produced a screen as if xp had been installed for the first time;; then just ceased up.
I havent used xp a great deal, and it doesnt have access to the internet.
When I open win' explorer, (via booting back to win98) it shows my D: drive with all of the things
that are loaded into xp, including all new folders and stuff that I created last time I was there.
(oh, xp was loaded on using fat32, and has been that way for over a year without a problem.)

So, one of my main concerns right now is the fact that xp is the boot manager for the dual-boot, and
I sure as heck dont want to lose the ability to boot into win98.

I have heard that there is a repair tool on my xp disc, and was wondering whether I should try to
use that? I also dont have my product key anymore. I downloaded 'magicjellybean' product key
finder, and saved it to a file in win98, then from there created a folder on xp (d: drive) and
copied it into there,, but realised that I was still in a 98 environment and hence couldnt fire
it up to find xp's product number..... still, I dont even know if I need that at this stage
because I have the original disc anyway.

Can anyone advise on what I should do, or better still, what any of you here would do in the same
situation? Basically, I havent really tried anything yet, thought I would come here first.

Have run all the obvious antivirus and malaware programs, comes up clean for win98.


Thank you for input.

 

[Nepatsfan]

Hello,,,,

I have developed a problem with my dual boot system. I have win98 and xp,,
win98 being on the c:
drive, and xp on the d drive.
I switched to xp today after a reboot, all seemed okay as it went through the
normal motions, then
it produced a screen as if xp had been installed for the first time;; then
just ceased up.
I havent used xp a great deal, and it doesnt have access to the internet.
When I open win' explorer, (via booting back to win98) it shows my D: drive
with all of the things
that are loaded into xp, including all new folders and stuff that I created
last time I was there.
(oh, xp was loaded on using fat32, and has been that way for over a year
without a problem.)

So, one of my main concerns right now is the fact that xp is the boot manager
for the dual-boot, and
I sure as heck dont want to lose the ability to boot into win98.

I have heard that there is a repair tool on my xp disc, and was wondering
whether I should try to
use that? I also dont have my product key anymore. I downloaded
'magicjellybean' product key
finder, and saved it to a file in win98, then from there created a folder on
xp (d: drive) and
copied it into there,, but realised that I was still in a 98 environment
and hence couldnt fire
it up to find xp's product number..... still, I dont even know if I need
that at this stage
because I have the original disc anyway.

Can anyone advise on what I should do, or better still, what any of you here
would do in the same
situation? Basically, I havent really tried anything yet, thought I
would come here first.

Have run all the obvious antivirus and malaware programs, comes up clean for
win98.


Thank you for input.

The first thing I would do is make sure that all my important files, from both
installations, are backed up. Next, I'd try to start XP in Safe Mode. If that
works, I'd run the Magic Jelly Bean keyfinder to retrieve the XP installation
key. If XP won't boot even into Safe Mode, I'd make getting a valid XP CD key my
first priority. If it's a Retail XP CD, I'd contact Microsoft for assistance. If
it's an OEM CD, I'd contact the source, not MS.

How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and product
upgrades, or replace product manuals
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

As for your concern about accessing your Win98 installation, that shouldn't be a
problem right now. Since XP's boot loader runs before the operating system
loads, you should still be able to boot Win98 even if you're having problems
running XP. Should you have a problem booting into Win98, the solution is
relatively simple; boot from a Win98 floppy and run the Sys A: C: command.

As for using your XP CD to fix this issue, without the CD key you're limited to
using the Recovery Console and I don't think that will help with this problem.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Imemine]

The first thing I would do is make sure that all my important files, from both
installations, are backed up.

-----
okay,,, got lots backed-up now on cd's.
--------

Next, I'd try to start XP in Safe Mode. If that

works, I'd run the Magic Jelly Bean keyfinder to retrieve the XP installation
key. If XP won't boot even into Safe Mode, I'd make getting a valid XP CD key my
first priority.

------
Yes, I agree,, I havent yet done that,, barely out of work clothes.
------

If it's a Retail XP CD, I'd contact Microsoft for assistance. If

it's an OEM CD, I'd contact the source, not MS.

-----
It is an oem.
-----

As for your concern about accessing your Win98 installation, that shouldn't be a
problem right now. Since XP's boot loader runs before the operating system
loads, you should still be able to boot Win98 even if you're having problems
running XP.

