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booting
my system

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Bob_180_Bob

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, first decide if you need the files right now or to fully fix Windows. If you only need your documents fast, try these first:

  • Tap F8 at startup. Try Last Known Good Configuration, then Safe Mode. If either boots, copy your files off immediately.
  • If it flashes a blue screen and reboots, choose Disable automatic restart on system failure to read the error.
  • Enter BIOS (Del/F2 on a Pentium III board) and confirm the hard drive is detected. If not, power off, reseat the IDE ribbon and power plugs, and set the boot order to CD first so you can use an XP disc.

If Windows still will not load, use the XP Recovery Console to repair boot files without touching your data:

  1. Boot from a Windows XP CD.
  2. At the first screen, press R for Recovery Console, select your Windows install, enter the admin password (often blank).
  3. Run:
chkdsk c: /r
fixboot c:
fixmbr
bootcfg /rebuild

Let chkdsk finish; it can take a while on old drives. Then remove the CD and try to boot.

As suggested, a repair install is the next step if the above fails and the drive is detected. Boot from the XP CD, press Enter (not the first R), accept the license, select your existing Windows installation, then press R to repair. This keeps your programs and files but replaces system files and drivers. You will likely need your product key and to reinstall updates/drivers after. Before doing this, back up your data if possible: either boot a Linux live CD to copy files to a USB drive, or pull the drive and connect it to another PC with a USB-to-IDE adapter. If the BIOS never sees the drive or it clicks loudly, the drive may be failing, so prioritize data recovery first.

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Member Avatar for JALLOW

i have an old msword window xp pentium3 that i have manage to use for almost 2yrs now,but of recent in short today a came to read some info i have storedbut the sytem could just but and amprepairing forexams .my system could have facilitated my effort during the exams. nowhow can i boot this and save my self fromfailure

Member Avatar for Bob_180_Bob

Do a repair/install of XP

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