Safe Mode with Command Prompt - not available

[Guest]

I allowed an ATI driver update via Windows update.
Afterwards my USB hard drive was not recognised or detected. I did a an
XP system restore, but now the viewable screen area is half size and I
cannnot log in as the log in password box does not register any keyboard
input.
There is nothing wrong with the USB hard drive - it
works on other machines still. I want to run:
c:\ cd c:\windows\system\restore<enter>
c:\rstrui<enter>
But when I select F8 on startup and 'safe mode with command prompt' the
windows Log In screen still appears, no command prompt, and I am stuck again.
If I can get a c:\ prompt somewhow I am sure I can resolve this.
Can anyone suggest how to boot to c:\ directly?

This is on a Compaq laptop. I'm also seeking an answer from them.

Thanks,

Ronnie

 

[David Candy]

You still have to enter the password. It's the same in normal mode as safe mode. Check the user name.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

The command prompt will appear after you enter a valid username and password
(suggest you use "administrator" and the associated password). Unlike Win9x
systems, you do not boot directly to a command prompt and bypass security
restrictions.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Thanks folks,

I can get into Recovery Console via the Administrators password, but the
System Restore feature isn't available in there. I've run CHKDSK /R which
hasn't made any difference. The problem is still the GUI for log-on, the
cursor flashes in the password box, but no typing will register there. I
assume there is no command line alternative way of logging on?

Thanks,
Ronnie.

 

[Plato]

I allowed an ATI driver update via Windows update.

Why?

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Ronnie,

No, you are correct in that System Restore is not available from the
Recovery Console. I would suggest that you do a registry recovery, the steps
are here:

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry [Q307545]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org