-----
Phew, thats at least some good news so far.
--------
Should you have a problem booting into Win98, the solution is

relatively simple; boot from a Win98 floppy and run the Sys A: C: command.

--------
Not sure if I got that correct.... do you mean type 'Sys A: C:'??
What prompt would I be at, at that stage? Have you typed a typo, or is it just my lack of
understanding certain dos commands? (and I'm not real flash at them either, but can muddle my way
around)
------------

As for using your XP CD to fix this issue, without the CD key you're limited to
using the Recovery Console and I don't think that will help with this problem.

-------
Yes, I thought it might be an issue.
I went to dos just now, then to the D:drive where xp lives, then drilled down to the folder where
the .exe for jelly-bean is, and fired it up..... but again, it only brought up the key for win
98....... Am just wondering if I reboot using boot disc, can I drill down to the same file
from pure dos and execute jelly-bean from there?? Will it give me the key seeing as how I am in
pure dos? I say this now, only because I dont want to reboot the computer in next 36hrs, so
just wondering if you might know if this will work.
-------

Good luck

Ta for that,, sounds like I am going to need it.
Boyohboy,,, was amazed to see how far down the n/g list my post is now, hope I get this sorted
before it just drops off and becomes an unresolved issue.

Nepatsfan

Thanks for the help so far Nepatsfan.... (whats a nepats?)

Imemine.

 

[John John (MVP)]

Thanks for the help so far Nepatsfan.... (whats a nepats?)

These are the guys that were absolutely, 100% sure, as sure as the sun
will rise in the morning, beat the New York Giants to a pulp.... a sure
bet, couldn't lose putting all your money on it... heck according to the
pundits there was no need to even have a game, the game was only a
formality on the way to the coronation. (sorry Nepatsfan, I just
couldn't resist

 

[Imemine]

Hello again Nepatsfan....

This is now a couple of hours later and I would like to give you an update and then push further
into fixing the problem..... hope you are still reading these posts.

Great news; I got into safe-mode in xp, navigated to where I had placed the jelly-bean .exe, fired
it up, and voila....!! (safe mode looked just fine too, just like an xp environment.)
I was very happy, ;; Had a look around for a while, including r/click mycomputer then to 'manage'.
Looked around at errors and log files etc, but it really didnt mean much to me; there were plenty of
red warnings etc.
Then went to device manager and found a yellow Q mark next to video,, but figured it was because it
was using vga instead of my installed card... (OT, btw, I have never installed my video card to
the D:drive, I think? I simply installed the card, and used 'new hardware wizard'. in 98, does
this instal the card for both O/S's?)

Next, I rebooted into non-safe-mode and simply booted to xp. All I got was a task bar with Start
Button on left, and Clock on the right. The rest of screen was just blue with the recycle bin icon
on bottom right. I then clicked Start, and there was nothing under the sub-menu arrows,, they
were all empty as if there simply wasnt anything there. I then r/clicked on Start, then chose
Explorer, and sure enough,, there was my D:drive and all the stuff that is on it.

So, not being an avid xp user, I think I will revert to you and ask what you suggest I do now. ?
If I put in my xp cd, where should I go from there?
I can follow instructions reasonably well.

Thank you for help.

 

[Nepatsfan]

Answered inline.

Hello again Nepatsfan....

This is now a couple of hours later and I would like to give you an update and
then push further
into fixing the problem..... hope you are still reading these posts.

Great news; I got into safe-mode in xp, navigated to where I had placed the
jelly-bean .exe, fired
it up, and voila....!! (safe mode looked just fine too, just like an xp
environment.)
I was very happy, ;; Had a look around for a while, including r/click
mycomputer then to 'manage'.
Looked around at errors and log files etc, but it really didnt mean much to
me; there were plenty of
red warnings etc.

We'll get back to this later because the errors recorded in Event Viewer could
be important depending on what steps you take to fix the problem.

Then went to device manager and found a yellow Q mark next to video,, but
figured it was because it
was using vga instead of my installed card... (OT, btw, I have never
installed my video card to
the D:drive, I think? I simply installed the card, and used 'new hardware
wizard'. in 98, does
this instal the card for both O/S's?)

You would need to install the correct drivers for you video card while XP is
running. Probably not the source of your current problem, but it is something
you'll want to address later.

