sister killed her computer

[rudeguy]

so this all started out with my bro in law messing up the computer. When it got to me it just said "invalid system disk" on startup.

I unplugged all the flloppy/zip/cd drives, no help. Replaced the HD and got rid of that message, now after it scrolls through the memory test it goes right to a screen that just says "press ctrl alt delete to reboot"

The HD and CD drive are fine, I tested them in my box. They are also getting power as I can hear them spin.

someone help me on this one?

 

[mechBgon]

I sense that this is an off-the-shelf Happy Meal? computer like an HP, Dell or etc? Slap the recovery CD into it and do a recovery. If it comes with a "normal" Windows CD, then set up Windows again. I have a suggested routine I'll copy & paste into here:

0) Unplug the network cable to keep the worms out during all this

1) OS

2) OS service packs (SP2 for WinXP) while offline

3) DirectX 9.0C (except SP2 for WinXP has that already)

4) Chipset drivers BEFORE video drivers, then reboot

5) Video drivers and other drivers AFTER chipset drivers

6) Set strong passwords on Admin-class accounts, enable Data Execution Prevention for all programs, make sure you have a firewall of some kind in place, and install antivirus software.

7) Now that you have a firewall, patches, and at least baseline antivirus protection, plug in the network cable and update your antivirus signatures, then go to Windows Update for the latest patches and run Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 1.2.1 to see where you might've overlooked stuff. For links to the full SP2 download, arming DEP completely, and MBSA 1.2.1, go here.

And I'd like to add that it's a good idea to make all the users a Limited-class account and reserve the Administrator-class powers for one account that is used ONLY for Admin duties and never for daily-driver stuff. Huge, huge deterrent to serious spyware/adware, to people messing stuff up, and also an obstacle to certain worm/virus/trojan attacks (a Limited-class account cannot be used to modify the HOSTS file, for example). It's not what people are used to, but it's effective.

 

[rudeguy]

yeah...its a gateway POS. I have a new one sitting here that I am going to give her for Christmas, but she needs something in the meantime.

I dont have her recovery disk here. Even though its an "off the shelf" computer I should still be able to just go in and install windows right?

 

[mechBgon]

Yeah, no harm in trying. You may need to hit Gateway's site for onboard NIC and audio drivers. The serial number on the sticker on the side of the case will help you look them up.

 

[rudeguy]

ok...so anyone have any input on this? I still cant get passed that screen. I have eliminated everything except the mobo and cpu...but those were both working just fine before I started at this.

 

[mechBgon]

You're trying to run Windows Setup and it won't get past that screen? Are you seeing the Press any key to boot from CD... prompt and pressing a key?

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
You're trying to run Windows Setup and it won't get past that screen? Are you seeing the Press any key to boot from CD... prompt and pressing a key?

nope...straight from the memory test to the "press ctrl alt del" screen

 

[Bug]

Uh, are you sure the BIOS is set to boot off the cd-rom drive before the hard drive?

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: Bug
Uh, are you sure the BIOS is set to boot off the cd-rom drive before the hard drive?

yep, cd>hd>removable

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Have you tried clearing the CMOS, or from within the BIOS, "Reset Configuration Data"?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: GoodDad

Originally posted by: mechBgon
You're trying to run Windows Setup and it won't get past that screen? Are you seeing the Press any key to boot from CD... prompt and pressing a key?

nope...straight from the memory test to the "press ctrl alt del" screen

This is a real, bootable, Microsoft-manufactured Windows CD, right?

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
Have you tried clearing the CMOS, or from within the BIOS, "Reset Configuration Data"?

cleared cmos, and reset the bios. I am thinking something happenned to the mobo.

And yes, this is a legit windows CD.

I am however, in deep poo if I cant get this fixed for her

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, a couple of fact-finding steps next:

1) Try starting Windows Setup from the CD-ROM drive without either hard drive in there.

2) Try #1 with each of the two onboard IDE channels, to see if maybe one's faulty.

3) Try #1 and #2 with a different CD-ROM drive that you know works.

 

[rudeguy]

thanks for all your help mech...I am deeming it a lost cause. She can wait a bit for her new one.

 

[zerocool1]

what version of windows, cuz older version of windows aren't bootable IIRC.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: zerocool1
what version of windows, cuz older version of windows aren't bootable IIRC.

Windows 98 and onwards are all bootable.