I need to repair my winXP install

[glen]

Ok, I think the best thing for me to do is to try a repair using the WinXP CD.
Once I go into repir mode, it asks for the administrator password, and I have tried all my standard passwords. No go. Anything else I can try or is ther a way to find them?

 

[bacillus]

the default is blank ie don't type anything in & hit enter.

 

[glen]

Yeha I think I left it default, but then it seems to do nothing.
I get the C: windows> prompt and that is it

 

[reverend1313]

Your not doing a windows repair if you get a dos prompt. You are going into the repair console. If you go past the first repair option after booting off the XP cd there will be a second repair option.... That will reinstall all of the core components.... Dont need a PW for that. But you will need to install all critical updates again... All apps will be fine though.

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: reverend1313
Your not doing a windows repair if you get a dos prompt. You are going into the repair console. If you go past the first repair option after booting off the XP cd there will be a second repair option.... That will reinstall all of the core components.... Dont need a PW for that. But you will need to install all critical updates again... All apps will be fine though.

Does the repair console LOOK a little like dos?

 

[reverend1313]

The repair console is DOS.....

Doing a "Windows Repiar" will keep you in the installer GUI. it will almost resemble a clean install... I have done it 10s of times.

on a side not I work for ms

Woops sorry posted the wrong part of the link... just check out the link below.

 

[reverend1313]

or go here. same info... http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341

 

[glen]

Microsoft Windows Xp? Recovery Console.
The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality
Type EXIT to quit the Recovery Console and restart the computer
1:C\Windows
Which windows installation would you like to log onto (to cancel press ENTER)?

I type ?1? then hit <enter>

Type the Administrator password:

I just hit <enter>

C\Windows>

It simply hangs with the cursor flashing right after the ?>? in the C\Windows> I have even put my ear up to the CD drives to see if I can hear it spinning up or reading. Nothing. What the heck am I doing wrong?

 

[glen]

Can I possibly fix things by doing this:
Method 1: Reinstall Windows XP by using Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP by using Windows XP, follow these steps:
Start your computer.
Insert the Windows XP CD in your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page, click Install Windows XP.
On the Welcome to Windows Setup page, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type box (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
On the License Agreement page, click I accept this agreement, and then click Next.
On the Your Product Key page, type the 25-character product key in the Product key boxes, and then click Next.
On the Get Updated Setup Files page, select the option that you want, and then click Next.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP.

 

[reverend1313]

What you just posted is the repair console. And is mostly useless...Unless you are very advanced user and know what exact file is corrupt. And also not having the password will make that area completely 100% useless


*** just follow the intructions in the KB article link above. ***

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: reverend1313
What you just posted is the repair console. And is mostly useless...Unless you are very advanced user and know what exact file is corrupt. And also not having the password will make that area completely 100% useless


*** just follow the intructions in the KB article link above. ***

How is the recovery console any differet than the instructions you gave me here:

Originally posted by: reverend1313
The repair console is DOS.....

Doing a "Windows Repiar" will keep you in the installer GUI. it will almost resemble a clean install... I have done it 10s of times.

on a side not I work for ms


Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.
When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

Note Your computer must be configured to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. For more information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, see your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer.
You receive the following message on the Welcome to Setup screen that appears:

This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.
Press ENTER to set up Windows XP.
On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP. After you repair Windows XP, you may have to reactivate your copy of Windows XP

 

[Sianath]

The difference is between pushing Enter, then R, or just pushing R.

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: Sianath
The difference is between pushing Enter, then R, or just pushing R.

Yep.
I finally figured it out.
Thank you all for the help. I was really stuck.