Power loss---can't get into WINXP

[gar598]

Okay, so they were doing construction outside, and for one reason or another the power went out for a short period. Anyways, my computer turned off---and now when I try to start the machine it loads into xp ("select startup method") Normal, safe mode, safe mode w/network, etc. -- I have tried selecting all options, but each simply causes the computer to reboot. Can this be a hardware problem? It all started with the power loss - no problems before this.

any advice? Plzzzzzzzzz

 

[rudeguy]

can you start up in safe mode?

 

[gar598]

Safe Mode is an option, but for some reason it just restarts when I select any option

 

[amdskip]

Could be a corrupted file system. I think sometimes you can boot from the cd and repair it or else the dreaded format/install. BTW, seriously consider investing in a battery backup.

 

[Platypus]

ntfs.sys probably got messed up. Run repair in the recovery console.

 

[Hubris]

Yeah, I had someone at work like this. I uninstalled the school's software and reinstalled, and every time I tried to boot it would just shut off the computer, no matter what I chose. So I ended up having to re-install Win98 without formatting and it worked like a charm. I forget if it's not an option for XP, but see if you can reinstall over the old XP. Might work, I don't remember, I always install to a fresh format.

 

[Shawn]

Repair the install from the cd. And you should really get a backup battery.

 

[gar598]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
ntfs.sys probably got messed up. Run repair in the recovery console.

How do I find this option?

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: gar598

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
ntfs.sys probably got messed up. Run repair in the recovery console.

How do I find this option?

Boot from the XP cd and choose repair an existing installation.

 

[gar598]

For some reason, it won't boot from the winxp cd....Any ideas? I tried this hdd on another machine and was able to access the recovery console, but it still didn't fix the problem (it just booted into the console)....Any ideas?

 

[gar598]

plz?

 

[WobbleWobble]

You have to change the boot sequence in the BIOS to let it boot from the CD before it boots from the hard drive.

Also, don't go into the Recovery Console. Navigate further into the setup then you will get an option to Repair an Existing installation.

 

[thegorx]

with a power outage I'd first suggest powering down & turning off the powersupply
and let it set for a minute.

if you don't have any luck with getting the cd to work my guess would be you'd need to reset your cmos.

go into the bios and make note of all the settings in the bios.
you'll want most settings to be the same as when you install the OS.

then rest the cmos jumper
read your motherboard manual for instruction and warnings
there are different proceedures for different board

after the reset go into the bios and put all the settings back the way the were

see if that works

 

[CTho9305]

Out of curiosity, were you using NTFS or FAT32?