Help with Error Message 1234F:

Justiceforme

I recently used TestDisk on my computer. I have an error message 1234F: can't reboot searching for CD rom.
Can anyone explain how I could try to repair this problem.


Many thanks

NiftyDigits

The TestDisk MBR

If you use TestDisk to write its MBR code to the first sector of your hard disk, it will very briefly identify itself by displaying TestDisk on the screen at boot up. The code is programmed to try booting up from whatever Boot Sector resides in the first partition of the drive. If that's not possible, you will then see a mini-menu displayed on your screen like this:
TestDisk

1234F:

Pressing the 1, 2, 3 or 4 keys on your keyboard, will command the MBR to try booting up from any boot sector(s) it finds in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th partition table entries in the MBR sector. Failing to do so will simply repeat the TestDisk MBR menu on your screen each time it fails to boot. If you press the F/f keys on your keyboard, the MBR will try to boot up the system from a floppy disk in your first (A:\ or /dev/fd0) floppy drive.

In most cases, once you're able to boot up your drive's original OS again, you'll want to change the TestDisk MBR code back to whatever you were using before encountering a boot problem. Note: Be sure you know exactly how to do that before proceeding - you don't want to remove your Partition Table again!

MBR Code

Justiceforme

Thanks for reply. I'm a complete novice at all of this.
Are you suggesting that I run Testdisk again and follow your instructions? Wish there was a video about this with good easy instructions. I know how to use all of the programs, reinstall, delete etc. No clue regarding partitions, rebooting or anything technical. Feel like a real idiot. Any further advice available
anywhere else?

Many thanks

NiftyDigits

What were you trying to do in the first place?

Details of the initial problem and the machine.

Justiceforme

Hi, originally I removed most of my files to an external hard drive because old computer was very slow. Went to use external hard drive, found it was not working with computer. Tried to find out what the problem was with both. Used a program to check for faults. Was advised that some of computer system files had transferred to external hard drive. The external drive hard a problem with a partition?
I used Testdisk on the old computer, HP with XP and Office 2007. Have error message 1234F: on computer, I don't have the original XP disk and the Office 2007 disk is not working either? Hope this makes sense.

Thanks

NiftyDigits

Justiceforme wrote: »

Hi, originally I removed most of my files to an external hard drive because old computer was very slow. Went to use external hard drive, found it was not working with computer. Tried to find out what the problem was with both. Used a program to check for faults. Was advised that some of computer system files had transferred to external hard drive. The external drive hard a problem with a partition?
I used Testdisk on the old computer, HP with XP and Office 2007. Have error message 1234F: on computer, I don't have the original XP disk and the Office 2007 disk is not working either? Hope this makes sense.

Thanks

What's the full model number of the HP machine?

Justiceforme

Hi, sorry it is a Packard Bell Imedia windows XP bought around 2005.
Not sure where to find the actual model number. Will try and find further info.
Just received your other e-mail.

Many thanks

NiftyDigits

Justiceforme wrote: »

Hi, sorry it is a Packard Bell Imedia windows XP bought around 2005.
Not sure where to find the actual model number. Will try and find further info.
Just received your other e-mail.

Many thanks

Clearly unsuitable since it's a Packard Bell. :mad:




Anyway, once you see the 1234F option, it means that you can press 1 and then the ENTER key or 2 and then the ENTER key etc

Hopefully on one of those options it should boot into Windows.