xp help

[Cory]

Recently I got the Blue screen of death after trying to load the sp3 pack. It
got to the point where I couldn't get into safe mode or recovery console, it
would just keep going back to the blue screen. I used my diagnostics and
drivers disc that came with my laptop and it didn't see anything. I then
proceeded to use my XP reinstallation cd that also came with my laptop hoping
it would repair my os but now it stuck on a loop and I'm afraid I can't
recover any of my previous data. Is there anything I can do to recover my
data?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Here's the information you should have had before attempting to install SP3:

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

The free unlimited installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 has
been extended (but certainly not indefinitely) beyond the original 14 April
2009 cut-off date. Open your browser to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

At this point, however, it'd probably be best to turn off the machine then
take it to a local, reputable, and independent (not BigBoxStore USA or Geek
Squad) shop.

 

[Mark Adams]

Recently I got the Blue screen of death after trying to load the sp3 pack. It
got to the point where I couldn't get into safe mode or recovery console, it
would just keep going back to the blue screen. I used my diagnostics and
drivers disc that came with my laptop and it didn't see anything. I then
proceeded to use my XP reinstallation cd that also came with my laptop hoping
it would repair my os but now it stuck on a loop and I'm afraid I can't
recover any of my previous data. Is there anything I can do to recover my
data?

Boot the machine with a Knoppix live CD and copy your data off to an
external hard drive.

 

[Cory]

okay, if I do this, will i be able to reinstall all of the recovered data
back on my original harddrive?

 

[Mark Adams]

okay, if I do this, will i be able to reinstall all of the recovered data
back on my original harddrive?

Yes, once the data is copied to the external drive and disconnected from the
laptop, it is safe. If the OS is too hosed to recover from, you can wipe the
drive and reinstall Windows by whatever method the laptop's maker provided
you with. Then you can copy the data back to the laptop from the external
drive. Keep in mind that all you will be able to save is data (your
documents, pictures, video files, music, etc.) Any applications that you have
installed since you purchased the machine will have to be reinstalled. Make
sure that you put SP3 on before installing any of the applications or your
data. You can download a .iso file of SP3 here:
http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/...CE-B5FB-4488-8C50-FE22559D164E&displaylang=en
Burn the .iso file to CD and use it to install SP3 before you even connect
to the internet.
You may still be able to recover your current install. Check out the
following KB article
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545
You may be able to get the machine to boot again by restoring the registry.
MAKE SURE YOU COPY YOUR DATA OFF BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE!