XP Home will not boot up

[tekrsq]

I'm running an older AMD 2400 with XP Home SP2. For some reason the computer
suddenly will not boot up. It was working fine yesterday, and I think it may
have automaticly done a Windows update last night. Not sure about the update,
but it would make sense because my daughters computer updated last night.
Anyway, as it's coming up, it gets to the page that tells you to start in
safe mode, normal mode, last known good configuration, etc. No matter which
I choose, it reboots back to this page in a continous loop. I tried to run
recovery through the XP CD, but when I run chkdsk, it tells me the drive
appears fine but if I still want to check it, then use "/p". What does this
mean ? When I put it in, it tells me it isn't a valid command. How would I
write this so the computer knows what I mean ? Now assuming, this doesn't
get me where I need to be, how do I fix this "loop mesage".

Thanks, Tommy

 

[Rich Barry]

Tommy, read this first then try Chkdsk again
http://www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-chkdsk.html

 

[Desk Rabbit]

I'm running an older AMD 2400 with XP Home SP2. For some reason the computer
suddenly will not boot up. It was working fine yesterday, and I think it may
have automaticly done a Windows update last night. Not sure about the update,
but it would make sense because my daughters computer updated last night.
Anyway, as it's coming up, it gets to the page that tells you to start in
safe mode, normal mode, last known good configuration, etc. No matter which
I choose, it reboots back to this page in a continous loop. I tried to run
recovery through the XP CD, but when I run chkdsk, it tells me the drive
appears fine but if I still want to check it, then use "/p". What does this
mean ? When I put it in, it tells me it isn't a valid command. How would I
write this so the computer knows what I mean ? Now assuming, this doesn't
get me where I need to be, how do I fix this "loop mesage".

Thanks, Tommy

You are out of your depth. Before you do any damage and make the job
harder and more expensive, take it to an expert.

 

[Anna]

I'm running an older AMD 2400 with XP Home SP2. For some reason the
computer
suddenly will not boot up. It was working fine yesterday, and I think it
may
have automaticly done a Windows update last night. Not sure about the
update,
but it would make sense because my daughters computer updated last night.
Anyway, as it's coming up, it gets to the page that tells you to start in
safe mode, normal mode, last known good configuration, etc. No matter
which
I choose, it reboots back to this page in a continous loop. I tried to
run
recovery through the XP CD, but when I run chkdsk, it tells me the drive
appears fine but if I still want to check it, then use "/p". What does
this
mean ? When I put it in, it tells me it isn't a valid command. How would
I
write this so the computer knows what I mean ? Now assuming, this doesn't
get me where I need to be, how do I fix this "loop mesage".

Thanks, Tommy

Tommy, read this first then try Chkdsk again
http://www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-chkdsk.html

Tommy:
Ordinarily you would enter the command "chkdsk /f" or "chkdsk /r" (no
quotes) as no doubt the article Rich referred to you covers.

In any event should the chkdsk process not correct the problem and return
your system to a bootable, functional state, it probably would be worthwhile
to undertake a Repair install of the XP OS and hope that corrects the
situation.

In order to do so you would need an XP OS installation CD that allows you to
undertake a Repair install of the system. Ordinarily the recovery or
restoration type installation CD provided by an OEM does not have this
capability but it sounds as if the CD you're using might fit the bill.

I'm assuming you've never undertaken a Repair install of the OS so here are
some details about the process which is a relatively straightforward
procedure. It would be roughly akin to making a fresh install of the OS, but
in nearly every case your existing programs & user-created data would be
retained. Notice I said "nearly". While it would be a rather rare situation
where data would be lost or corrupted as a result of the Repair install, and
as unlikely as it may be, it *could* happen.

So if there are any programs and/or other data on your present drive that
are absolutely crucial to you and you could not tolerate their loss, then I
would strongly suggest that before undertaking this Repair install operation
that you first either make a "clone" of your existing HDD (using a
disk-cloning or disk-imaging program) or, if that's not practical, prior to
undertaking the Repair install, pull off whatever data you want onto some
removable media, e.g., flash drive, CD, another external HDD, etc.

Again, it's a relatively rare event that a loss or corruption of data will
occur even when the Repair install is unsuccessful, but it *can* happen. So
you should be aware of this.

Here are some more step-by-step instructions re the Repair install that can
be found at Microsoft's site...
The repair and reinstallation process might take more than an hour.
Eventually, Setup prompts you to answer questions just as if you were
installing Windows XP for the first time. For detailed instructions, read
"Install Windows XP" at...
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx"

<quote>
Before performing a repair installation of Windows XP, you should have both
your Windows XP CD and your product key available.

To perform a repair installation of Windows XP...

1. Insert your Windows XP CD into your computer.

2. Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD-ROM.

3. When the Welcome to Setup page appears, press ENTER on your keyboard.

4. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing agreement.
Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then,
press F8.