Next, I rebooted into non-safe-mode and simply booted to xp. All I got was
a task bar with Start
Button on left, and Clock on the right. The rest of screen was just blue with
the recycle bin icon
on bottom right. I then clicked Start, and there was nothing under the
sub-menu arrows,, they
were all empty as if there simply wasnt anything there. I then r/clicked on
Start, then chose
Explorer, and sure enough,, there was my D:drive and all the stuff that is
on it.

So, not being an avid xp user, I think I will revert to you and ask what you
suggest I do now. ?
If I put in my xp cd, where should I go from there?
I can follow instructions reasonably well.

Thank you for help.

The first thing you should do is see if the problem occurs when logging in with
another user account. If you've installed XP Professional, you can try logging
off from your account and logging on with the built-in Administrator account. If
you can get to the Welcome screen, hit Ctrl + Alt + Del twice to bring up the
Logon to Windows dialog. You can now enter Administrator in the User Name box.
Enter a password if you created one for this account when you installed XP.
Otherwise, leave it blank. If you've installed XP Home Edition, you'll have to
create another user account while in Safe Mode and try to log in to that account
in normal mode. This is due to the fact that the Administrator account is only
available in safe mode in XP HE. Since you're trying to log on with a different
account in normal mode, the Administrator account is of no help here.

If the problem exists no matter what account is logged on you've got a few
options on how you proceed from here. I'll give you two. The first option is
relatively safe but tricky and time consuming. The second is relatively easy but
comes with some risk.

Option 1. Clean Boot Troubleshooting.

Since your computer runs well in safe mode, but not in normal mode, the problem
is likely some program, process, or driver that loads in normal mode but not in
safe mode. Event Viewer in Computer Management can be helpful here by possibly
identifying the source of the problem. Check the Applications and Systems
branches of Event Viewer for any errors that occur when you attempt to boot into
normal mode. If there's nothing helpful recorded in Event Viewer, you can move
on to clean boot troubleshooting.

Performing a clean boot involves booting into safe mode and using the System
Configuration Utility, msconfig, to shut down the programs that load at startup
as well as any non-Microsoft services. You then restart the computer to boot
into normal mode. If you encounter the same problem, you move on to Option 2. If
the computer boots normally, you start enabling items in msconfig that you
disabled earlier and rebooting until you identify the source of the problem.
This is where it gets time consuming.

Option 2. Windows XP repair installation.

The risky part here is how much faith you have in the installation key you
retrieved using the key finder. If you're sure that it's the one that came with
your OEM installation CD, this process should work. If it's not, you might not
be able to enter it or it won't pass activation. It's your choice.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Microsoft's Windows XP Professional (Pro) Repair Install step by step
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm

Keep in mind that a repair installation is designed to preserve your user
account and data as well as any installed programs while repairing XP. If you
have all your important files backed up, a clean installation is an option you
might want to consider.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Nepatsfan]

Hello again Nepatsfan....

This is now a couple of hours later and I would like to give you an update and
then push further
into fixing the problem..... hope you are still reading these posts.

Great news; I got into safe-mode in xp, navigated to where I had placed the
jelly-bean .exe, fired
it up, and voila....!! (safe mode looked just fine too, just like an xp
environment.)
I was very happy, ;; Had a look around for a while, including r/click
mycomputer then to 'manage'.
Looked around at errors and log files etc, but it really didnt mean much to
me; there were plenty of
red warnings etc.
Then went to device manager and found a yellow Q mark next to video,, but
figured it was because it
was using vga instead of my installed card... (OT, btw, I have never
installed my video card to
the D:drive, I think? I simply installed the card, and used 'new hardware
wizard'. in 98, does
this instal the card for both O/S's?)

Next, I rebooted into non-safe-mode and simply booted to xp. All I got was
a task bar with Start
Button on left, and Clock on the right. The rest of screen was just blue with
the recycle bin icon
on bottom right. I then clicked Start, and there was nothing under the
sub-menu arrows,, they
were all empty as if there simply wasnt anything there. I then r/clicked on
Start, then chose
Explorer, and sure enough,, there was my D:drive and all the stuff that is
on it.

So, not being an avid xp user, I think I will revert to you and ask what you
suggest I do now. ?
If I put in my xp cd, where should I go from there?
I can follow instructions reasonably well.

Thank you for help.

Following up on my earlier response, I forgot to include these links that you
may find helpful.

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434

Nepatsfan

 

[Nepatsfan]

-----
okay,,, got lots backed-up now on cd's.
--------

Next, I'd try to start XP in Safe Mode. If that

------
Yes, I agree,, I havent yet done that,, barely out of work clothes.
------

If it's a Retail XP CD, I'd contact Microsoft for assistance. If

-----
It is an oem.
-----


-----
Phew, thats at least some good news so far.
--------
Should you have a problem booting into Win98, the solution is

--------
Not sure if I got that correct.... do you mean type 'Sys A: C:'??
What prompt would I be at, at that stage? Have you typed a typo, or is it
just my lack of
understanding certain dos commands? (and I'm not real flash at them either,
but can muddle my way
around)
------------

-------
Yes, I thought it might be an issue.
I went to dos just now, then to the D:drive where xp lives, then drilled down
to the folder where
the .exe for jelly-bean is, and fired it up..... but again, it only brought
up the key for win
98....... Am just wondering if I reboot using boot disc, can I drill
down to the same file
from pure dos and execute jelly-bean from there?? Will it give me the key
seeing as how I am in
pure dos? I say this now, only because I dont want to reboot the computer
in next 36hrs, so
just wondering if you might know if this will work.
-------


Ta for that,, sounds like I am going to need it.
Boyohboy,,, was amazed to see how far down the n/g list my post is now, hope I
get this sorted
before it just drops off and becomes an unresolved issue.

Thanks for the help so far Nepatsfan.... (whats a nepats?)

Imemine.

Let's get the easy stuff out of the way first. Nepats stands for the New England
Patriots, an American football team.

Moving on, I'll try to clarify one point I made earlier. If you needed to
restore the ability to boot into Windows 98, do the following.

Put a Windows 98 boot floppy in the drive.
Start your computer and boot from the floppy.
When you get to the A prompt, enter the following command and hit the Enter key.

Sys A: C:

Running this command takes Windows XP's boot loader out of the equation. It
could be restored by booting from an XP installation CD, entering the Recovery
Console, and running the Fixboot command.

Nepatsfan

 

[Imemine]

Thats a lot for great info you have given,, thank you. It is after midnight here and saturday
tomorrow (now) so will try it all then,, but, while I am at the keyboard, I will reply to one of
the things you mentioned,,, then just keep my fingers crossed all goes well tomorrow;; hope
you will be here in next few days.

You would need to install the correct drivers for you video card while XP is
running. Probably not the source of your current problem, but it is something
you'll want to address later.

--------
Yes, I would like to talk about that.. always had a funny feeling that it should be installed
to both o/s's.... but, I guess I put it on the back-burner due to using 98se as my first
choice everyday. (driver installation also not one of my strong points.)
-----------

Thanks again Nepatsfan,,

Oh, and to clarify, it is xp pro.

btw,, you have a great knack at explaining things,, I understood all you said... and I
certainly aint
the sharpest knife in the drawer.

 

[Nepatsfan]

These are the guys that were absolutely, 100% sure, as sure as the sun will
rise in the morning, beat the New York Giants to a pulp.... a sure bet,
couldn't lose putting all your money on it... heck according to the pundits
there was no need to even have a game, the game was only a formality on the
way to the coronation. (sorry Nepatsfan, I just couldn't resist

You had to bring that up, didn't you Two minutes left and they forget how to
play defense!!!! A guy no one heard of before, and may not be heard from again,
catches a pass with his helmet!!!!

Seriously, they were outhit, outplayed, and outcoached that day. The better team
won, no excuses.

Nepatsfan

 

[Nepatsfan]

Thats a lot for great info you have given,, thank you. It is after
midnight here and saturday
tomorrow (now) so will try it all then,, but, while I am at the keyboard, I
will reply to one of
the things you mentioned,,, then just keep my fingers crossed all goes well
tomorrow;; hope
you will be here in next few days.




--------
Yes, I would like to talk about that.. always had a funny feeling that it
should be installed
to both o/s's.... but, I guess I put it on the back-burner due to using
98se as my first
choice everyday. (driver installation also not one of my strong
points.)
-----------

Thanks again Nepatsfan,,

Oh, and to clarify, it is xp pro.

btw,, you have a great knack at explaining things,, I understood all you
said... and I
certainly aint
the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Post back if you run into any problems. I'll check in from time to time over the
weekend.

