XP restore from OEM CD's

[Guest]

I have an older emachine computer with XP home edition. The computer is
highly infected with viruses and now it will not load windows ( the windows
splash screen comes up but then it continuously reboots). The OS was updated
to SP2. I want to reload/ restore the windows XP from the restore CD’s. I
have replaced the original CD drive with a Kypermedia 52X . When I boot the
computer with the restore disk in the CD drive it looks like it is reading it
( the CD drive light comes on ) but it does not run . I downloaded the
windows XP ( no SP) boot disks ( floppys) from microsoft and tried to boot
from them. When it gets to disk #3 , the message “ pciide.sys is corrupt “
appears and the boot-up aborts. How can I reinstall Windows XP on this
machine ? Do I need to reformat the drive ? I don’t care about losing data or
files. I just want a clean start !

 

[NikkJ]

You could boot the machine using a Win98se, ( http://www.bootdisk.com/ ,
select the CD support option and then install from the CD.
I would recommend a lowlwvel format using fdisk to delete the existing
partition. The XP instal will give you the option to re-format the drive as
part of its own process.

Nick

 

[Guest]

Should I use any switches "/" with fdisk ? I have never used a restore CD
before. Is it an interactive process like a normal install CD ?

 

[NikkJ]

The method I am suggesting is for a fresh re-install from a XP C, not for a
restore. Fdisk will put your hard disk back into its native state and it
will WIPE EVERYTHING from it ----- it is the choice of no return!!
Read this first to get a background
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q255867/

All you need to do (assuming you only have one hard disk) is to run fdisk
from the floppy and follow the onscreen menus to delete the existing
partition. Once this is done you should boot from the XP CD and it will see
the harddisk and ask you what kind of file system you want, (eg FAT,
FAT32, ). Choose the one that suits your needs and let the install carry on.
You will need the serial number for your CD so make sure you have it before
wiping the hard disk.

Again, remember this will destroy all the existing data on your hard disk so
back it up first.

I have just re-read your first post and am not clear as to what CD you have.
Is it a full installation version of XP or a manufacturers own restore disk?
If its the latter then my approach will not work and you should check their
website for instructions.

Nick


Nick

 

[Guest]

Dlbair55,
The restore CD (or DVD) will format the HD and restore the system back to
the ex Factory level. You need to make sure your system is setup to boot
from the CD (or DVD depending on your system) Looks like your system also
has a floppy as the boot first disk. If you set your system boot from CD,
then the restore disk will run automatically and give you option to restore
the system. Note: if your original system is non SP2, then after restore,
you will need to update it to SP2 again.

 

[Enkidu]

I have an older emachine computer with XP home edition. The computer is
highly infected with viruses and now it will not load windows ( the windows
splash screen comes up but then it continuously reboots). The OS was updated
to SP2. I want to reload/ restore the windows XP from the restore CD’s. I
have replaced the original CD drive with a Kypermedia 52X . When I boot the
computer with the restore disk in the CD drive it looks like it is reading it
( the CD drive light comes on ) but it does not run . I downloaded the
windows XP ( no SP) boot disks ( floppys) from microsoft and tried to boot
from them. When it gets to disk #3 , the message “ pciide.sys is corrupt “
appears and the boot-up aborts. How can I reinstall Windows XP on this
machine ? Do I need to reformat the drive ? I don’t care about losing data or
files. I just want a clean start !

I would download the boot disks again. It appears that #3 is
probably corrupt. I've had this before when downloading
floppies in a similar situation.

Another thing you could try is to ensure that the original
disk is clean and hs no scratches.

Cheers,

Cliff