Can't boot up: Windows or hard drive problem?

Question

Some days ago, a problem arose where I could barely do anything on my Inspiron 6000 because CPU usage would quickly rise to 100% and the computer was virtually unresponsive (ZASS didn't find a virus).  On another HD I did a clean install of Windows XP Prof SP2, drivers and programs, but when I tried to boot up the old drive in order to use the Windows Files and Settings Transfer ('FAST') utility, I found that it would not boot up.  It starts to boot (after the BIOS screen) but it 'hangs' and won't progress even after several minutes.  The screen just remains dark.  It won't boot into Safe Mode and 'Last Known Configuration' doesn't do anything.  I ran the Dell Diagnostics on the drive from the Dell Diagnostics CD, and it passed all the tests.  I then created a Windows XP SP2 boot CD from a file I found on the web, but the computer won't boot up with the old drive even with the boot CD (!)  I took out the old drive,  installed the new drive (which works great) and attached the old drive via a PC Card connection, and I can access the files on the old drive--in other words, the old drive apparently works.  If the old drive works, why won't it boot up using the Windows boot CD?  (I am resigned to manually copying my files over, but it sure is easier to use FAST.)  I have not used the Recovery Console because the numerous steps and command line instructions involved to repair Windows scare me--I feel safer manually copying my files over than entering all those commands and maybe making a mistake.  If anyone can figure out this mystery, I would appreciate it.

GreyMack · Answer

'... the computer won't boot up with the old drive even with the boot CD (!)' Did you verify the CD drive was set ahead of the hard disk drive in the BIOS boot order? GM

Goldschool · Answer

Thanks for the reply, GreyMack. Yes, my CD/DVD is first in boot order.

Maybe the boot CD didn't burn properly or something. I didn't get a boot CD from Dell with my Inspiron (does anyone?). How could I verify if the boot CD is good?

Lastly, it seems like there ought to be some way to get Windows to fix whatever files are corrupted on the hard drive. Do you know how to do that?

Thanks for the help.

GreyMack · Answer

The Windows XP installation disk is bootable.

You can request a copy from Dell ...
https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form

... and try a repair installation.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=XP+repair+installation&btnG=Google+Search

GM

Balaji Ramanath · Answer

You can order a replacement OS installation CD for your computer from dell (it is free of cost.  Look in the FAQ of this forum for instructions).  Boot off the OS CD after you get it and do a repair installation.  That will fix any errors that windows finds in the system files.  However, registry issues will not be corrected during this process from my understanding.

Goldschool · Answer

Have you done one of these repair installations?  I won't lose any of my data (My Docs, etc), will I?  Thanks!

Goldschool · Answer

Thanks!  Are you sure I won't lose any of my data doing a repair installation?  It won't re-format my hard drive will it?

Balaji Ramanath · Answer

A repair installation will not harm any of your data.  A full installation requires a complete reformat of the drive and all your data will be lost.

Goldschool · Answer

Repair installation successful!  Thanks, balaji !

Goldschool · Answer

Repair installation successful!  Thanks, GM!

Balaji Ramanath · Answer

You are welcome, and good luck.

Windows General

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