PC wont boot 2

[cyberspace]

Hi, unfortunatley I am not able to sit in front of the machine, it's a colleagues daughter's computer, which currently won't boot.

The only recently added hardware has been a webcam, and the system HAS worked since then.

When booting, it blue screens, and amongst the usual garbage, there is:

"a problem has been detected windows shut down to prevent damage - unmountable boot volume" (may not be exactly set out in this manner)

The machine won't boot into safe mode, the same screen appears. No floppies or CD's are in the drive, and all hardware apart from the Mouse, Printer and Monitor has been disconnected.

Any thoughts as to what the problem actually is, and moreover, the easiest way to resolve this?

Thanks!


Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[erikhertzel]

Have you tried a "Last Known Good Configuration"?

Erik

 

[TheLad]

Try looking at this TID:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;297185

Forget the crap at the beginning referring to UDMA and scroll down to the Damaged File System section and hopefully it will help.

-----------------------------------------------------
"It's true, its damn true!"
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[BadBigBen]

I've been hit twice from the Internet (some hack got past my Firewall Software)... that have done damage to my system, like you described, aswell...

1.) CLEAR CMOS as a start...

2.) try what TheLad had suggested, with the Recovery Console and CHKDSK /r option to repair the Systemfile structure...

3.)if this does not help... then a clean install may be on the way... as in my case, not even a Repair Install was possible (Systemfiles too damaged)

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[cyberspace]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will forward those and let you know how it goes

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[bcastner]

Use recovery console to effect repairs. Start with the chkdsk command, then fixboot:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=297185

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=314058

 

[garebo]

Are you able to get into dos, via, say, a win 98 boot disk?


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[linney]

All good advice posted by the previous posters, here is a recent similar thread if you need any more help.

xp wont load
thread779-1128204

 

[creasorjr]

I know you've probably tried everything but here is a couple of tips. I hope you can at least get into the computer far enough to go into "Safe Mode." Anyway see if you can do what I have listed below. Good Luck!

Go to the "Start" button and click. Next go to "Run" and type in, "msconfig." This will take you to the Configuration screen. Try going to "Start Up" tab and disable everything. Yes everything! Now "Apply" this and try to exit Windows and shutdown everything. Cold boot your computer and see if there is any improvement. If not go back to "Start" button, "Run," type "msconfig." This time go to "Services" tab and disable everything except for critical programs that need to run. "Apply" this and save it. Shutdown and re-boot (cold boot). There should be an improvement in your computer.

If this works for you try going in and checking off one item at a time to find the bad stuff and whatever you don't need.

 

[s0121]

"a problem has been detected windows shut down to prevent damage - unmountable boot volume" (may not be exactly set out in this manner)

The machine won't boot into safe mode, the same screen appears. No floppies or CD's are in the drive, and all hardware apart from the Mouse, Printer and Monitor has been disconnected.

since you can not "safe mode"
enter into bios..setting...change boot options to
1. CD/DVD 2. floppy 3. HD... this way you can repair/upgrade the XP install by booting to #1. or you can try others options from the floppy.. I'd suggest using #1... this way you can also boot several CD versions of virui scanners - disk checkers (Nortons and McAfee)this way you can also enter into c:\ and see what all is there and possible change the "bad" volume drive... compressed drives are "IMHO" JUNK.. and places to try and hide things.

Frank Smith irc.dhcnetwork.com

SomeWhere in Kansas Near Dodge City

 

[cyberspace]

One more question...

Can you start the recovery console if the XP disc is not in the machine? (assuming the "Recovery Console" boot option is not shown when booting)

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[garebo]

You either have to have it installed on the pc and available on bootup or have the xp install cd.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[cyberspace]

thanks

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[cyberspace]

Well thanks for everybodies input, I ran the dell diagnostics program, everything seemed ok, so after that i ran the chkdsk /r command from the recovery console, and after that (took ages!!) it booted up fine!

So now i'm giving it the usual virus check/spyware checks etc.

Cheers for the help.

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[garebo]

Good for you.
Here's a place a lot of us go to for online scans once every week or two:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

They will find trojans\worms etc that others miss. Just go for the A scan, not c, b is optional but dont do c.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips