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Question

Can't repair XP; get 'can't fine CD-ROM drive' message

Oct 21, 2012 3:51PM PDT

I had to replace my hard drive today. I used the Dell re-installation CD to re-install XP SP2. I did not receive any errors during installation, but because the system was a little unstable, and some problems that seemed to be related to the OS (perhaps because I was never prompted to enter the product key??), I decided to run the recovery console and attempt to repair XP, or re-install it if necessary. I booted Windows normally, then inserted the recovery disk into the CD-ROM drive, then proceeded to follow the directions on the screen. I also entered the product key when prompted. When the installation script rebooted the system, in order to repeat the setup process, I got a message that Windows could not find a CD-ROM drive. I performed this same maneuver several different ways - booting from the recovery disk - and continue to get this same error message. Can someone help me get Windows to recognize the CD-ROM drive that is seemingly installed and working properly? (Most of my problems occurred when connecting to the Windows download site trying to install SP3. I couldn't get Windows Update to work - either online or from my desktop- says I need to update my computer with Windows XP SP2 in order to download files. Maybe it isn't necessary to reinstall XP; maybe there is another approach to fixing this problem??) I would really appreciate some advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Since Windows is running this could be the old CODE 19,31,et
Oct 21, 2012 3:58PM PDT

Look up CODE 41 XP on google to find out more about upper and lower filters.

Usually this happens when we remove Roxio or some other CD app.
Bob

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Have to select regular boot over system installation
Oct 22, 2012 5:57AM PDT

Current status:
- Installed new hard drive in desktop PC that had been running XP SP2.
- After a long struggle, I finally got everything working, including downloading SP3 for XP (I know I probably should have fixed the start up problem described below before installing SP3, but I thought SP3 might fix the problem).
- I still get the black system screen before Windows starts where I have to select regular boot or installation.
- If I select regular boot, then Windows proceeds to start up normally
- If I were to select the install option (which I don't do anymore, since the recovery disk I have is for SP2), I got a blue screen saying that Windows could not find the CD ROM drive. This also happened if I booted first, then inserted the recovery disk. The only difference was that I was prompted to enter the product key - a clear indication that Windows was able to read this drive)
- Because of the advice I received from R. Profitt, I checked Device Manager for the 41 error, and there are no errors in Device Manager. The CD ROM drives are installed and working properly.
- I'm afraid to change the registry against explicit instructions not to do so if there is no 41 error in Device Manager
- All I need now is to get the system to boot directly to Windows without stopping on the system screen first.
Can you help me?

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So the CDROM is working?
Oct 22, 2012 12:43PM PDT

If it's just a boot menu you want to fix, google XP BOOT.INI and remove the line you want gone.
Bob

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Question re BOOT.INI file
Oct 23, 2012 2:51AM PDT

Bob, I defintely think you are on the right track. I edited the file, and although the outcome changed when I re-booted, the new problem is similar to the old. Here's the original boot file:

[Boot Loader]
Timeout=5
Default=C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT
[Operating Systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows XP Professional Setup"

I deleted the last line starting with C:\$WIN_NT etc.

Now when I boot the system, I still get the screen to select an operating system, but the second operating system is now "Windows (default)"

I'm wondering if I also need to delete /noexecute=optin

I'm a little nervous to do this without validation. What are your thoughts?

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I fixed the boot problem!
Oct 23, 2012 7:52AM PDT

Bob,

I made another change in the boot file, and now it is working perfectly. In addition to deleting the last line below, I changed the default to equal the operating system I wanted to use. Thanks for your help.

[Boot Loader]
Timeout=20
Default=C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT
[Operating Systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows XP Professional Setup"

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Good to read.
Oct 23, 2012 10:42AM PDT

There's a lot of web content about boot.ini. When you move out of XP be sure to look up EasyBCD for the following versions of Windows.
Bob