startup problems

[dirtbmx546]

Hi i have a big problem. I try to start up my computer and a black screen comes up says boot in safe modes, normal mode and previous settings. I have tried all of those plus the f8 options, and when i try them, it reboots to the black screen with the options. I tried repairing windows ( the one that doesnt deleate any files) and it wouldnt let me repair windows without formatting which deleates everything, it said this because it said the drive was not formatted, damaged. I have an emachines, windows xp. Please give me things to try. Thanks

 

[DanLatimer]

if you want this will undoubtably fix the problem..
1) take out your HD and put it in another computer as a slave.
2) download all the files you want to save onto the master HD.
3) reformat your HD that isnt working.
4) reinstall windows on that HD.
5) copy your files back.
6) enjoy!

 

[DCIScouts]

That will definitely get you up and running for the time being, but if this keeps happening, you could have a bad HD. Hopefully not, but keep that in the back of your mind for the future...