5. When prompted, press R to have Windows XP attempt to repair Windows by
reinstalling important Windows components.
</quote>

Also, here are some other websites that contain detailed step-by-step
instructions for undertaking a Repair install in case you're interested. As
I've indicated, it's a relatively simple & straightforward process and
usually not terribly time-consuming.
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=138
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

As you will note from the various instructions re the Repair install, you
will need to enter the appropriate Product ID key during the
process.

It would be best if you would undertake the Repair install of the OS with a
"slipstreamed" CD containing SP3. But if not available you can use your
present installation CD assuming it contains an earlier SP. You can later
install SP3 should the Repair install later prove successful successful.
Assuming it is, you should use your A-V program to immediately check out
your PC for any virus infestation. Also, you will need to download/install
*all* the MS critical updates since SP3 and possibly some updated programs
from MS in which you may be interested.

Obviously it's possible that other factors (hardware or software) may be
involved here other than a corrupted OS that is causing the problem you
relate but under the circumstances as you've described them a Repair install
of the OS would seem to be a practical first step worth undertaking at this
point.

And, of course, should you be able by one means or another to return your
system to a bootable/functional state you will plan to maintain
comprehensive and reasonably current backups of your system in the future,
possibly through the use of a disk-cloning or disk-imaging program, right?
Right?
Anna

 

[db]

you might try a
fixboot via the
recovery console.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[tekrsq]

Rich,

Thanks, that was helpful. HOWEVER, I only figured out how to use the /p.
After forcing it to run chkdsk, it told me several "bad sectors were located
on the drive", but it didn't tell me what or where. According to that
article (and several others I have come across), I should be able to type in
C:\WINDOWS>chkdsk c:/f/r and get it to repair any bad sectors. However, when
I type in either /f or /r, it tells me they are "not valid parameters". I
cannot figure out how to get it to fix the bad sectors. The only commands I
see listed in the "help" section are "fixboot" and "fixmbr". I do not know
what they are, and haven't tried to run them. Can you PLEASE get me through
this ?!?!?!?

 

[tekrsq]

For some reason Anna's, db's, and desk rabbit's responses didn't show up
when I replied to Rich.

Thankyou everyone for your help. I do routinely "backup" my important stuff
on an extrernal HD, but unfortunately, I have not had the chance for several
months to back up, and unfortunately, in the last several months I have put
some of the most important files, pictures, and projects of my life on the
computer. No need to remind me of how stupid I've been. I'm doing plenty
for all of you.

Having said that, I do have a XP Home CD. When I boot from it, it asks me do
I want to install Windows XP, or recover a damaged installation. When I try
the repair, that's how I get to the section that lets me try to run the
chkdsk. I haven't tried to "install" it again because I wasn't sure what it
would do. Currently, I have no way to transfer or recover the files that I
need to put them on a flash drive etc. I can't even get into windows. If I
could do that, then I would just reformat the drive and start all over.

 

[db]

unfortunately, if the cd is
version sp2 but the o.s.
on the disk is version
sp3,

then the cd is of little use
except for the repair/recovery
console.

my suggestion is to run a
fixboot via the recovery
console and see if it stops
the boot looping.

if not, then you might try
to slipstream the files
on the cd with the sp3
file to create a windows
sp3 installation cd.

having the cd matching
the version on the disk will
allow you to execute a
repair installation.

the method above is not
a "new" install or a "reinstall"
but a "repair" that is executed
via the "install" option when
you boot with the cd.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[tekrsq]

SP2 is on the computer. It automatically downloaded SP3 last year, and
locked up the entire computer. I took it to someone, and they uninstalled
SP3 and it has worked fine since. The tech told me it had something to do
with SP3 not playing well with AMD processors. Obviously, I'm not a tech
guy, so I couldn't argue. What I do know is it cost me $200.

The installation CD I have is one of the original home versions. I don't
think it even has SP1 on it. So how would I download SP2 and merge it with
my copy onto another CD?

 

[Anna]

Rich,

Thanks, that was helpful. HOWEVER, I only figured out how to use the /p.
After forcing it to run chkdsk, it told me several "bad sectors were
located
on the drive", but it didn't tell me what or where. According to that
article (and several others I have come across), I should be able to type
in
C:\WINDOWS>chkdsk c:/f/r and get it to repair any bad sectors. However,
when
I type in either /f or /r, it tells me they are "not valid parameters". I
cannot figure out how to get it to fix the bad sectors. The only commands
I
see listed in the "help" section are "fixboot" and "fixmbr". I do not
know
what they are, and haven't tried to run them. Can you PLEASE get me
through
this ?!?!?!?

Tommy:
Ordinarily you would enter the command "chkdsk /f" or "chkdsk /r" (no
quotes) as no doubt the article Rich referred to you covers.

