trying to repair sons Dell GX270 - help

Trimmer_2

Hi
I picked up a used GX270 with xp pro for my son about a year ago, didn't come with any software discs and didn't make any backups myself.
Anyway, it now won't boot into windows. It gives a error "windows\system32\config\system" and says to put in the original disc and then press "r" to repair. Obviously I can't do this because I don't have any disc.
I have an xp home disc which I've tried getting it to boot from but it hangs on the "starting windows" screen.
Anyone got any suggestions?
Thanks
Pete

Browntoa

have you changed the boot ored to boot from the CD drive first ??

Browntoa

you can do this by booting with a linux boot CD like Knoppix or Ubuntu

you then need to locate the restore points

The restore points are contained into a hidden directory called: System Volume Information

you are looking for the more recent date when it worked and then need to locate the file called system there.

you need to look on the C: for the windows directory , then a sub directory caled config. Rename the system file there to oldsystem , then copy the system file over from the restore point to the C: windows config directory

then reboot

JasX

will it boot in safe mode? if you can get to a command window and use these 2 commands
"sfc"
then
"sfc /scannow"
it will check integrity of all your critical windows files (will need your CD in the drive)

alternatively also check the boot order in BIOS as above

sharkie

i'd boot the pc and where it displays "press F2..." press crl-alt+d instead for the built in disk test. You have to be quick to do this This is not the best testing software in the world but...

If you re-insall and keepgetting the same message, then your disk is probably failing.

Zanzibar

I'd check if the disk is ok first - the built in disk test (and other boot options) are via F12 - press then when the initial Dell logo appears right at startup.

Trimmer_2

Thanks for the replies.
I have downloaded and burnt a copy of the live cd Knoppix 6.2, when I fire up the pc with the disc in a splash screen appears then get an error message "undefined video mode number: 317, using current mode instead" and it hangs ( just doesn't do anything.
Won't boot in safe mode, have tried other optiond through boot menu but no joy. I'm about to try ctlr,alt,del at startup to see if it'll check disc.
Updates to follow hopefully.

Browntoa

try ubuntu , its more comprehensive with the bundled drivers

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

AHAR

Before spending time sorting out the software side of things, check inside for capacitors that are bulging or have brown stuff oozing out of them. It's a common problem with that model.
http://news.cnet.com/PCs-plagued-by-bad-capacitors/2100-1041_3-5942647.html