unable to start winXp even in Safe Mode

[vangirl]

I get the error message on a blue screen:

Unmountable_boot_volume
If problems continue, disable or remove any newly
installed hardware or software. Disable BIOS memory
options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use
safe mode to remove or disable components, restart
computer and press F8 and selct sage mode.

***Stop: 0x000000ED (0x80e3e960, 0x0000006,
0x00000000,0x00000000)

When I try to restart into safe mode, it just comes up
again. I tried the choice 'last known configuration that
worked' (not exact words) it does the same thing. I don't
know how to get windows xp to restart, even in safe mode.
Any ideas?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Power off
Desktop:...Open the case and reseat the hard drive IDE ribbon cable at
both ends.
Laptop:... simply remove and reinsert the hard drive.
If that fails:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=297185
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315403

Otherwise go to the website of the hard drive manufacturer and
download their hard drive diagnostics.

Do you have a hard drive overlay such as Max Blast?
Windows XP sometimes has issues with overlay software.
You may need to perform a Clean Installation without their overlay
software which is not needed anyway.

 

[vangirl]

it's a desktop computer..when you say reseat the hard
drive IDE ribbon cable, I don't know what that means.
Can you explain? I have no idea...

 

[Guest]

I don't know what hard drive overlay is or Max Blast. I
read the articles on the links you gave...should I try the
repair option with the cd rom or winxp? I also looked at
your site for the 'repair installation' so that's also
what I am wondering. BTW, I am on a network with TELUS
and the secondary computer works fine, the primary one is
the blue screen one. I don't know why one is work and the
other not, it doesn't make sense to me...

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Power off, open case.
Look for the hard drive.
There will be a ribbon cable about 3" wide attached to the back of the
drive.
Carefully disconnect and reconnect.
Follow the cable to the other end at the motherboard.
Carefully disconnect and reconnect.

 

[vangirl]

I turned the power off, disconnected everything but there
is just no way to get the case off. Any screws there are
are to the fan area. There are no latches, no way to pull
the case off....nothing. I am hoping since I unplugged
everything and disconnected everything that may help.
When the error msg comes up on the blue screen, I am
wondering if it was because I tried to install ms word
from ms office onto winxp. it said it was missing a file
and could not setup. I clicked ok and left it be. I was on
the 'net and so was my husband - no problems. Then when we
were watching tv I saw an error msg and clicked ok and
that is when the stupid blue screen came up. I am so
stressed out trying to get the primary computer to work. I
am glad the secondary one works! I am hoping that
disconnecting/unplugging has helped since I can't get the
cover off.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

If the problem continues, check your manual and/or contact the
manufacturer for instructions on opening the case since it is a
desktop and not a laptop.

Some cases do not use screws, they are tooless.
So there may be something like a lever or slide to open the case.

 

[vangirl]

Response #2 Of course that did not work. I still get the
blue screen. I can't get my computer to boot from the
windows xp cd either! I press 'del' to go into setup and
choose 'cd rom' for boot sequence and exit by saving and
it tries to read from the cd (I can see the lights) but it
says "boot failure" and the cd drive opens up. I was
hoping I could do a repair installation atleast but I
can't! I have been reading microsoft sites and pages all
afternoon and I am just sick with worry and stress. I am
almost to the point of tears! If only this primary
computer would boot up - even in safe mode!! Other than
taking the case off and unplugging the wires, anything
else I can do?

 

[vangirl]

since I don't have a manual and I don't know how to get
the case off and I don't know how to contact the
manufacturer, is there any other way to boot up to
windows? is remote assistance possible if the secondary
computer has windows messenger and email access? it is
running windows 98 though and the other computer not
working is window xp pro. they are connected by telus
through a network. Is this possible? if it is, how do I
get remote assistance?? I am really stuck. I want to be
able to boot up this computer without having to go inside
of it since I can't seem to anyhow! thanks for your help
in answering my questions....

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Remote Assistance is not an option since you can not start windows XP.

At least follow the steps in the two links on my first post.
Perform chkdsk /r using the directions on the links if possible.

Otherwise you may need to find a friend to help with chkdsk /r and
opening the case to check the cables.

 

[vangirl]

I did try to follow the instructions on the links. I could
not because I don't get to the 'welcome to setup' screen
so I can't press r to do the repair option. Nor can I run
chkdsk etc. I can't get any critical updates for windows
xp if I can't get windows xp to boot up. That is the whole
problem. I can't get past the stupid blue screen telling
me to restart. Safe mode, last working configuration, all
those options when in the screen after hitting F8 all lead
me to the blue screen. That's what I don't get. If the
TELUS freedom firewall was midway through running and then
quit and brought up the blue screen I am wondering if
TELUS can help. I am trying to do everything but nothing
is working..that's what is so frustrating. I am sorry if I
sound ungrateful or whatever. I am just so stuck. Thank
you for your help. I just wish I could get it to work!

 

[vangirl]

I just got off the phone with telus and they can't help at
all. even though the last known software that I physically
put on my computer that worked was their freedom security
firewall for anti virus, spam etc. When the blue screen
comes up it says to remove software etc. They think I
should take my computer to a technician. I have no money
to do that. I can't get the case off the computer and I
can't run chkdsk/r because I can't get it to boot from the
cd. same with getting windows update. do you do that
remote assistance thing at all so I can run the repair
option? or know someone safe that can? I don't have any
other ideas. I looked and poked at the case and there just
is nothing that I can see how to get it off. Please help
if you can...

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Remote Assistance will not work since you can not boot up.
Your best option may be to find a friend that knows something about
computers.