Repairing computer crashes in XP Pro 1

[DougP]

Repairing computer crashes in XP Pro
First the problem has been fixed at a local computer store. But we had a computer that would not boot. It had the BSOD and listed the issue as Logon. The computer would not go into Safe mode, just kept rebooting. Most new computers do not come with any disks anymore either to insert and repair or something. You used to be able to create a floppy to restore a computer. Can this be done anymore using a CD since most computers don’t have floppies. If so how? Or how can I create disks for each computer to restore it back /without losing all their data?
I would prefer to be able to restore these myself than wasting time and money driving to and have someone else working on our PC’s.

TIA

DougP
< I Built one

http://www.robots2000.com

 

[vacunita]

You could use any Windows XP Cd you happen to have around to run the Recovery Console and run repair tools.

Also if the machine does not have any CD's it usually has Recovery option at some point during boot up. Try pressing F8 while the machine is starting to get a list of options.

Also look at the screens carefully for any Recovery options that may appear while starting up.

Also if you write down the error it shows, you can google it and find many solutions and methods of fixing it.

----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[edfair]

You may run across issues where windows won't reinstall on a machine if you are using a boot CD from a different level install.

You could do an image of the machine using ghost (or equivalent) then bringing it back when needed. This would require some hardware modifications/additions and you wouldn't have the changes added since the last image.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[DougP]

I think this is a malware infection.

DougP
< I Built one

http://www.robots2000.com

 

[linney]

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

The above is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language.

Guided Help to recover a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

Cannot logon to winxp...losing lots of valuable documents
thread779-975236

How to create a bootable CD

Bart's way to create bootable CD-Roms (for Windows/Dos)

http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/#cdromsi

 

[DougP]

linney, lots of good info there, Thank you

DougP
< I Built one

http://www.robots2000.com