In any event should the chkdsk process not correct the problem and return
your system to a bootable, functional state, it probably would be
worthwhile
to undertake a Repair install of the XP OS and hope that corrects the
situation.

In order to do so you would need an XP OS installation CD that allows you
to
undertake a Repair install of the system. Ordinarily the recovery or
restoration type installation CD provided by an OEM does not have this
capability but it sounds as if the CD you're using might fit the bill.

I'm assuming you've never undertaken a Repair install of the OS so here
are
some details about the process which is a relatively straightforward
procedure. It would be roughly akin to making a fresh install of the OS,
but
in nearly every case your existing programs & user-created data would be
retained. Notice I said "nearly". While it would be a rather rare
situation
where data would be lost or corrupted as a result of the Repair install,
and
as unlikely as it may be, it *could* happen.

So if there are any programs and/or other data on your present drive that
are absolutely crucial to you and you could not tolerate their loss, then
I
would strongly suggest that before undertaking this Repair install
operation
that you first either make a "clone" of your existing HDD (using a
disk-cloning or disk-imaging program) or, if that's not practical, prior
to
undertaking the Repair install, pull off whatever data you want onto some
removable media, e.g., flash drive, CD, another external HDD, etc.

Again, it's a relatively rare event that a loss or corruption of data will
occur even when the Repair install is unsuccessful, but it *can* happen.
So
you should be aware of this.

Here are some more step-by-step instructions re the Repair install that
can
be found at Microsoft's site...
The repair and reinstallation process might take more than an hour.
Eventually, Setup prompts you to answer questions just as if you were
installing Windows XP for the first time. For detailed instructions, read
"Install Windows XP" at...
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx"

<quote>
Before performing a repair installation of Windows XP, you should have
both
your Windows XP CD and your product key available.

To perform a repair installation of Windows XP...

1. Insert your Windows XP CD into your computer.

2. Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the
CD-ROM.

3. When the Welcome to Setup page appears, press ENTER on your keyboard.

4. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing
agreement.
Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then,
press F8.

5. When prompted, press R to have Windows XP attempt to repair Windows by
reinstalling important Windows components.
</quote>

Also, here are some other websites that contain detailed step-by-step
instructions for undertaking a Repair install in case you're interested.
As
I've indicated, it's a relatively simple & straightforward process and
usually not terribly time-consuming.
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=138
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

As you will note from the various instructions re the Repair install, you
will need to enter the appropriate Product ID key during the
process.

It would be best if you would undertake the Repair install of the OS with
a
"slipstreamed" CD containing SP3. But if not available you can use your
present installation CD assuming it contains an earlier SP. You can later
install SP3 should the Repair install later prove successful successful.
Assuming it is, you should use your A-V program to immediately check out
your PC for any virus infestation. Also, you will need to download/install
*all* the MS critical updates since SP3 and possibly some updated programs
from MS in which you may be interested.

Obviously it's possible that other factors (hardware or software) may be
involved here other than a corrupted OS that is causing the problem you
relate but under the circumstances as you've described them a Repair
install
of the OS would seem to be a practical first step worth undertaking at
this
point.

And, of course, should you be able by one means or another to return your
system to a bootable/functional state you will plan to maintain
comprehensive and reasonably current backups of your system in the future,
possibly through the use of a disk-cloning or disk-imaging program, right?
Right?
Anna

For some reason Anna's, db's, and desk rabbit's responses didn't show up
when I replied to Rich.

Thankyou everyone for your help. I do routinely "backup" my important
stuff
on an extrernal HD, but unfortunately, I have not had the chance for
several
months to back up, and unfortunately, in the last several months I have
put
some of the most important files, pictures, and projects of my life on the
computer. No need to remind me of how stupid I've been. I'm doing plenty
for all of you.

Having said that, I do have a XP Home CD. When I boot from it, it asks me
do
I want to install Windows XP, or recover a damaged installation. When I
try
the repair, that's how I get to the section that lets me try to run the
chkdsk. I haven't tried to "install" it again because I wasn't sure what
it
would do. Currently, I have no way to transfer or recover the files that
I
need to put them on a flash drive etc. I can't even get into windows. If
I
could do that, then I would just reformat the drive and start all over.

Tommy:
When you boot to your XP OS installation CD and arrive at the setup screen
you basically have two options.
1. To install XP, or,
2. To repair an already installed XP OS by accessing the Recovery Console.

That second option is the one you chose in order to run the chkdsk command.

Unfortunately Microsoft used that "repair" designation in a way that has
caused an untold amount of confusion among thousands, if not millions of
users. We need not go into the semantics of such here.

You should choose the first option "... setup Windows..." by pressing the
Enter key.

Following the licensing agreement, (hopefully) the next screen will reflect
two options - the first one involving Repairing an existing XP OS
installation by pressing the "R" key; the second option allowing a user to
fresh install the OS. Your existing XP OS should be listed in the bottom
portion of that screen.

The reason I say "hopefully" is that because of certain circumstances which
we need not go into now, the Repair option may not be available. Hopefully
it will be in your case and you can proceed with the Repair install of the
OS as I indicated in my prior post.

If that Repair option is unavailable simply remove the CD from the optical
drive and shut down the machine. Naturally I'm assuming you do not wish to
fresh install the OS at this time since you would lose all your programs and
personal/business data.
Anna

 

[tekrsq]

no go with the "fixboot"

unfortunately, if the cd is
version sp2 but the o.s.
on the disk is version
sp3,

then the cd is of little use
except for the repair/recovery
console.

my suggestion is to run a
fixboot via the recovery
console and see if it stops
the boot looping.

if not, then you might try
to slipstream the files
on the cd with the sp3
file to create a windows
sp3 installation cd.

having the cd matching
the version on the disk will
allow you to execute a
repair installation.

the method above is not
a "new" install or a "reinstall"
but a "repair" that is executed
via the "install" option when
you boot with the cd.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[db]

well, I hope you can run the commands
fixboot and see if the boot looping stops.

another command you can run is fixmbr
which will reinstate the master
boot record.

----------------

in regards to slip streaming;

its been a long time since I created one
and no doubt you will need a functional
pc and cd burner to create an installation
cd.

however, I recall using a freeware and
it merged the files from the original
cd with the individual update
file.

in your case the files on the cd would be
merged with the individual sp2 file to create
a bootable sp2 cd.

don't know which freeware I used or which
is now a reliable one.

but I do know that the update file to use
can be found here::

(http://tinyurl.com/6ceaw)

sorry I couldn't provide additional details
on slipstreaming.

perhaps someone herein will be kind enough
to provide an up to date method for
slipstreaming.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[db]

after doing some searching
I found this page which will
help you build a slipstream:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm

hth

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[Rich Barry]

Tommy, I always recommend Michael's terrific Article on Repair Installs.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

I think you said you would not mind doing a clean install. If you are
not concerned about losing data I would go ahead and do that.
If using the WinXP CD you cannot format and do a clean install then

You can get a bootdisk from www.bootdisk.com Go into the Bios and set the
floppy to first device in the booting order. Then
boot into the A: at the A: Prompt type fdisk /mbr That will
wipe the mbr. Then set the cdrom as first boot device and boot to
the WinXP CD. From there procede with the clean install. I have used
this procedure in the past and it usually works.

 

[tekrsq]

Again, THANKYOU for everyone's help, but I finally found the solution. As I
suspected, it was due to the automatic downloads from Microsoft that happened
the other night. I had to remove several of the updates, and now things are
working again. For some reason, some of my video drivers reverted back to
old drivers and need updating, but everything else is working great. If
anyone is iterested, here is the link to my fix. Again, THANKYOU for all the
help !!!!!!!!!!

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/thread/73cea559-ebbd-4274-96bc-e292b69f2fd1

 

[Anna]

SP2 is on the computer. It automatically downloaded SP3 last year, and
locked up the entire computer. I took it to someone, and they uninstalled
SP3 and it has worked fine since. The tech told me it had something to do
with SP3 not playing well with AMD processors. Obviously, I'm not a tech
guy, so I couldn't argue. What I do know is it cost me $200.

The installation CD I have is one of the original home versions. I don't
think it even has SP1 on it. So how would I download SP2 and merge it
with
my copy onto another CD?

I assume that by now you've seen my latest post re this thread.

You can run the Repair install of the XP OS along the lines I've previously
outlined regardless of the fact that your presently installed XP OS
installation contains SP2 while your XP OS installation CD either contains
an earlier SP or no SP at all.

Assuming the Repair install is successful you can then install SP2. While it
would be best - all things considered - to undertake the Repair install with
an XP OS installation CD containing SP2, it is not mandatory that you need
to do this. Assuming your installation CD does not contain SP2 you could
create another installation CD containing SP2 through the "slipstreaming"
process. But in your situation I would forgo that for the time being and
just use your present installation CD to undertake the Repair install.

If you are interested in that slipstreaming process I would recommend you
use the freely-available Autostreamer program. See...
Download AutoStreamer from:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Autostreamer.shtml

Download the SP2 file and save it to your Desktop or C:\ root directory.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

Step-by-step instructions for using AutoStreamer can be found at
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
and,
http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/using_autostreamer/using_autostreamer.shtml

(I'm assuming the above links are current).

The problem with certain AMD systems & SP3 has been well documented.
Assuming the Repair install is successful and you later install SP2 onto the
system you might want to do some research on this issue. See...
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953356
Also do a Google search on "problem with XP SP3 and AMD processors" and
you'll come across a good deal of info on this issue.
Anna