PC hangs after log on

[Mobius]

We are trying to figure out how to deal with one Windows XP Pro SP2 PC where
one of us mistakenly turned off all start-up services (in MSCONFIG) and also
'did something' with the DEP options. How and why is another story. Now that
PC just sits there after the log-on prompt, without proceeding any further.
Even in Safe Mode.
Insights gratefully accepted. We can save the data and reinstall everything,
but wished to know if other options exist. We do not have original Windows
CD or restore disks.
Regards and TIA.
Mobius
--------

 

[Malke]

We are trying to figure out how to deal with one Windows XP Pro SP2 PC
where one of us mistakenly turned off all start-up services (in MSCONFIG)
and also 'did something' with the DEP options. How and why is another
story. Now that PC just sits there after the log-on prompt, without
proceeding any further. Even in Safe Mode.
Insights gratefully accepted. We can save the data and reinstall
everything, but wished to know if other options exist. We do not have
original Windows CD or restore disks.

Things to try:

1. From the same menu as Safe Mode, choose "Last Known Good Configuration".
If that works, great.

2. If that doesn't work, try Safe Mode Command Prompt. If you can get in,
you'll be at a command prompt. Type:

c:\Windows\System32\restore\rstrui.exe [enter]

This will start System Restore so you can restore your computer to a time
before you tinkered.

If you can't do either of the above, there is a way to run System Restore
from the Recovery Console, but you need a real XP install CD to do it and
it's complicated.

As an aside, it would be very wise for you to get reinstallation media now.
Since you reference "restore disks", you must have an OEM computer (HP,
Dell, etc.). Contact the OEM and see if you can order recovery disks. This
is usually very inexpensive. HP recovery disks sets for instance cost
around $20. Of course, recovery disks aren't as useful for repairs as a
real XP install disk but they are way less money.

Malke

 

[Mobius]

Response at bottom:

We are trying to figure out how to deal with one Windows XP Pro SP2 PC
where one of us mistakenly turned off all start-up services (in MSCONFIG)
and also 'did something' with the DEP options. How and why is another
story. Now that PC just sits there after the log-on prompt, without
proceeding any further. Even in Safe Mode.
Insights gratefully accepted. We can save the data and reinstall
everything, but wished to know if other options exist. We do not have
original Windows CD or restore disks.

Things to try:

1. From the same menu as Safe Mode, choose "Last Known Good
Configuration".
If that works, great.

2. If that doesn't work, try Safe Mode Command Prompt. If you can get in,
you'll be at a command prompt. Type:

c:\Windows\System32\restore\rstrui.exe [enter]

This will start System Restore so you can restore your computer to a time
before you tinkered.

If you can't do either of the above, there is a way to run System Restore
from the Recovery Console, but you need a real XP install CD to do it and
it's complicated.

As an aside, it would be very wise for you to get reinstallation media
now.
Since you reference "restore disks", you must have an OEM computer (HP,
Dell, etc.). Contact the OEM and see if you can order recovery disks. This
is usually very inexpensive. HP recovery disks sets for instance cost
around $20. Of course, recovery disks aren't as useful for repairs as a
real XP install disk but they are way less money.

Malke

Thanks very much for the informative and helpful response. We shall try out
the options outlined as soon as we can.