XP Start up error 'ERROR LOADING OPERATGING SYSTEM'

Question

I upgraded the O/S on my Dimension 8100 to XP a few months back.  All was well until recently when I attempted to boot up, I got a black screen with the message 'error loading operating system.'  Since I cannot boot to attem pt any kind of repair, I tried to boot from my Win XP CD.  When doing so, I get the message 'press any key to boot from CD.'  Upon doing so, it pops the 'error loading operating system' message up again. Can anyone advise me on how to work through this?

HelloWorld123 · Answer

hi very simple solution...go to the bios and make hard drive as the first boot device..restart computer....smiles rgds

maxd · Answer

I think he meant make cd-rom 1rst boot device.

pappadude · Answer

Well,  when I boot directly from the hard drive, I still receive the same message; 'error loading operating system'.

maxd · Answer

Did you make your CD-ROM the first boot device (in the BIOS) and were you able to run a Repair ?

pappadude · Answer

Yes, the BIOS setting has the CD drive as the boot drive.

I am not able to run a repair. I did try starting the system in safe mode, and even though I can get the screen up where it let's you switch to safe mode, the cursor does not respond to the keyboard or mouse, so I'm stuck with

the "normal" startup setting.

maxd · Answer

When you get the message 'Press any key to boot from cd' try NOT PRESSING any key; wait 60 seconds and see what happens. I think you have to fix MBR but I think you can only do this from the Recovery Console on the cd. Catch22. Sounds like you did an upgrade installation of XP over 98/Millenium, right ? You're probably looking at a clean install. You should unplug your system at the wall and make sure all cables, etc. are snug; this mayinvolve taking the cover off and looking at connections involving the cd-rw. Ground yourself if you do enter the box.

Windows General

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