ghosted drive won't boot

[tunaep]

My works laptop (P3 600 celeron 128Mb 20Gb WinNT2000 Pro)
is on its last legs and the drive is about to expire judging by the noises it makes.It contains a lot of critical software and database files with diabolical configuring

I have ghosted the whole drive onto a new 40Gig 3.5" HDD using a cable adaptor.

I want to be able to use this drive in another PC (Shuttle SN41G2) problem is it will not boot further than the win logo screen where I get a "STOP" error page suggesting I run CHKDSK F for viruses.I have tried in safe mode but no luck

How can I get this drive to boot please

 

[mattjurado]

With 2000/XP, the motherboards must have the same chipsets, or you won't be able to boot.

I suggest you copy the data off the ghosted drive, then reload the operating system. You can then copy the data back, and reinstall your programs.



Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[tunaep]

thanks for your reply Matt
Unfortunately reinstallation is simply not an option. Without going into lengthly detail there is extensive software which is a nightmare to install configure together with SQL database enterprise manager and loads of other stuff amounting to over 8gig
Is there a way I can bypass the stop error page in safe mode remove all the drivers and reinstall on re-boot?

 

[mattjurado]

Usually you won't get into safe mode either. Can you not simply replace the drive on the laptop, and ghost the image back onto it? Sooner or later you'll reach the day where you are going to have to deal with this, unless its dos, you can't keep copying it from one machine to another, forever. I understand reinstalling software can be difficult, but that's my job. I suspect its your job too.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=249694

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/other/motherboard/win2k.htm

 

[tunaep]

As I expected the laptop finally packed up (psu)and all I have now is the ghosted copy on a non booting 3.5" drive!

So now it has to go into the Shuttle

The last time we had to re-install the software,database, SQL MSDE etc etc and configure this system it took 2x IT techies a whole day to do it !and we had all sorts of problems with liscencing issues please don't suggest we go there again

Is there no way I can salvage this drive at all?

 

[wolluf]

What generally works for me is a repair reinstall:-

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;292175&Product=win2000

but its by no means guaranteed to work! (and you'll need to reapply latest service pack & visit windows updates afterwards of course).

PS. Is there just the one machine it HAS to go on? (as the more machines you can try it on, the better chance you'd have of getting one to work).

 

[tunaep]

Thanks wolluf thats a useful link cheers
I haven't got the original O/S install disk . Would it work if I used a differant 2k install disk ? install over the top?

 

[bcastner]

I am curious if you had the opportunity to read the instructions I linked earlier.

My second link, for example, describes multiple ways to accomplish your task.

As a direct answer to your question, yes an over-the-top installation would work. And if this is a reasonable option for you in your circumstance, it would be preferred.

 

[tunaep]

Sorry bcastner I haven't had a chance to check any of this out yet. I'll start tomorrow when I'm back to work . Lookin forward to seeing it work I'll keep you all informed of progress. many thanks to you all you really came through with some good help.