Can't start XP in safe mode

Shlouski

Shlouski

VIP Member
Hi guys, my friend has a problem with his XP machine and cant get into windows, not even in safe mode after an automatic update. I know how to use the cd to repair in DOS, but i cant remember the DOS command that keeps all the data and installs intact, but resets all the drivers back to the cd, so when you next start up it re-installs all the drivers.
 
thanks john, you are always a great help. I did the CHKDSK, Its an old dell laptop and its doing some strange things, like the caps and num lock lights are flashing on and off. Ive got it to work fine in safe mode and it boots in normal mode, but it seems to stall, but the mouse still works.
 
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You should have skipped the diskcheck and went straight to the system restore procedure in resolution b.
 
i did the restore, now i cant even get in safe mode :(, halts on drivers\agp440.sys

Should i try different restore point?

I gets worse, the password that was working is now wrong.
 
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yes, i was very careful. That was the earliest backup on the computer, only like 1 month ago, but i cant do anything because the password aint working and a trick i found for changing the password needs me to (F8) boot with command prompt, but it fails to get to command prompt.
 
Another thought just came to mind... Why can't you just use the xp install cd and do a repair install?
 
um, i havent seen that option. I get the first repair option where you end up in command prompt, i thought there was a second one after you select to setup windows as if you were doing a clean install but i dont see it in there. I will try look now. I went past the F8 I agree part and i got, install, create partition and delete partition. Maybe i need a different xp disk?, because i dont have the original installation disk, he lost it :(
 
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Boot to the xp install cd, do not hit R at the first screen, that is for recovery console. You want to get to the next screen where it detects the windows partition and then hit R for repair.

So its not an actual genuine microsoft XP install cd?
 
The original install is genuine (Dell OEM PRO) and ive tried my old genuine cd first and 4 other copies. Only one of the copies brings up the first repair option and not the second. None of the others give me any repair option. Isn't it because you need like the cd to match the service pack, if a xp disk is too old it won't work, i dunno. I'm sure i've had this problem before and different cd's worked with different installations, i don't mean like trying to fix pro with home edition, i know that dont work. I can see what coming, clean installation and finding out if his key works with any of my copies.
 
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If there are errors on the hard drive the cd may have an issue detecting a windows install. It may be beneficial to run the hard drive manufacturers disk diagnostic program.
 
Thanks for all the help, but this is getting a bit much, I will pull everything off the HDD and do a clean installation with a ;) copy of XP, if i can't get the key to work. Then he can organise what he wants, where he wants it and re-install whatever, again thank you for the help, its much appreciated :)
 
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