Unable to load or repair Windows

[juliaatpcgp]

Hi,

I am trying to help a colleague which was working fine until about a week ago when he moved it (it usually is used in one location).

It says that Windows was not shut down correctly before and gives the startup menu - but whichever option you choose, it starts off the Windows splash screen - then it reboots.

When you reboot with the original Windows installation disk it offers to repair Windows, but then does nothing.

I tried to re-install Windows over the top of what is already there (which I have done myself when Windows has become corrupted) and whereas I was expecting it to point out the fact that Windows is already installed and offer to Repair the installation - what I did after replacing the mainboard in my own work PC, it just offers to format the partition, so I exit the installation because I want to retain the option of getting the data off the hard drive.

I have a few ideas, but would welcome a second opinion on the likelihood of success.

I was thinking of seeing if the PC will start up with a anti virus disk as they usually offer to scan for viruses - perhaps a virus is interferring with the Windows startup or being recognised.

The other thing I was thinking off was a way to get to the DOS prompt to see if the Windows directory is still there and/or the other directories such as document directories. I usually find that after exiting the Windows installation it goes to the DOS prompt, but I can't remember this happening. Is there another way of viewing the disk contents ?

I would really appreciate any help or advice you can give me.

Regards,
Julia

 

[Rick998]

If all that's changed is moving the PC from one location to another and attempts to repair Windows have failed then booting from an anti-virus CD is unlikely to help.

I suggest removing the hard drive and attaching it to another PC as a slave. This way, if the disk is recognised, then it's far easier to copy data off it to the master drive (providing that your colleague has not been using something like the built-in EFS to encrypt his data).

Hope this info helps...

 

[linney]

Have you tried running ChkDsk /r from the Recovery Console?

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

It also has other other useful commands.

You will find several other helpful suggestions in this thread too.

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

It is also possible that some hardware may have become dislodged in any move.

 

[BadBigBen]

Other things to check, since it was JUST MOVED, as it sounds like something has gotten loose:

make sure that all PCI cards are seated correctly...

make sure that all RAM modules are seated correctly...

make sure that all CABLE, Power to drives, and IDE/SATA cables are attached correctly...



Ben

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

 

[linney]

As to being unable to see a Repair option, have a look at this thread, the last couple of comments may apply.

No repair option
thread779-1266293