xp doesn't boot after adding memory - help

[Guest]

After adding memory, XP (Home edition SP2) started, blue-screened with an
error, and then auto-retarted. This continued for several minutes so I had
to switch off the laptop, and now XP doesn't even boot up - just black screen
with blinking cursor.

I don't have a bootable CD to undertake a repair installation. What are my
best options. The XP installation is an upgrade to Win 98 SE which still
resides on the HDD. Ideally I like to uninstall XP and then re-install, but
I need to keep my data intact.

 

[philo]

After adding memory, XP (Home edition SP2) started, blue-screened with an
error, and then auto-retarted. This continued for several minutes so I had
to switch off the laptop, and now XP doesn't even boot up - just black screen
with blinking cursor.

I don't have a bootable CD to undertake a repair installation. What are my
best options. The XP installation is an upgrade to Win 98 SE which still
resides on the HDD. Ideally I like to uninstall XP and then re-install, but
I need to keep my data intact.

If you do that you will probably destroy your system...

*remove* the RAM you just put in...it's either defective or incompatible

 

[Pentium]

You may just have to re-Seat it. But yes, check your manual that you
indeeed got the proper RAM.

 

[Guest]

Thanks - I did do this but to no avail, XP still won't boot

 

[Guest]

Thnaks for your response

I have tried taking out hte new RAm and returning to the initial
configuration, but still XP doesn't boot.

Any ideas ?

 

[philo]

Thanks - I did do this but to no avail, XP still won't boot

First off...leave the new ram out of yous system...then...

Boot up with your XP cd and enter the repair console


first run chkdsk *without any switches afterwards*

if is sees a few errors then run chkdsk /r and hopefully the errors
will be fixed
and your system boots up ok



If chkdsk see tons af errors do not run chkdsk /r as you may really run
into problems

slave to drive to another system and backup all your data before doing
anything else