Unable to Boot XPS 200 - Receive "Utility Partition Not Available" Message

If you can reach the Advanced Startup menu you can try booting using the "Last Known Good Configuration".

EDIT:  Advanced Start menu is reached by pressing F8 before Windows begins to load, but after the self test has completed when the computer is started, or restarted.

Hi Dutch184,

Since the diagnostics passed, you have an OS problem, not a hard drive issue. You could try a repair installation of XP.

Hi Osprey:

Thanks for your suggestion but after selecting "R" repair on that installation disc, the c:\Windows prompt comes up and just sits there.  The cursor does not blink nor do I have a HD light lit on my PC.  This, of course, after I selected the repair and recovery option on the installation disc.

Does this leave me with no other option but to reinstall Windows XP?  And will that installation delete all my files and programs?I  I'm hopeful if I do have to reinstall XP that the system will boot up and work properly.

Any recommendation will help.

Thanks

dutch184

If you successfully hit F8 and get to the Advanced Start menu, you won't see the Windows splash.  Only a menu with assorted start-up options.  Best of luck to you in any case.

Hi Jackshack:

I gave this a try, upon your suggestion, but once the Microsoft Windows XP splash screen comes up I lose the hard-drive light and I remain on the splash screen with the progress bar just moving back and forward.

I'll try the suggestion (below) to see if that wil help.

Thanks

dutch184

Hi again Jackshack:

I only get the Windows splash screen "after" I select: "Last Known Good Configuration".  I make that selection and it takes me to a "Microsoft Windows XP" option that I highlight and hit the enter key.  That then takes me back to the Microsoft Windows XP splash screen which is where I have my original problem...it just sits there.

I also tried the "Repair" option from the installation disc and it too just sits there.   I'll wait to hear if reinstalling XP will fix my problem yet (hopefully) I can retain my files and programs. I can only imagine what the answer will be. Would you happen to have any insight into this?

Thanks

dutch184

Does your Windows XP installation CD include Service Pack 3?  If it does, it will have that on the label.  In order to use the installation disk to repair your system it must include at least the same service pack as is already on your hard drive.  People who try using, for example, an installation disk that includes Service Pack 2 on a system that already has Service Pack 3 normally get a message to the effect that the Windows version on your hard drive is later than the one you are trying to install.  It is possible to make a new installation CD that has Service Pack 3 from the files on a CD having an earlier service pack, but you will need to learn how to slipstream.  If that interests you, please see this site:  www.nliteos.com.

Otherwise, I'm afraid you will be forced to wipe the drive and install Windows from scratch.  If you have files on the drive you don't wish to lose, my advice would be to purchase a new drive for your Windows installation, and upon completion of that install, attach your original drive to another port and copy your files from the old drive to the new one.

Hi Jack Shack:

My installation CD has Service Pack 2 but my system is at Service Pack 3 so I guess I'll have to think about the Install process.  I'm not familiar with the Slipstream process so I guess its getting a new Hard drive and new installation disc.

Thanks for your help I relaaly appreciate the quick replies.

dutch184