Need help quick!

Question

Hi, I am trying to repair a dell inspirion laptop. im not sure about what series cause its not infront of me rite now. but teh problem is mostly Xp related. ok here it is, the computer originaly had problems like whenever the user went into some programs liek word he'd get the error messages 'C;Kxp6x00\wswpd.exe - find' and 'C:Kxp6x00\wswpp.exe could not load or run' so what i did was go into microsoft updates and upgrade it to service pack 2, it locked up, so Ctr+ alt+ del it, thinkin it wasnt going to install so i went back to MS web site did updates instead of service pack, restarted. it goes to the log in screen, i log in, then this message pops up stateing me if i want to report the problem. it doesnt say the problem jsut if i want to report it. so i hit don't send, and nothing happens... the start bar, the icons nothing starts to load. I went into safe mode command prompt, i tried to go back to the best known set up everyhting dell tech support told me to do. till they said i need to get the restore CD. now the guy doesnt have a restore disk cause he had the laptop for 4 years i think. and i cant just format and reinstall because he has his life on this laptop as he says. what can i do to get this laptop back to normel?! I tried everyhting to my knowledge to restore windows! how can i do this without the disk?? I'll really apreciate everyones help. thank you, Stefan

ejn63 · Answer

Start with a security check - all Windows updates, complete scan with an up to date antivirus program, spyware check.

ejn63 · Answer

Try Safe Mode (F8 at startup). If that doesn't work, you're likely facing a format/reinstall.

kyoz15 · Answer

Can you explain how'd i'd do that without being able to go into windows at all? like the Dos prompt commands?

kyoz15 · Answer

Theres gotta be and easyer way. How can i transfer files from one drive to the other through Ms dos, with a USB mini drive? is it possible? if so give me the steps. anybody please?

ejn63 · Answer

The only way you're going to be able to do that is to mount the drive in a desktop system running XP - then you can copy data. You'll need a notebook drive converter.

funtoupgrade · Answer

The simplest fix (from my experience) is to get a Dell reisntall Win XP disk (borrow one if you have to) or buy one on eBay (occasionally listed until Microsoft gets them pulled off). Boot from that disk and tell it you want to install a fresh copy of XP.  You will be given a repair option at two different times.  Ignore it the first time it comes up.  It will only get you to a DOS prompt and then gets infinitely more complicated from there.  Proceed as is if you are going to make a fresh copy and then on in the next screen or two you will be given another repair option.  If you choose it this time the program will go through and reinstall basic Win XP but keep all of your programs installed.  You can then download all the Windows updates, virus checker, etc. recommended in previous threads.   funtoupgrade

tedtea · Answer

kyoz, in reference to your post 'how can i transfer files in MS-DOS environ, with a USB mini-drive' yes it's possible and the software are free. if you don't have FreeDos, pls take a look at http://www.freedos.org to use the USB mini-drive in DOS mode, you need the DOS drivers, which are explained at http://www.freedos.org/freedos/news/technote/203.html

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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