Windows XP Pro won't boot

[larryb]

At start up I get to the MS Window with XP and the traveling icon going across the screen it then restarts again. It will do this over and over.

I am unable to get to Safe Mode.

If I boot from the original OS disk I do not see any where I can choose to reinstall XP without loosing data, apps, etc.

Any help will be appreciated

Larry

Having read the various post I find that I have one major difference. When I boot from the CD I do not get an option to repair except from the Recovery Console. No other option to repair the present installed XP.

 

[kimsland]

Actually Repairing Windows will not lose your data or apps

Microsoft's Windows XP Professional Repair Install step by step
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/sp2sp3installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm

Microsoft's Windows XP Home Repair Install step by step
http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/sp2sp3installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm

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But I believe you are best try CheckDisk from bootup first :grinthumb

https://www.techspot.com/vb/post694184-132.html

 

[larryb]

problem with the procedure

In my case I do not get the 1st window in Part 2 of the repairing windows XP Pro that MS indicates.

I only get to choose a drive that XP will be installed on. Nothing about repairing.

I figure it will install XP and I lose my data, apps etc.

My CD disc is XP with sp2 on it.

Thanks

Larry

 

[kimsland]

That's so irritating when that happens!

If CheckDisk didn't fix it, try this:

How to Start the System Restore Tool from a Command Prompt

C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe

Reference Here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/en-us

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Note: "The Command prompt" can also be the Recovery Console (ie The first R prompt)

Edit:
You cannot run System Restore from the Recovery Console, but can be run via Safe Mode with Command Prompt C:\Windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

 

[larryb]

Note: "The Command prompt" can also be the Recovery Console (ie The first R prompt) [/QUOTE]

I am unable to enter Safe Mode with or without the Command Prompt.

Your note, does that mean I should enter the Recovery Console using the CD?
And then try to restore?

Thanks
Larry

 

[kimsland]

Yes
Yes it does

 

[larryb]

I entered the Console ok.
I ended up with a prompt of
C:\WINDOWS>
I tried entering this
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe
It says bad command
I typed in both ways C:\WINDOWS>C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe

Then I tried C:WINDOWS>\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe
Still bad command

Larry

 

[kimsland]

If rstrui.exe entered on its own doesn't work

Then you need to Change directory to "system32\Restore" and then run it

From C:\Windows (in the Recovery Console )
ChDir system32 <enter>
ChDir Restore <enter>
rstrui.exe <enter>

Edit:
You cannot run System Restore from the Recovery Console, but can be run via Safe Mode with Command Prompt C:\Windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

 

[larryb]

I changed Dir as indicated and ended up with this
C:\WINDOWS>SYSTEM32\RESTORE>
Then I added rstrui.exe and got bad command again.

Well three hours later while waiting for more suggestions, I let the start up cycle continue and all of a sudden XP came alive!

I have since scanned for mal-ware and virus scan. I will also do a disk scan.

Is there anything else I should do before trying to turn the system off and back on?

Larry

 

[kimsland]

Yes create a System Restore point
And run CheckDisk
Note: CheckDisk will ask for a restart, only do this after confirming all is backed up first