Re: always on safe mode

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"pamonmove" <pamonmove@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:127A957A-2C65-412F-98B8-DBCC2ABEB544@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Using xp and hardly go to internet using dial up and mainly used by kids for
games.
Now, when power on, it always goes to the safe mode (think 4-6 options) and
choosing any of the options, will bring back to the safe mode menu again.

Tried to boot up to the boot menu (F8) and it will show (think 8 options)
and again, choosing (safe mode, LKGC, boot normally) it will only bring back
to the safe mode menu.

By choosing any of the options, it will show the xp logo and the indicator
moving L to R and then back to the menu.

What can I do to bring this pc back to life, besides reformatting? Thank you.


As a matter of terminology what you see the the Advanced Options Menu, not Safe Mode. Safe Mode is one choice on that menu. Safe mode is a boot up into windows were many of the unneeded drivers are disabled, so it's minimal boot for troubleshooting purposes. Unfortunately you cannot get into that.

First make sure there is a backup of important data. If not, then install the hard drive in another XP or Win2000 computer and copy the important data. \

After that reinstall in the original computer and boot with the XP CD (if needed enter the BIOS first and set the CD as the first boot device). Take the first R for recovery to enter the recovery console. Type in the windows installation #, normally 1, then when asked type in the password assigned to the built in Administrator account. You could also assume the password is blank and just press enter. If that brings you to the command line then run a chkdsk.

chkdsk /p

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

This will take some time. After that's finished exit the recovery console and reboot without the XP CD. If it boots good, if not try a repair install.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

.

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