Computer Stuck In a Loop at Startup

z3phyr04

That is indeed the hard drive. Error is NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM.
If you have an XP CD (not a factory reset disk), launch it and go into the recovery console (press R after it loads all drivers) then when at C:\WINDOWS> prompt type 'chkdsk /p /r' without quotes and let it run.

Might fix some structural problem on the disk.

DazedByTheLight

Hi, I have what I believe to be an XP CD but when I insert it into the computer it does not automatically launch it before it gets to the Windows did not start successfully error message that I mention above. Is there any way I can get the CD to launch immediately upon start-up so I can try the above?

Donnie

I have what I believe to be an XP CD

??? What makes you believe it?

Put the disc in, reboot and then hit Enter when you see 'Boot from CD'

DazedByTheLight

Donnie wrote: »

??? What makes you believe it?

It says Windows XP on it.

The reason by belief is not certainty is because it also lists lots of other programs as well.

When I reboot I am not getting the option of booting from CD.

ddoris

You will have to set it to boot from cd in the bios setup. When pc starts press del or f2 -it should say which in the bottom left of the very first startup screen-in order to enter setup.
Then navigate to boot order ,could be in advanced bios settings, just look through 'til you find it and then set to cd.

Donnie

If you are going to scrap it, there is little point in continuing with any other solutions.

You can get a 3.5" IDE TO USB External Aluminium Enclosure as aforementioned, for £11.

DazedByTheLight

Hi, thanks so much to everyone who is helping with this.

I managed to load the XP CD, but I have been unable to go into the recovery console. As soon as the drivers had been loaded, despite pressing R, the operating system starts loading up straight away and goes into the blue error screen as mentioned above. Both times I have tried this I got two different error codes: 0 x 00000019 and 0 x 0000007F.

I am happy to consider the dock/enclosure but I am worried about getting the wrong one or not being able to get it to work, and as above if my hard-drive is damaged then will it work in the enclosure?

macman

As long as you get an 3.5" IDE to USB one as per the link given by Donnie you can't realy go wrong, there are only two sizes (3.5" for PC's and 2.5" for laptop drives, and two connection types IDE and SATA).
If the drive is physically damaged and won't spin up then no, it won't work. But if it's just unable to boot the OS because of damaged sectors then yes it should enable you to access and recover your data.

Donnie

In these cases, I would generally check hardware first. Check cables are firmly fitted. Take RAM out and clean the slots with a soft brush. Toothbrush will do. Clean the RAM contacts with an eraser. Replace firmly.

If the problem still exists, you can use Hiren's Boot CD 11 to assist you in testing your HDD and making a copy of your important files. Download here Choose ' Direct HTTP Mirror'.

DazedByTheLight

Hi, is there any way I can easily look at it and check to see whether my drive is an IDE or SATA?

Is taking the drive out of the PC case and fitting it into the enclosure a simple task; will I need any specialist tools?

macman wrote: »

As long as you get an 3.5" IDE to USB one as per the link given by Donnie you can't realy go wrong, there are only two sizes (3.5" for PC's and 2.5" for laptop drives, and two connection types IDE and SATA).
If the drive is physically damaged and won't spin up then no, it won't work. But if it's just unable to boot the OS because of damaged sectors then yes it should enable you to access and recover your data.