hantsman99 said:
Hi Patrick
I tried this repair. Got as far as loading the repair console from XP
CD-ROM and performed part one set of instructions:
copied files to tmp
deleted files
copied repair files
exit
The reair said that the PC will restart. It did, but only to the same
blank
screen. Windows still won't boot, so I can't finish the process.
Help anyone!!!!
OK, then perhaps consider backing up the drive as is (so you know your data
is safe, plus to get access to the restore points later), then doing a
repair install from the XP CD.
A good way to back up the disk requires access to another XP system with
enough drive space. Take the drive out of the ailing system, and attach it
to the working XP system, either internally or via a USB drive enclosure or
adapter. Then use cloning software, such as the Acronis True Image trial,
to back up the complete drive. This trial version (100 meg or so) is free
for 14 days or so, plenty of time for what you need to do. First, though,
delete two files if they are in the root: pagefile.sys and hiberfil.sys.
They are the biggest files there. Then, locate the Temporary Internet
Files folders and clear them. Do the same to the Temp folders. Empty the
wastebasket.
Then, since you're here, go to
http://housecall.trendmicro.com and run the
Housecall A/V scan on that drive. If there was anything, you'll probably
have deleted most of it by clearing the temp folders. At the end,
defragment the drive.
If you find any disk errors, consider whether to proceed or just get
another hard disk (250 gig disks can be had for around CDN$75) and starting
fresh with a new disk. Just set the jumpers the same, put the new drive in
by itself, and install XP, then activate and update it before doing
anything else; then install your A/V apps and other materials. Finally,
restore your data either from the image or from the old drive.
If you stay with the old drive, put it back in its original system, boot
from the XP CD, and start the Repair Install process. Once it's done,
update it etc, then get the restore folder from the image you made, and
try loading them in. It's possible that the damage is more extensive, and
that you simply have to reinstall. And finally, there is the possibility
of other hardware damage.
While you have the case open, take the opportunity to look at the vents,
fans and heatsinks and blow dust off them. Do *not* use a vacuum for this,
use cans of compressed air.
HTH
-pk