Nepatsfan

 

[Imemine]

Nepatsfan,,, hi.

I have been away from the computer for most of the w/end.. in fact, its now 12.20am and I should be
in bed snoring ready for monday,, but due to something I found an hour ago, I thought I would post.

Straight to the point,, I have found something in my XP folders on the D:drive that is totally out
of whack. My question right now is.. may I email you a couple of screen shots showing what I
found? I have a Gmail account, do you have similar? or an address that you are happy for me to
send to from Gmail?
If I tried to explain here, it might take forever, and I know n/g's dont like to accept large posts.
If this isnt okay, then when I return tomorrow I will put pen to paper and try to explain what I
seen.
Thanks for those links, I only had time for one (at the time) and it was rather scarey to say the
least.

Thanks again.


ps, as for what you were talking about regarding sports,,, I have no idea what you are talking
about... I am in Australia..... goodonyasport.

 

[Nepatsfan]

Nepatsfan,,, hi.

I have been away from the computer for most of the w/end.. in fact, its now
12.20am and I should be
in bed snoring ready for monday,, but due to something I found an hour ago, I
thought I would post.

Straight to the point,, I have found something in my XP folders on the
D:drive that is totally out
of whack. My question right now is.. may I email you a couple of screen
shots showing what I
found? I have a Gmail account, do you have similar? or an address that
you are happy for me to
send to from Gmail?
If I tried to explain here, it might take forever, and I know n/g's dont like
to accept large posts.
If this isnt okay, then when I return tomorrow I will put pen to paper and try
to explain what I
seen.
Thanks for those links, I only had time for one (at the time) and it was
rather scarey to say the
least.

Thanks again.


ps, as for what you were talking about regarding sports,,, I have no idea
what you are talking
about... I am in Australia..... goodonyasport.

Feel free to email me those screenshots at this address, substituting @ and .
for AT and DOT.

nepats04ATcomcastDOTcom

I'll take a look at them and see if I can pass on any helpful advice.

Nepatsfan

 

[Nepatsfan]

Nepatsfan,,, hi.

I have been away from the computer for most of the w/end.. in fact, its now
12.20am and I should be
in bed snoring ready for monday,, but due to something I found an hour ago, I
thought I would post.

Straight to the point,, I have found something in my XP folders on the
D:drive that is totally out
of whack. My question right now is.. may I email you a couple of screen
shots showing what I
found? I have a Gmail account, do you have similar? or an address that
you are happy for me to
send to from Gmail?
If I tried to explain here, it might take forever, and I know n/g's dont like
to accept large posts.
If this isnt okay, then when I return tomorrow I will put pen to paper and try
to explain what I
seen.
Thanks for those links, I only had time for one (at the time) and it was
rather scarey to say the
least.

Thanks again.


ps, as for what you were talking about regarding sports,,, I have no idea
what you are talking
about... I am in Australia..... goodonyasport.

Disregard the email address I listed on my previous reply. Instead, send your
screenshots to this address substituting @ for AT and . for DOT.

nepats04ATcomcastDOTnet

Sorry for the confusion.

Nepatsfan

 

[Imemine]

Feel free to email me those screenshots at this address, substituting @ and .
for AT and DOT.

nepats04ATcomcastDOTcom

Hi again nepats.....
bugger!! I have just spent last couple of hours trying to send you the screenshots and etc,, but
gmail is rejecting your address.
I sustituted the obvious, (I hope) but am drawing a blank. It is now 11.30pm here, and I have to
get some shuteye again,, I'll give it another shot as soon as I can.
Many thanks for still being there... dont go anywhere plz.

 

[Nepatsfan]

Hi again nepats.....
bugger!! I have just spent last couple of hours trying to send you the
screenshots and etc,, but
gmail is rejecting your address.
I sustituted the obvious, (I hope) but am drawing a blank. It is now
11.30pm here, and I have to
get some shuteye again,, I'll give it another shot as soon as I can.
Many thanks for still being there... dont go anywhere plz.

Sorry, the address I gave you won't work. Try this one substituting @ for AT and
.. for DOT.

nepats04ATcomcastDOTcom

Nepatsfan