[StueT]

Recently, my sisters laptop has been running extremely slowly.

I managed to do a system de-frag, scan for viruses and clean the system; but still, it's extremely slow.

The computer wouldn't shut down so I held the power button to shut it down.

Now when I boot it I get this message:

"We apologize for the inconvenience but Windows did not start
successfully. A recent hardware or software change may have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding,restarted unexpectedly, or was
automatically shut down to protect your files or folders, choose Last
Known Good Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that worked.

If a previous start up attempt was interrupted due to the Power or Reset
Button was pressed or if you aren't sure what caused the problem chose
"Start Windows Normally"

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Start Windows Normally

Use your up & down arrow keys to move the highlight of your choice"

The countdown starts and as soon as I hit enter, the timer stops and the computer freezes and doesn't load. After around 1 minute the computer resets itself and the whole process starts again.

I've tried waiting for the timer to countdown to 0 - but it just freezes and restarts.

I've tried the "Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)" - but again, it just freezes.

Help - please! My sister has a lot of files that she needs on there.

Thanks

 

[joeten]

hi try tapping f8 on boot up this should take you to safemode where you can try to troubleshoot the problem or you can try f2 to get to the bios and change the boot order to boot from disc and run a repair.try safemode first and run sfc /scnw
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html and chkdsk
http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/

 

[StueT]

(This is on Windows XP)

 

[joeten]

ok you had not specified be right back
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/chkdsk.mspx?mfr=true .the other info is still valid for safe mode etc

 

[StueT]

ok you had not specified be right back
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/chkdsk.mspx?mfr=true .the other info is still valid for safe mode etc

I can't do that because Windows won't load.

 

[Riskyone101]

Hello StueT,

Do you have the operating system cd disc for the laptop?

 

[StueT]

No we don't.

I'm now 100% sure the boot file isn't there after looking more into the problem.

Do you know where I could download Windows XP Home Edition and burn it to a disk so I could reinstall the OS.

And if I have to reinstall the OS will we loose all the files? Or is there a way around that?

 

[TriggerFinger]

Do you know where I could download Windows XP Home Edition and burn it to a disk so I could reinstall the OS.

There's no download site to get a legal copy. You buy this from a store if you do not have one. I sure hope you won't go that way of getting a pirated copy otherwise we cannot assist anymore (see forum rules).

 

[Riskyone101]

Ty Triggerfinger for pointing that out here, much appreciated.

 

[StueT]

No....We have the serial code and everything, I'm sure we won't need to buy a whole new CD just to reboot it?

 

[Riskyone101]

Can you Borrow a xp home cd disc from a friend or someone possibly?

Ok you could do this:

Download linux or knoppix and burn the image to a cd.
boot up pc with cd and this will allow to fix the xp windows.

 

[TriggerFinger]

Yep, you do not have to buy a new one but it also does not help if you use a pirated copy. Assuming the legal issues are already covered because you have the product key sticker (Windows COA), you are still not sure if what you are downloading is complete set and/or infection free installer as you have no way of knowing or validating.

 

[Riskyone101]

I totally agree with you Triggerfinger here.

 

[joeten]

hi get yourself a copy of a linux distro ie ubuntu download it http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download and use imgburn http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download to burn to a disc use the live cd http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/ mode to transfer any files and folders you wish to keep to a usb device

 

[StueT]

Great We've managed to keep/backup all the files we need.

Already had a CD with Ubuntu. Thanks, we'll have to get a Windows boot CD from elsewhere.