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Windows XP will not boot
When windows xp tries to boot it locks up after flashing the dell screen. It offers 4 choices to boot ...Safe, Safe w/networking, Safe w/command, last good config. or to start windows normally. It counts down from 30 seconds to make a choice. If I press the last good config or to start windows normally, it shows the Windows XP icon and acts like it is going to boot up. But then just shows a dark blue blank screen. If I press any of the safe mode options, it runs a bunch of DOS commands, makes some noise and sits there. I do not want to lose my data!! I was on the phone tonight for over an hour waiting to talk to a tech. I do not have a restore disk. I have a piece of paper that looks like a CD that says "Microsoft Windows System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. For more information, double-click on the Owner's Manual icon on your desktop". I would LOVE to have a desktop to click on!
I found this following steps in a troubleshooting wizard-Disable the autonatic restart on system failure option and Load the BIOS defaults on the Dell Dimension system. I am afraid that if I try either of these, I will lose my data files. Please, can anyone help me? Thank you for any assistance in advance!
Distressed little mommy (I am expecting my 2nd child in 6 wks. This is enough to put me into labor.)
447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 10:00
can you post the exact error message when you try to boot into windoes normaly pls.. as it sound like some of your main system boot files are corrupt.There is a way to fix these....447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 11:00
Here is a copy of the error message that I receive. Sorry that it is hard to read. I found it on Microsoft's site.My husband used the computer with no problems on Friday. He turned it on Saturday morning and this is what we saw!Just FYI, I have a XPS 400 w/ Windows XP Professional (if that helps). Here are the specifications found on dell's site.Processor
Processor type
Intel® Pentium® 4 Socket-T with Hyper-Threading or Dual-Core support
Cache
2 MB
Memory
Type
dual-channel 533- and 667-MHz DDR2
Memory connectors
four
Memory capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB
Minimum memory
512 MB
Maximum memory
4 GB
BIOS address
F0000h
Computer Information
Chipset
Intel 945P
DMA channels
eight
Interrupt levels
24
BIOS chip (NVRAM)
4 Mb
NIC
integrated-network interface capable of 10/100/1000-Mbps communication
System clock
800- or 1066-MHz data rate
447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 11:00
I'm not even sure exactly how to perform a data backup. So unfortuately, I only have bits and pieces of my data saved on CDs. :smileysad: If I had performed a data backup, is it stored somewhere else on the hard drive that this OS failure would not have affected it? Thanks!DLMommy447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 12:00
the only way I can think is this, pop the system restore disk in and see what it does, it might allow you to repair windows or reinstall it, what I would do is try safe mode, if you can get into that great backup all the data which you need and completey restore the PC447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 18:00
Try booting into safe mode and see if the PC boots into windows before you do anything crazy like a new install. The problem could be minor. Did your husband install any new software on Friday night that you are not aware of? If so, remove it in safe mode and try to boot back in regularly. Also go in and check your device manager and make sure you have no exclamations or red "x" by any device.On most PC's I have seen the windows backup utility is turned on by default so you may be lucky but I would defenitely snoop around in safe mode before jumping into a reformat. Think of it this way, you have nothing to lose by trying.
Message Edited by JeXus on 02-13-2007 02:44 PM447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 19:00
Yup, you can easily find the DOS commands to fix the master boot record. I can't remember them off-hand but it was something like /fixmbr or something. I'm sure you can find them by googling something like DOS commands. Your problem doesn't sound that bad to resort to a reformat.447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 19:00
Thats not the error message, when you boot to windows, does it give any error message, or just restart .As for the other comments. Guys there is a way to fix windows and boot problems without a reformat.. If you insert a windows CD and start the install, there is a option to drop in repair DOS mode, this allows you to fixboot and just things... this would be a good option to try before trying a windows Repair from the windows cd rom..266
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Posted February 13th, 2007 22:00
This is the only message that I receive. I do NOT receive an error message that tells me that my windows system is corrupt or anything of that sort.Thank you for you suggestions with the CD but I will have to wait for it to arrive before I can go down that road.Does anyone know how I can force my computer to go into safe mode another way? Some magic F key? Thanks!447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 22:00
If I press any of the safe mode options, it runs a bunch of DOS commands, makes some noise and sits there. I end up having to cut off the computer manually. No, nothing was installed on Friday. I am stuck. I can't get my computer to move past this screen. :0(
chama98
2 Intern
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424 Posts
447
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Posted February 13th, 2007 09:00
when did you last perform a data backup?