Computer Help Needed

[Berzerker]

Windows XP home I think on AMD 570 or something like it.

Some of my files are missing or corrupted and I cant even start up in safe mode (or any other). I just keep getting a black screen with a message with 4 files:

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\system 32\

with the following 4 endings

ntoskrnl.exe
hal.dll
KDCOM.dll
BOOTVID.dll

I cant use system restore or even the most recent working configuration, I just get the above message.

What can I do?

Thanks

[Zkribbler]

I wish I could help but I'm clueless.

Err...if you're computer isn't working, how are you managing to post?

[Ted Striker]

I think you gotta boot up off the CD and repair your installation.

But I'd let one of the desktop experts answer it first, I don't work much on the desktops so don't want to give you bad info that might make it worse.

[Agathon]

I've no idea. I think Ted is right - is there a PC version of something like DiskWarrior?

As always, the following solutions will definitely work..

https://www.apple.com

ww.linux..org

[ajbera]

If you have your Win XP CD, you can try to repair the OS, but it'll probably disrupt your existing directories/file structure. You may have to track down files and reinstall software.

I don't know your 'net/e-mail habits; could it be a virus? If you have access to a 2nd PC, and that PC has anti-virus, you can hook up the hard drive from the non-booting PC as the D drive on the good PC, then scan it for viruses. Might be worth a try before trying to repair it.

[Urban Ranger]

Boot from the CD, and try fixboot (or bootfix).

[Asher]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger
Boot from the CD, and try fixboot (or bootfix).

His boot sector isn't corrupt, he's missing files that were deleted probably by malware.

Running "fixboot" to fix this problem is like suggesting someone with a bad engine to rotate his car tires.

Ted was right: Boot from the CD, then repair your installation. It will restore missing Windows files without removing any of your data.

You will have to run Windows Update afterwards for patches.

[Berzerker]

Asher to the rescue

But how do I boot from the CD? I get nothing but a black screen with a message about missing files.

I'm not computer literate so I kinda need step by step instructions

[Asher]

Try just inserting the Windows CD in your computer, then reboot. It should say something like "Press any key to boot from the CD...", at which point you press any key.

If that doesn't work, it's a bit more complicated.

[aneeshm]

When the comp boots up , you must be seeing something like "press del to enter setup" ( or whatever key it is ) . Start the computer , and keep pressing that key until you come to your BIOS options . Under the boot section , you'll have the boot order listed - first boot device , second boot device , third boot device , and so on . Somewhere in there , you'll find listed the hard disk . Make the first boot device a floppy , the second a CD , and the third your hard disk .

Then insert the Windows XP bootable installer CD , and follow on-screen instructions to repair your disk .

[Ted Striker]

See? Look at anneshm stealing our IT jobs ALREADY!

(Just kidding aneeshm).

[Berzerker]

Doh! I see that line everytime it starts up, that worked Asher, thx...

But I did lose some some stuff, like avant browser and Trillian.

[Dis]

Originally posted by Asher
Try just inserting the Windows CD in your computer, then reboot. It should say something like "Press any key to boot from the CD...", at which point you press any key.

If that doesn't work, it's a bit more complicated.

where is the any key?