windows will not complete boot

[Angel]

I am running a Gateway Pentium 4 with Windows XP. About 2 weeks ago, after
an automatic windows update, my computer tried to re-boot for changes to
take effect. However, shut down was unsuccessfull after waiting 20 minutes.
I forced the computer to shut down then re-start using the power button.
Nothing else would work.
Ever since my computer will NOT boot up completely. It will go as far as my
desktop picture and that is all. NO icons, start menu or task bar. I can
access a few program using the task manager

I have tired "Last Known Good Configuration" and several different system
restore points. The system tells me that it is restoring files, however, I
am back to just my desktop picture and nothing else. I have tried to boot
up into safe mode, safe mode with networking, and safe mode with command
prompts. The following line is the last line shown on screen...

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows\system32\DRIVERS\agp440.sys
At this point the system gets hung up and won't move forward. I once again
hit the power button and have to force a manual shut down to re-boot. Same
is true with all 3 safe mode prompts.


I don't know what to do. I have been told to re-install...I really don't
want to do that. I have also been told to do a system repair using the
windows XP disk. I put the disk into the CD drive but did not find a repair
option. It maybe possible that I am not looking in the right spot or not
doing the right procedure.

I have tried to get into the event viewer but since I can't get to safe mode
and nothing will completely boot I am limited on options. If there is a way
to get to the event viewer using the task manager I would love to try it and
find out what the event log has to say.

Will someone please give me some help here?? This is driving me crazy. I
have always been able to fix my computer with little effort. But this I'm
afraid is over my head. I want to fix it myself instead of taking it to
someone else. So please give as much detail as possible, I would sooo
greatly appreciate it.

Thanks
Angel

 

[Terry]

Probably the repair option that they are telling u about, is what i
call the second repair.. when u boot from the xp disk, the first
screen that is waiting for user input, u have an option for the repair
console, if you hit enter there, and then f8 to accept the agreement,
then the next screen should give u the option to repair windows, this
repair doesn't normally, (notice i say normally) delete any of your
files, and ususally keeps ur programs, you will need your product key
for this operation. the other thing u can try is when u get to the
first screen when booting with the xp disk is to hit "r" for the
repair console. then pick the windows installation, usually "1", and
normally there's no administrator password. when u get to the command
prompt, type in chkdsk /r the r switch tells windows to rebuilt
damaged files, however, i only see this work about 25% of the time...
good luck, ill follow this post..

 

[Angel]

Thank you so much for your response. After some reading of other posts, I
have discovered that I am not the only one dealing with this type of issue.

You mentioned that I need to boot up from the XP disk. I am not sure how to
switch boot commands to where the computer will boot from CD.
It might just be frustration over clouding my thoughts at this time. I am
sure it is a rather simple thing to do. But at this time I really would
love for someone to tell me how.

Again, thanks for your response to this issue.
Angel

 

[Guest]

Angel

If you haven't taken care of this, proceed with the following to get your
computer to boot from CD:
While your computer is booting up, press F2. Go to your boot sequence and
move CD ROM to the first boot device. Upon restarting your computer, watch
for the press any key to boot from CD.