XP don't start even in safe mode

  • Thread starter Thread starter marcozzo
  • Start date Start date
M

marcozzo

Hi all,
the laptop of my sister, with win XPHE, doesn't start anymore.
It hangs at blue screen with windows logo; the same even in safe mode.

The hard disk seems ok, if I boot the pc with a knoppix cd, I can see
files, win directory, etc.

I've booted with win XP cd and tried with recovery console but my
sister doesn't remember the administrator password.

Any ideas?

Thank you!!

Ciao
 
Hi,

If you cannot access the system and you have no idea what is actually wrong,
you have to stop and think about what you are getting into. What were you
going to try and do from the Recovery Console? Often, there is an issue with
the admin password when none has been set and the system was installed using
sysprep, the problem is described here:

Cannot Log On to Recovery Console After Running Sysprep [Q308402]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308402

The workaround involves using the boot disks:

Using the WinXP Boot floppy set:
http://www.rickrogers.org/fixes.htm#Boot floppy

But again, without knowing what you were planning on trying, it's impossible
to tell you what to do from there. I would consider a repair installation if
you are fairly confident the system is not heavily infected with viruses, or
infested with spyware (both of which can cause all sorts of issues). The
procedure is described here:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Otherwise, I would recommend that you "bite the bullet" and use the Knoppix
CD to recover what you can of the user's personal files, then format and do
a clean installation.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
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