HELP....argh, my computer won't start- blue screen error!

QT2006

All the techie talk is confusing me, basically i need to get hold of a recovery CD?

Debt_Free_Chick

QT2006 wrote: »

All the techie talk is confusing me, basically i need to get hold of a recovery CD?

Assuming you're running Windows XP, you need a Windows XP installation disc. The one you use to put XP onto the PC in the first place. You need to put that into the CD drive, start the PC (or restart it) and then ..... when it asks you, hit the key to run "Recovery Console".

You need to borrow an XP disc first .....

QT2006

Thanks DFC, i will see if I can get hold of one, can you buy them at the shops?

fwor

QT2006 wrote: »

Thanks DFC, i will see if I can get hold of one, can you buy them at the shops?

If you have a Windows licence key for your mum's PC (often shown on a Microsoft sticker somewhere on the PC) then any XP installation CD of the same version (XP Home or XP Pro) that you can borrow should work.

There are also utilities that you can download that can tell you the licence key of your existing installation, though in your case I don't think that will help, as you can't get Windows to run.

Otherwise you would need to buy a new Windows XP licence, which you can buy in computer shops or online from places like Ebuyer.com.

QT2006

Hi everyone, after all my problems…I decided to just reinstall Windows XP with the recovery disk, because chkdsk /r was not working or the other options…I did not get what I expected, I had to set EVERYTHING up again..like screenames and the computer name etc…

But guys I am having real problems, not only to I have to install all my hardware- when I can’t find the setup disks for them..ie- the printer, but my main problem is that I can’t get internet.

Despite having broadband set up, and connecting everything the modem is not communicating with my comp, I am not sure if I need to download a driver or something, there isn’t even a LAN setting under network/connections in control panel..

In addition I can’t remember what other standard stuff I had on the computer, all of which need to be reinstalled.

Firstly can someone help re: setting the internet up again I have a NETGEAR modem router, also I need help once the internet is on to find out what things I need to install

So far here is my list:

Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader, Firefox, anti-virus (although my last one (free AVG) didn’t do a good job, as the computer went to BSOD), reinstall printer, I don’t even think WMP is on there?? I will need a program for viewing/editing pics- any clues?

Thanks so much in advance guys

QT

350nutter

Let's forget everything else for now and concentrate on getting your internet working.

Look at device manager - Start->control panel-> system -> hardware ->device manager

Look down the list until you see 'Network adapters', and expand the list if it isn't already expanded.
Note down on here what is listed in this category and if there is a ! or x on the icon for the entry.
If you see a ! next to the item, it means the driver isn't installed so the PC can't use it. There would usually be a separate disk which came with the PC that would contain these drivers.

It would also be useful if you could post the make and exact model of the troublesome machine.

QT2006

Thanks I will do that and post the results

msmicawber

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

I think the only difference between the switch /r and /f is that /f will simply fix any bad sectors. /r will notify you and ask you what to do.

If you're happy to let Windows fix problems, use /f

Hi DFC, At the risk of coming across as an anally-retentive nerd, that's not correct. I must admit that I couldn't remember exactly why I've always used the /r switch after all these years, so double checked Microsoft's web site:

/r Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. The disk must be locked. /r includes the functionality of /f, with the additional analysis of physical disk errors.

I've added this for anyone who finds themself in a similar situation and needs the information, not to be a jerk.

MsM

rdpro

QT2006 wrote: »

anti-virus (although my last one (free AVG) didn’t do a good job, as the computer went to BSOD

AVG wasn't the cause of the BSOD, Microsoft was.

You need to go into your System control panel, and look under Device Manager to see what XP has failed to find a driver for. I'm betting you'll need to visit the PC/motherboard manufacturers website on another pc and download all the drivers available, burn to CD then install on the new XP.

Your netgear router 'isn't working' because your pc's network card hasn't got a driver.

Software-wise: MS Word is part of the Office suite of programs - either buy a CD with it on, or use one of the free Office emulators.

Firefox, Adobe, and AVG are all free to download once your net connection is back up.

QT2006

Hey everyone! I am totally gutted how many weeks later and the computer is up and the internet working. However I am a bit worried...as today when I was randomly doing some work the BSOD came on ..it said 'DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL' and the stop message was STOP 0x000000D1

In addition my 'at' button is not working i.e wat u do for a example...like qt"hotmail.com, as you can see " is coming up instead of the at button!!

Please guys I am really concerned....because this computer looks like it is ready to die at anytime, can anyone give me any precautions to take, re: backup, virus protectors, or just something i can do to check the comp is really ok.

Thanks in anticipation

Cheers

QT