Quote:
Originally Posted by jephree
A Repair Install should not affect your data or settings. However if your data is very valuable I'd suggest using another computer to back up this hard drive before attempting to repair.
I have never had an issue with a Repair Install but it is always advised to backup any critical data.
Before you go there you can try this:
Boot the XP CD into the Recovery Console:
How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
From here try the command:
FIXMBR |
Thanks for the tip. The one problem I have, however, is that (right now) the computer won't even boot from the CD-ROM. When first turned on, I get the Dell screen (without the bar that "fills up" underneath), then it goes straight to the black screen with the "Invalid Boot Diskette" message. I've tried tapping/holding down both the F8 and F12 buttons on start up, and that doesn't work.
As I mentioned, when it sits in this state, the LED lights in the back are all green -- which supposedly indicates no hardware problem. When I go into Setup, however, the LED lights are G-G-G-Y, which is weird. After reading several hours of similar forum-reported problems, a myriad of suggestions are running around my info-jammed brain, including:
1. Reset the Bios to "Load Setup Defaults."
2. Make the Cd-ROM the first BIOS Boot Device.
3. Relace the motherboard battery.
4. Check/disconnect/reconnect all internal wiring.
5. Disconnect the floppy drive.
6. Clear the NAVRAM (as soon as I learn what that is).
I've never backed up a hard drive using another computer. Any suggestions in terms of a link that could walk me through the process?
Thanks again.