Win XP fails to load on Dimension 4300

stuh23r,

It appears that your boot.ini file has been corrupted. The entry Safe Mode stops with indicates that the system is looking for a second operating system (windows\system32\drivers\apg440.sys) on a partition other than C:\. I don't know of any way to edit the boot.ini file since you are unable to boot in either Safe Mode or Normal Mode (I assume you tried Last Known Good Configuration) and since you have already tried a repair reinstall unsuccessfully, it appears that a clean reinstallation is the only option available. If you go that route, you don't need to format prior to installing XP, as the installation procedure provides the capability of formatting (see this).

Wait a bit and see if anyone else can offer a less drastic solution.

That boot ini line is incorrect. You need to reset the boot configuration. There is no system32\apg440 line. Here's a valid boot ini (yours will differ slightly)

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

Instructions for editing: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q289022

Here's another solution: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;291980&Product=winxp

Message Edited by Mary G on 01-24-2004 12:58 PM

Never used this command and don't know if it applies to your problem, but there is a command, bootcfg, that may give you access to the boot.ini file. You run this command from the recovery console. To get to the RC you have to boot to the cd. If you want to try this-unless someone jumps in and says it won't work-someone will give you a link for that process.

Thanks to you all for your pointers, problem is I can't get as far as bootcfg or see the console, so I am in a bit of a hole

The Dell XP restore CD boots up, not in windows, and only gives 3 options: Install, Repair, Quit.  Install doesn't work as it can't find the existing XP service. Repair is in text mode and fails here:

Total Identified Windows Installs: 1

[1] C:\Windows

Select installation to repair: (select a number) 1
Then it stops, it does not get to the console to give me a chance to repair any boot files.

The Utilities CD boots the machine in Win 98 and give me a command promt on D: but I can't see any of the Win XP C: structure.

I have had to resort to my work laptop (an old Win2K HP) to get to the web. As it is 8:30 pm here in UK and I have spent nearly 12 hours with this, I am going to leave it till morning. I'll check back in tomorrow.

Once again, thanks for your help. 

Regards, Stu H

I tried putting 2, but the validation is too smart, it only allows me to enter '1' or 'E' to exit.  The big problem is not being able to even get a command line so that I can see C:\ 

Thanks for the pointer about itunes, if I get the machine back, I will try and see what is using it. 

Thanks, Stu

 

Correction: agp.sys has to do with your grapghics port(you did mispell it and I'm slow).

If you have set the BIOS to boot to the cd and you can't get anything done and you can't get to any kind of prompt that you can run a command from, from my limited experience I'd say it doesn't look good. If you could get to a prompt the commands bootcfg, fixmbr, SR, rename or disable agp.sys may fix you up but... The only thing I came across is a utility that you have to run and then, using the Program Wizard copy to 3 or 4 floppies. Bad news is that it's not free and having never used it can't comment as to its value to you. btw, You're not the only one to experience this problem. Here's the link (The free download won't help; read only) Click on the "Order..." link at bottom.

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/ntfsdospro.shtml

Message Edited by maxd on 01-25-2004 06:28 PM

Today's plan is to buy a second disk ($50) and install it as master, then to reinstall XP. Then fit the old disk as a slave and clear it down to be a data disk.

That seems to be the least cost option, if it works! 

Thanks for your time on this problem, it is always good to get another view of a problem.

Cheers, Stu

p.s. Logged it with Dell Support this morning, no sign of a suggestion from them yet

 

I guess this is one of those times where starting clean *is* the best option. Sure makes a case for imaging software and/or regular backups of personal data. Once you get up and running I'd run a full set of diagnostics on your hardware. Save to floppy/cd the following files. (You may need them). NTLDR, boot.ini, ntdetect.com and SYSTEM. For easier access to the recovery console you may want to install it. Make sure all your cards and cables are well seated. Wish you well with the changes.

Just an update on the outcome. 

I got a new disk from Dell and installed it, then loaded XP and all my applications. It took from Wednesday thro Sunday to get everything back on. Then I installed the old disk as a slave and recovered 'My Documents', favourites etc. The only thing lost seems to be the old Outlook Express folders.

Quite pleased with the outcome, the disruption is a pain but the lesson is there -regular backup's!!!!

Regards, Stu