DescentBB

I'm working on a friends Compaq Presario SR2020NX desktop.

It won't go past the Windows XP splash screen.

If I go to \"Recovery\" will that wipe out everything and start with a clean install? Recovery is on partition D. Recovery shows as F10 I believe.

It goes into Safe mode but stalls at the same place.

Is there a way to use Win XP disk and \"repair\" if in fact recovery wipes out everything?

Found the following.

Standard Recovery This is a non-destructive recovery, which recovers factory- shipped programs, drivers, and the operating system without affecting any data files that you may have created since purchasing this PC. Some data files may be difficult to find after the system recovery, so it is best to back up all hard disk files before performing a system recovery.

Full System Recovery This recovery function completely erases and reformats the hard disk. The program performs a full system recovery to reinstall the operating system, programs, and drivers from the recovery CDs. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on the CDs included in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase

You checked to make sure safe mode also doesn't work correct?

If so it sounds like a good idea to back up everything and then try the first recovery option.

You can also boot from the Window XP CD (not the recovery disks or anything, the actual Windows XP disk) and do a repair install which can fix many problems with windows not booting. Do note that both methods will require reinstalling all windows updates since the recovery partition/XP CD was made. And the \"factory recovery partition\" option may require reinstalling some programs (the XP CD repair method rarely messes up any programs and never touches data files).

If it is a registry problem that keeps windows from booting, advanced users can copy an older registry from a system restore point using the XP CD recovery console and may be able to pull it off with only that.

Thanks Krom,

I'll try the disk before I do the \"recovery.

I \"slaved\" the hd so I have the data.

And they went out and bought a Mac so if I get this going they'll use it as a backup.

Trying to repair from CD but can't get to the second \"repair\" screen.

I press \"Any key to start\"

Press \"Enter\" to set up Windows.

Press F8 to agree to contract

I then get C & D partition but don't get an option to \"Repair\".

I am using an WIN XP Upgrade disk.

Any ideas?

XP Upgrade Disc doesnt contain the repair function IIRC. you need a full version for that

Or the disk could be a different version of XP than what is on the computer (XP Pro disks can't repair XP Corp installs/etc).

Krom wrote:Or the disk could be a different version of XP than what is on the computer (XP Pro disks can't repair XP Corp installs/etc).

that too, Pro Cant repair Home or MC or the likewise and vise-versa

Disc Has to be the same os

XP Home OEM -> XP Home OEM
XP Home RETAIL -> XP Home RETAIL
XP Pro OEM -> XP Pro OEM
XP Pro RETAIL -> XP Pro RETAIL

XP Pro RETAIL -> XP Home RETAIL = No O/S Seen for repair

XP Home OEM -> XP Home RETAIL = No O/S Seen for repair