Windows XP won't boot

fluffnutter

Sorry guys; no doubt this has been asked a million times before (I have tried searching the forums)....

My dad's PC is struggling. When switched on, Windows XP Home won't start up. I don't think he's installed anything particular (e.g. hardware) recently although he did mention that some automatic software updates had recently installed.

When you try to boot up in safe mode, or last known configuration it doesn't help. Just returns to the same screen advising that there's been a problem and Windows can't start.

He doesn't have the install disk (the PC came pre-loaded with XP) but I assume he does have a product key. Any tips on how to find this?

Can anyone advise on some simple steps to try first before calling in a professional? Thanx.

aliEnRIK

Try unplugging all USB devices

If tha doesnt work then youll probably need to run a 'repair' using the operating system disc

Kalahary

Are there any error codes? Usually prefixed with 0x and a further 8 digits.

fluffnutter

No error codes. I'm not sure if he has the operating system disc. I'll have to find out. Stupid question but will it come as standard when you buy the PC?

aliEnRIK

fluffnutter wrote: »

No error codes. I'm not sure if he has the operating system disc. I'll have to find out. Stupid question but will it come as standard when you buy the PC?

Some do some dont

TwistedPsycho

To further help, it might be useful if you told us what brand the PC is, for example is it a Dell or other "shop built" unit, did you get it second hand, did you or someone (family, friend, local PC shop) build it for you?

johnmc

Try to get the exact message. You'll probably need to go into BIOS and disable the reboot on error.

Do you have access to a harddrive cradle so that you can work on the disk from another computer?

Something like this will do
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-2-0-2-5-SATA-HARD-DISK-DRIVE-HDD-CASE-ENCLOSURE-/280514741077?pt=UK_Collectables_HardDriveEnclosures_RL

Or this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-2-0-IDE-SATA-2-5-3-5-Adapter-Convertor-Cable-/140375878174?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL

A full cradle that you can drop the drive into is nice, but if you are only going to use it the once, a bit expensive.

John_Gray

johnmc wrote: »

Try to get the exact message. You'll probably need to go into BIOS and disable the reboot on error.

I think you'll find that option is in Windows (System Properties -> Advanced tab -> Startup and Recovery section -> Click on Settings button, then see whether or not there's a tick in front of System Failure/Automatic Recovery)...

Which of course the OP can't get at!

johnmc

John_Gray wrote:

I think you'll find that option is in Windows

Correct. Windows often mirrors what's in the BIOS, which isn't much help if you can't get to Windows!

There's a setting in BIOS as well. I had to enable mine last year when I had "the same" problem. The errror screen doesn't stay up long enough to read it and the lappy reboots. The code indicated corrupt registry files.

Dropped the HD into a cradle and put the default files back. Up and running in less than 15 minutes.