Laptop won't boot.

Fifer

FIL's IBM R50e laptop won't boot into XP. It gets past the "Access IBM" splash then does nothing else. Also hangs trying to get into safe mode. I can get into the factory reset part and I can get into the recovery DOS prompt. I've tried CHKDSK /p, FIXBOOT and copying over SYSTEM and SOFTWARE files from a couple of restore points, all to no avail.

An added complication is that the CD/DVD drive died ages ago which wasn't a problem as he only uses it for internet browsing. I have an external USB CDROM drive and have booted a recovery disk (for a different machine) in the hope that I could access the repair utility, but it only allows a fresh install.

I can just use the IBM factory install utility (hopefully and he'll lose all his data - not a major issue - important stuff like digital photos are backed up) but I'd like to keep his emails, settings, passwords and stuff just for ease of reinstall if possible. I don't have a 2.5" - 3.5" IDE cable or an external burner.

Any bright ideas for repairing the existing XP installation or, if I need to factory reset, any bright ideas for backing up his email, personal settings, passwords, internet favourites and stuff?

closed

Have you got an external hard drive? Or an xp disc?

There are lots of threads on rescuing data, repairing xp etc,repair install using xp cd, or using a boot cd to backup data (linux or windows based), or using imaging software to backup the lot, and then reinstall.

eg.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2197337

davb

As closed suggested, maybe something like ubcd4win if you can boot from it on the external CD drive, then copy from the hard drive (if it's accessible) to a USB hard disk or flash drive.

You could also look at running hard drive diagnostics. I assume it's an IBM-Hitachi drive, so the tool is DFT which you can burn to a bootable CD

xxdeebeexx

Hi Closed has pointed you to trhe thread I started, I finally accessed my data by using Puppy Linux and saving the documents I wanted onto memory stick. I knew nothing about this before I started and it has taken me about 7-10 days to read and understand what I had to do,

The truth is, there are several routes you can take and I expect everyone has a favourite. I chose the one that I found easiest to understand.

This is what I did.
1) download Puppy Linux http://www.livecdlist.com/
2) download an ISO burner to burn 'image'of Puppy Linux to disc (google this or use the ones recommended by Donnie in post 14 http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...html?t=2197337 )
3) allow Puppy Linux to run from your RAM DO NOT INSTALL use an external cd drive or a memory stick ,GUIDE HERE to get the programme onto the PC,
4) Once booted you will see the Hard drive at bottom left of screen. Single clicks will allow you to explore the HD.
5) Save to memory stick.

It took me several days to complete the above but it should be a lot easier for you if you are technically minded.

Good luck

HTH

Dx

Fifer

Thanks all. I'll try the linux CD boot and save to USB stick at the weekend. I won't be online again until tomorrow evening, so if anyone posts in the meantime, thanks but I'll be late in responding.