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Question

Windows wont start, not even in saf mode. Can't even re-form

Sep 20, 2014 7:13AM PDT

A couple of days ago I turned on my Emachines laptop which runs XP and it goes to a screen that gives me the option of recovery manager but when I choose that it goes to the blue screen of death. When I try to load it in safe mode it does it's normal thing and shows a bunch of files but then gives me the option of recovery manager and once again, if I choose that I get the blue screen.(Window shut down to prevent damage) When I insert the windows cd and try to go to repair it gives the blue screen. So I gave up and tried to re format but the only option I am given is recovery manager which does not work. So I got a copy of windows 7 and inserted that, it actually gives me the option to re install windows but when I select that option, it says loading files and does not go beyond that point. After 2 hours it still says loading. Any help would be appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: issues with XP PC
Sep 20, 2014 7:20AM PDT

Then it's time to buy a nice new laptop with Windows 8.1 Update 1. Install Classic Shell and enjoy.
Repair is too expensive to even think of.

Let's hope you have a good backup of all your data. If not, buy an enclosure to turn the hard disk of this XP laptop into an external drive to copy your data from.

Kees

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Answer
Sounds like
Sep 20, 2014 10:55PM PDT

Sounds like pretty classic symptoms of a failing HDD, possibly worse. First, however, I'd get a copy of Gparted and burn that to a disc. Then use that to format the drive on the computer and try again. If that doesn't help... As long as the laptop is at least new enough to support SATA drives, I'd say it's worth the risk to buy a new HDD and see if that helps. If not, you're likely looking at a repair cost which will far and away exceed the value of the laptop at this point so see Kees' suggestion... Though personally I find absolutely no need for Classic Shell.

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Thanks
Sep 21, 2014 5:01AM PDT

At this point I could care less about saving the laptop. What I would really love info on is if there is any way o extract my files from it as I was stupid and backed up nothing

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Make a live Linux CD/DVD ...
Sep 21, 2014 5:09AM PDT

... and get your files off with that. Google if you don't know.

Dafydd.

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I use a lot of methods.
Sep 21, 2014 5:09AM PDT