XP won't load

Hi

My son has a habit of switching off his PC without waiting for the proper shutdown procedure. He switched it off at the mains last night and can't get it to load Windows.
On switching on it gets to a screen with the options of :-
1. Load windows normally.
2. Load last known configuration.
3. Safe mode with 3 options.

On trying options 1 & 2 it goes to the Windows load screen with the blue dashes but never finishes loading.

In safe mode which ever option is picked it goes to a screen of drivers and stops at mup.sys

Any ideas thanks.

Malc

How long did you let Safe Mode run?

mup.sys is just the last visible line of loading drivers.

If you did not let this run at least 5 minutes try again.

If you get the Safe Mode loading choose the first option of System Restore.

Tried leaving it for 20mins in safe mode option but still no joy.

OK:


Make and model of computer?

Do you have the XP CD?

Home built

Yes I have the XP CD

Boot the CD into the Recovery Console:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

Try the command: FIXBOOT

If no good try: FIXMBR

If no good try: BOOTCFG

OK will do but will take a while as my sons PC is with him at uni and I will have to send him the XP CD.

I will report back asap.

ok.

If all that fails a Repair Install would be the next step.

Here is a good guide to that:

Repair Install XP
--------------------------------------------------
1) Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen press the Enter key

2) You will be taken to the Windows XP Licensing Agreement. After reading the agreement press F8 to proceed

3) The next screen gives you the option to do a fresh (clean) install or to "Repair the selected Windows XP installation." Press "R".

4) Windows XP will copy the necessary files to your Hard Drive to begin the installation and will then reboot. You will see the message that informs you to "Press any key to boot the CD". Do Not press any keys this time just wait a few seconds and the Windows Startup Screen will be displayed. Following this you will be greeted by the Windows XP Setup Screens.

5) When Setup has completed you should find all of your previously installed applications and settings are intact.

.................


If more details and precautions are required see this:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XP...install.htm#RI

OK

Tried to go into the recovery console it gives a message cannot find a hard drive.

Then tried, Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen press the Enter key.
This also gives the message cannot find a hard drive.

Is this a raid driver problem?

Is there a RAID array in place?

If the hard drive is SATA you need to load those drivers.