Computer whizkids

Diogenes

Got a laptop which refuses to boot.

get \windows\system32\config\software missing or corrupt.

This I guess is a goosed registry item

The PC did not come with an original XP disc so can't get at the recovery disk. There does no even seem to be an option to boot up in something akin to DOS.

Any ideas.

D

Dodgex1

Need a windows XP CD or a boot disk so you can launch recovery console or reformat and do a clean install if needs be. You could hook up to it remotely aswell using knoppix live, should be able to get any files you had on then. If you can get a windows CD it's not too difficult to do.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

If you have a legal license with the sticker on the side of the laptop you can pretty much use any XP cd to fix it, just make sure its not locked to a computers bios, then you just use your key if you need too rather than the one on the disk, You pay for the XP license and right to use the software not the actual cd.

Kaipaith

Dodgex1 wrote:

Need a windows XP CD or a boot disk so you can launch recovery console or reformat and do a clean install if needs be.

Exactly. The alternative, if you can stomach it, is to not reinstall XP.

Try Ubuntu instead. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(Linux_distribution

jibi

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/

restore might just work
george

Big Red S

Personally, I'd second the Ubuntu option, but suggest Kubuntu. IME, KDE's far more intuitive (especially for Windows users) than Gnome.

Big Red S

jibi wrote:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/

restore might just work
george

That wants a windowing system working, though. I don't know what the recovery console is like for XP, it's been a while since I've needed to use it, but I think it's just a cl.
The command listed in there just starts the System Restore UI in the same way as the shortcut in the start menu does.

I like to think they've designed a way of fixing a broken system that actually works on a broken system, but I can't help but think that was probably overlooked...

Diogenes

Thanks chaps, I'll see if I can get my hands on a disk.

D

jibi

I would recommend trying the Restore,
It doesn't need a working XP it just needs a command prompt



Press F8 during boot up

Select Safe more with Command Prompt ( This is akin to dos)

from the command prompt

c;\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/
_________
Option 2

Last Known Good Config
from the boot menu
_______
Option 3
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do ... r_cor1.htm
or
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repairing_windows_xp.htm

good luck
george

Big Red S

jibi wrote:

I would recommend trying the Restore,
It doesn't need a working XP it just needs a command prompt



Press F8 during boot up

Select Safe more with Command Prompt ( This is akin to dos)

Ah, my mistake.
I thought Safe Mode With Command Prompt gave you safe mode and allowed you to get from that into a command prompt.
I should really stop assuming what things do on the basis of what they're called...

jibi

Big red

I have been fixing computers since 1965 and PC's since '83
Never assume anything
I wish I was a wizz kid

george

Big Red S

Yeah, I should have learnt after the episode where I installed the Gimp...

jibi

you got gimpshop yet?

george

Big Red S

No, image manipulation really isn't my thing. I've only got gimp for the scripting, so I can bulk resize images. And make comical gifs.

And I couldn't think of anything else with a dodgy name to put in there...

Diogenes

Big Red S wrote:

jibi wrote:

I would recommend trying the Restore,
It doesn't need a working XP it just needs a command prompt



Press F8 during boot up

Select Safe more with Command Prompt ( This is akin to dos)

Ah, my mistake.
I thought Safe Mode With Command Prompt gave you safe mode and allowed you to get from that into a command prompt.
I should really stop assuming what things do on the basis of what they're called...

Yep, that's what I thought but no such luck. Looks like I am stuck with getting my hands on a disk.

This highlights the problem with many new PC's. My own arrived with XP preloaded and no disk. If it packs up, how do you get onto the net to download a fix.

D