recovery failure

[Guest]

I have WinXP Sp2 and the PC died. It will try over and over to boot, getting
an error and the dreaded blue screen each time, ad infinitum.
Compaq System Recovery disks don't work. WinXP Sp2 floppy boot disks don't
work.
Is my hard disk dead? I don't know the manufacturer only that it is 40gb.
Is the best way to save the data to buy a new HD, and if I do will the
Compaq disks work on a virgin HD, that is not preloaded with windows as is my
Presario? Will the boot floppies work or do I need to buy XP?

 

[Ron Martell]

I have WinXP Sp2 and the PC died. It will try over and over to boot, getting
an error and the dreaded blue screen each time, ad infinitum.
Compaq System Recovery disks don't work. WinXP Sp2 floppy boot disks don't
work.
Is my hard disk dead? I don't know the manufacturer only that it is 40gb.
Is the best way to save the data to buy a new HD, and if I do will the
Compaq disks work on a virgin HD, that is not preloaded with windows as is my
Presario? Will the boot floppies work or do I need to buy XP?

A failed hard drive could cause the type of problems that you have
described, but there are a number of other possible causes as well.

Before spending money on a new hard drive you should take the computer
to a computer repair technician, preferably not the service dept in
your local "big box" computer vendor, and get them to check out the
actual reason for the failure. Then you can replace whatever is
necessary, if anything does require replacement.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Not sure if you've tried this or not, but have you downloaded any new video
drivers? Just curious b/c I've seen both a blue screen and no boot at all
from video issues. Also, can you reply with what OS and other knowable pc
specs that you have.

 

[kbg]

Thanks to all who helped.
Apparently a bad memory stick was the root of all my woes.

 

[Guest]

Not sure if you've tried this or not, but have you downloaded any new video
drivers? Just curious b/c I've seen both a blue screen and no boot at all
from video issues. Also, can you reply with what OS and other knowable pc
specs that you have.