computer will not start up properly!

[Omar]

've got the following prob on my computer. I cant get the computer to start properly. After you turn it on it does all the usual stuff but then appears with the following on a black screen:

We apologize for the inconveniance, but windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this.

If ur computer stopped responding, restarted unexpectadly, or was automatically shut down to protect ur files & folders, choose 'last know good configuration' to revert to the most recent settings that worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interupted due to a power failure or because the power or reset button was pressed, or if u aren't sure what caused the problem, choose 'start windows normally'.


Options:

Safe Mode
Safe mode with networking
Safe mode with command prompt

Last known good configuration (ur most recent settings that worked)
Start windows normally

I've tried both 'Last know good config' and ' start windows normally' but you just end up back onto this screen after it appears to be loading up.

any ideas?

cheers

i do not have an XP CD only a re-installation disk

does this mean i have to reload the system

[bob3160]

Hi Omar,
Here are just some things to try:
Have you unistalled/installed added/removed any software/hardware?? (If yes, eliminate or restore to the previous condition)
Do you have System Restore activated on your system? ( if yes, restore to an earlier date)
Do you have your original Windows CD available?
If so start windows in safe mode and try this:
Put your windows XP CD into the cd rom drive, close any windows that may pop up. and then open up the command prompt (start run cmd) and type sfc /scannow
It will scan all major system files and replace them with known good ones (from the CD) after its finished reboot the machine, if problem still persists, it could still be any number of things, but this will elimnate that it could be a windows file.
If this cures your problem, you'll have to go to the windows update site and update windows again.

If none of this helps, shout. There are many other things to try.

Unfortunately, when all else fails, start all over again........ :'( :'(

[Omar]

my computer never came with an XP cd, i only have a re-load CD! 

The reload cd will set my computer to the day I brought it, everything will be wiped off!

Is system restore my only option?

[Lisandro]

i do not have an XP CD only a re-installation disk

The manufactured is OBLIGED to send (give) you the OEM (pre installed version) of XP CD.
Can't you complain in the shop you've bought the computer?

Can you boot on Safe Mode option?

[Abraxas]

Hi Omar , I've just dealt with a similar problem. I suspect your Computer has a Pre-Install of XP .

"...my computer never came with an XP cd, i only have a re-load CD! ..."

You've got what is called a recovery Disk ,(?) which as you say will wipe your HardDrive and re-install WinXP from a hidden patition on the Hardrive to condition you bought it.
I'll say what I did recently.
The computer's registry was corrupt , and weighing the many hours of work and cost involved in rebuilding it the only option I had was : Firstly , used a program called Acronis and copied to an external hardrive all the data the customer  specified .
Put in the recovery disk , this formatted HDD , then re-installed clean WinXP . Rang microsoft and got the activation key , quoting the no. on the green label on the Comp. Went online and downloaded SP2 and all Windows updates. Scanned all the data copied over from their HDD that I then put in a folder for them to organise. Mainly music , games , and documents.
Basically if you really think it's too far gone as far as restoring your system , ring around , get an onsite Tech. to come out . I charged $100 (AUS) . Last resort though, If you have the ability to repair the system , or a friend , go for it.
Good Luck !

[teksupport]

hey omar wussup. i feel ur pain. the same thing happened to my cousins computer. i think u might have to "bite the bullet" and reload ur system. i recommend that you buy your own copy of windows xp professional (dont get HOME edition. as a certified computer tech, i command you to stay away from home edition). during installation, partition your hard drive(how big is ur hard drive anyway?). Partion it to the point where you have a 6GB drive. Leave the rest of the space for the OS. once you re-do your computer(install all ur apps and ALL updates), then use Acronis True Backup or Norton Ghost to save an image to the 6gb drive. Also, i recommend that you buy a hard drive enclosure and a hard drive (i recommend www.newegg.com). This will be your external hard drive to backup important files so you won't lose them anymore. i recommend all this to my clients and they are happy with the results. one of my clients even bought me an hdd enclosure and a 120gb hdd as a special thankyou for the advice. the best to you, buddy

[Omar]

my version of XP isPre-Installed, I contacted Microsoft and they told me this.

I cannot contact my manufacturer for a XP CD becuase they went out of business a few months ago.

I have a friend who has a windows XP CD, could i use his CD onto my computer?

If i can use my friends CD, what is the process I need to follow?

Do I need to do a complete re-install or can I do a repair of XP?

[Lisandro]

I have a friend who has a windows XP CD, could i use his CD onto my computer?
If i can use my friends CD, what is the process I need to follow?
Do I need to do a complete re-install or can I do a repair of XP?

I'll ask Microsoft support for that... but I'll be happy they allow you to do so.
Then, we could answer (or even they could say you) how to manage a XP repair. 

[Omar]

Hi Tech,

I suspect if I tried my friends XP CD on my computer, then I will have trouble installing windows security updates.

Doesn`t windows updates check to see if your version of XP is legitimate?

So am I right I cannot use my friends XP CD?

[bob3160]

You can use your friends CD but you need to use your own Serial #.

[Lisandro]

You can use your friends CD but you need to use your own Serial #.

Bob, while installing, won't the setup check if the serial is the same of the one 'encrypted' in the CD?
Or, on contrary, a legitimate key is enough to run the setup (CD)?

[bob3160]

Tech,
As far as I know, as long as the serial # is legit, that's what counts.

[Lisandro]

Tech, As far as I know, as long as the serial # is legit, that's what counts.

Ok... living and learning 

[Abraxas]

Omar said:

i do not have an XP CD only a re-installation disk

Do you have the green sticker with a code on your computer case ? To activate XP you'll need to ring Microsoft and quote thing number. Plus ask about issue with friends CD, your legitimate key ; what do they suggest.
That is the best option at this point where you seem to be risking your genuine Validation key .

If you can get what you need as far as data that's important, I'd firstly do that, i.e. backup to CD , HDD ghost , then use your recovery disk. You can do that . ( A technician at a Computer shop can do this for a price, or a friend, for nothing  )
Plus whether you have a fast Internet connection to download your Microsoft updates.
As I said previously , depends how much time you want to spend , and how much money you have.
Plus the stress of trying dodgy procedures which may end up costing more in the long term if you need to send it to the shop .

Good Luck !

[Omar]

At the back of my computer there is a white sticker, it says "windows XP home edition". Below that there is a long product key number.