hey do ya have the xp disk?
if so when you start the process for reformating
there a repair optioin where windows hnas its own debug programe where it read all your system files amnd looks for problems and then repairs it instead of overwriteing it
as long as you have it set to boot from the cd/rom before hitting the hard drive it should pick it right up
Hey its worth a shot right
Good Luck
EvilHandyAndy
I have an Acer Aspire 1640 Laptop that is now failing to startup. The OS is Windows XP home. We have had no issues up to date until yesterday where the computer started to slow down significantly. Virus protection is up-to-date (PC-Cillin 2007 with latest updates).
Other computer details: Pentium M 1.6Hz, 2Mb Cache, 533 FSB, XP Home SP2, 1Gb Ram ...
An interesting thing is that the programs appear to fail to startup behind a black screen (only the top 5mm of desktop picture remains at the top of the screen). The screen itself is okay as the Windows logo etc appears and also the details for guest and administrator show. It is only after the logon that things go bad.
I request some ideas on how to fix this. I can CTRL-ALT-DELETE and go to starting the Windows restore, but interestingly the restore points are not visible, possibly due to the fact that the windows has not successfully started. I have also tried repairing the OS with the CD on bootup. It asks for an administrator password - strange that it would not accept the logon password either - so this method can not be completed. I am a little reluctant to install over the top of the existing Windows due to the threat of losing folders etc.
I know that people preach backups but unfortunately this has not been done recently. Cna anyone offer a suggestion that may be taken without drastic measures as a reformat.
Chowhound
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