Inaccessible Boot Device

Here's a helper from Symantec that describes how to run CHKDSK:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/powerquest.nsf/docid/2004066687571562?OpenDocument&src=ap_hot&prod=Norton%20PartitionMagic&ver=8.x&stg=2&base=http://www.symantec.com/region/reg_ap/techsupp/npmagic/&next=npmagic_8_search_solve.html&sone=npmagic_8_tasks.html&tpre=ap

I would run this in "safe" mode.

If the PC won't boot it'll be difficult to log in and start CHKDSK from a command prompt.

You could try booting the pc from the Windows 2000 CD and attempting a repair: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;238359

You may need your Emergency Repair Diskette (if you ever created one) but not always.

Ummm...I don't think she is getting a true BSOD, only a "stop error" message. She still may be able to startup in safe mode and choose the "last known good configuration" option or "safe mode with command prompt". If not, it's the Recovery Console from the Windows 2000 cd, for sure. Just remember to change the first bootup device (to the cd-rom) in the BIOS first before inserting the cd.

Thanks for your suggestions.  Upon further looking into this problem..discovered to have a stealthboot.c virus.  What a pain.  Have tried to remove it with no success with McAfee emergency virus removal.  May have to reformat the hard drive. 

boot virus?!? wow... old school.

boot viruses are usually simple to remove for AntiVirus apps. Do you have access to a copy of Norton (any version should do, this is an old virus) on CD?

You can boot your system from the CD and scan for viruses that way. that's usually the best way (sometimes the only way) to remove boot viruses.

I'm not familiar with the McAfee emergency repair process, but if it involves creating a boot disk to boot your pc with, you'll probably need to write protect it so the boot virus doesn't infect your floppy...

also, because a boot virus infects the Master Boot Record (MBR) it will survive a normal format.