Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Load error, press any key to reboot

by spmale Jun 17, 2007 10:00AM PDT

I reformatted my laptop, a Compaq Presario 900, running Win XP, and 512 RAM. It went well, until I installed AOL software. I got the load error message. I reformatted, and was able to do so until completion,a toal of 4 CDs, when the message popped up at the end. I took out the hard drive was able to open the files on another computer via a USB enclosure. I formatted it clean on that computer, and then installed the 4 CDs. The same result happened after the 4th disk. I took out one of the memory chips, switched them around, alternated them, and even tried another chip from a friend's computer. Same results. I know the hard drive is getting formatted properly, but I cannot get it to boot. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you...Steve

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Next time, do not format.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 17, 2007 10:11AM PDT

In fact, leave it BLANK as in what DBAN does to it (see googlecom.)

Bob

- Collapse -
Re: Next time, do not format
by spmale Jun 17, 2007 10:25AM PDT

I did not have any problems after the first reformat. The problems started after I loaded AOL, but I think this was a coincidence.

- Collapse -
Then no AOL
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 17, 2007 10:32AM PDT

You may have answered your own issue. I'm supplying something I've learned over the years. Let's Microsoft's installer prepare the drive...

Bob

- Collapse -
Re: Then no AOL
by spmale Jun 17, 2007 2:30PM PDT

I haven't been able to do anything. After the installation of the 4th disk, it goes straight to "Load Error etc.,"

- Collapse -
re: Load error.
by Kees Bakker Jun 17, 2007 5:16PM PDT

The fix I read, but not sure to help: fix the MBR: http://www.techzonez.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3975

If that doesn't help, better tell the whole story:
- how did you format
- what are those 4 CD's
- what does the AOL software has to do with it
- did you already try to run DBAN before installing

Kees

- Collapse -
Load error
by spmale Jun 18, 2007 6:14AM PDT

The 4 CDs are the original reecovery disks. I tried that first. I ed formatted the drive on another computer, using a USB enclosure. At the end of the 4th disk, the load error message comes up, and doesn't allow me to do anything. When I take out the drive and connect it to another computer, I can open the files so apparently it is being properly reformatted. I just can't get it to atart on the original computer. I don't think AOL has anything to do with it, because I haven't been able to install AOL since then.

- Collapse -
One more time.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 18, 2007 6:55AM PDT

I'm sharing a "nugget" learned over the years. Feel free to ignore it.

Bob

- Collapse -
And your experiences with ...
by Kees Bakker Jun 18, 2007 6:56AM PDT

the fixmbr and fixboot commands from the recovery console? See http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6031733.html (10 things you can do if your XP system doesn't boot).

Same question after a DBAN (to erase the disk) in stead of a format (to format the disk). Might make a difference for the behavior after using the set of recovery disks. I read nowhere that you tried Bob's suggestion to do it.

Kees

Back to Computer Help forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info