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General discussion

WinXP not starting

Nov 11, 2004 1:03PM PST

Prior to this incident my computer would always run SUPER FAST with no delays, freeze ups or pop-ups.

I often visit websites like uselessjunk.net to get a few laughs. Last night I clicked on a hyperlink in the forum, and got a 404 unavailable page but my computer became overwhelmed with pop-ups -- something I've been able to mostly avoid. I frantically clicked out of all of them and then ran my Spybot Search and Destroy program.

Unfortunately, after all of this my desktop picture was still replaced by a phony warning about spyware encouraging me to click on a link. So I did a "System Restore" and re-set my computer to the settings from two days prior. Problem solved.

I got back online and in an entirely unrelated forum I clicked on another link that went 404. The same exact thing happened to my computer, all the way down to the same desktop picture replacement. This time, when I'd click the "start" button to access Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore, the Start Menu would appear but I could get no further. Clicking on "Programs" produced no results.

So I tried to restart the computer but could not. All programs were shut down, but when I'd click the "restart" button, there was no reaction. I gave the computer plenty of time, then tried again. Still no result. Over the course of a half hour I clicked "restart" 10 times and nothing happened.

Finally I unplugged the computer.

That was over 24 hours ago, and it hasn't come back on since. Whenever I plug it in and turn it on, it will flash the Windows Xp logo over the black background with the little green meter at the bottom (like KIT from Knight Rider), then it will go to the blue Windows XP logo page -- and stay there forever.

I tried unplugging the computer for 5 hours and that didn't work.

I tried letting the computer run its course with the Windows XP screen on but it will stay there for 10 hours and nothing.

I do not have the original disk for Windows any more. I know I am looking at taking this computer down to the repair show and dishing out $150 or so for the repair after a 7-10 day wait but was hoping maybe there's some secret I could stumble upon here.

Thanks for your time,
Joey

Discussion is locked

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Re: WinXP not starting - Update
Nov 11, 2004 1:59PM PST

I used the F8 menus to attempt other ways at starting the computer so I could get into the "System Restore" mode. Unfortunately none of them would get me by the blue screen either. I called Dell Support and they told me to use the purple WindowsXP Installation disc which I'm not sure I have any more. =(

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Re: WinXP not starting - Update
Nov 12, 2004 7:40AM PST

Its time to wipe the drive and reinstall XP.

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Problem solved, now new problem (won't restore!)
Nov 12, 2004 9:25AM PST

I tracked down my Windows XP disc and "repaired" Windows and now everything is running smoothly...for now. I've ran several reliable spyware-repair programs, yet my desktop is still replaced with a big black logo that reads: "Warning. You're In Danger. Secure Yourself Right Now!" that none of these applications are picking up.

So I figured I'd do a "system restore" to a previous date to eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, when I go to the System Restore logo, which is still in the start menu, I get an error message that says:

rstrui.exe - Entry Point Not Found

The procedure entry point RemoteAssistancePrepareSystemRestore could not be located in the dynamic link library WINSTA.dll.

Now, I am fresh off running the half-hour-long XP installation.

Any suggestions?

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Re: Problem solved, now new problem (won't restore!)
Nov 12, 2004 5:29PM PST

after you reinstall Xp. Make sure you get all the security updates from windows update. Then go to
http://www.majorgeeks.com/ and get a good antivirus program and firewall. A few good ones are free. then download Adaware and spybot both, to keep your self clean of bugs. It would'nt hurt to get Stinger also. There is not one spyware/adware program that covers everything. You can read in antivirus discussion about "R. proffitts" security package. Skip

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Re: Problem solved, now new problem (won't restore!)
Nov 12, 2004 9:35PM PST

A. I've ran several reliable spyware-repair programs, yet my desktop is still replaced with a big black logo that reads: "Warning. You're In Danger. Secure Yourself Right Now!" that none of these applications are picking up.

Just a guess, but perhaps this is simply a BMP file set on your computer as the wallpaper which can be changed to anything else if you'll just look.

You can always check further using the information in this forum "link."

B. So I figured I'd do a "system restore" to a previous date to eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, when I go to the System Restore logo, which is still in the start menu, I get an error message

1. The article [Q310747] discusses and describes the Beta release of System File Checker (Sfc.exe), a command-line tool that examines protected system files and restores the correct versions by using backups stored in the Dllcache folder or files copied from the operating system CD. Protected files include those with .sys, .dll, .exe, .ttf, .fon and .ocx file name extensions. Due to disk space considerations, storing all protected files in the Dllcache folder might not be practical especially on computers with limited storage space. Therefore, the system may require and prompt for the operating system CD. In addition, SFC can be used to repopulate the %Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache folder if the contents become damaged or unusable.

2. Recommended reading and important to understand are these five articles:

a. "Description of the Windows File Protection Feature (Q222193)."

b. "System Files Reference."

c. "Windows File Protection and Windows" which explains that WFP prevents programs from replacing critical system files which must not be overwriten that are used by the OS and by other programs. Please note that WFP may record events to the system event log noting file replacement attempt that may lead to concluding certain anomalies.

d. "Registry Settings for Windows File Protection and System File Checker (Q222473)."

e. Also note, "Replacing files protected by the Windows File Protection (Q555047)" which explaining how to replace files, which you may never need to know or use.

Caveats: The WFP cache (%systemroot%\system32\dllcache) is not protected and its files can be overwritten either using the Windows Explorer or the command prompt. Since the folder is a compressed system folder, it is necessary to disable the Hide protected operating system files option in the global folder options to see the folder in Windows Explorer or in a directory listing.

C. "Troubleshooting System Restore in Windows XP (Q302796)" when it doesn't work, and its internal eight references.

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Re: Problem solved, now new problem (won't restore!)
Nov 13, 2004 3:07PM PST

Do what you want but, it only takes 30 minutes to replace xp and another 30 minutes for updates if you have broadband. Plus what ever time it takes to replace any programs you have. It would take longer to read all that stuff just posted. I have all the stuff I want to keep backed up on both another partition and another hard drive. If you have back up just reinstall. Its easier. skip

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Re: Problem solved, now new problem (won't restore!)
Nov 16, 2004 8:02AM PST

I have the same problem with the big black box help! How did you get rid of it, Thanks