xp home - blank screen & lockup on bootup

**jakkwb** · August 16th, 2005, 10:46 PM

Hey folks (again),

I have here a Windows XP Home box. System will lock up when booting. Do not get the windows splash screen (or anything, locks up after system poweron screen disappears).

Also cannot access boot menu, so can't run safe, last known good, etc...It just doesn't work.

A Windows repair from the CD does not detect any OS installed - it is acting like a fresh install.

I have also tried chkdsk with all arguments, with no change.

There is still data on the drive. I don't think its hardware problems, as it runs the XP CD just fine.

Any suggestions?

A

**Kodiak** · August 16th, 2005, 11:23 PM

Has the PC ever ran?
If it did run was anything installed that could of caused this?
Have you confirmed the HD is being detected in the bios?
Have you checked the PS?
Have you tested the memory? (on this line do you get any beep errors)

Just food for thought.

**Ferrit** · August 17th, 2005, 12:11 AM

Since its not seeing the windows install I would try using fixboot and fixmbr
I just had nearly exactly the same thing and using those fixed it

**jakkwb** · August 17th, 2005, 09:35 AM

Yah, the PC was running fine before my friend uninstalled his NAV. Then, he says, this started happening.

Fixboot and fixmbr both warn of possibly messing up data if they do not succeed. I do not want this to happen, since it appears that the data is all still there.

Thanks,

A

**Ferrit** · August 17th, 2005, 09:40 AM

Pretty much microsofts standard warning worked fine for me.
But in the end it is your choice

**confus-ed** · August 17th, 2005, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by jakkwb

..Fixboot and fixmbr both warn of possibly messing up data if they do not succeed. I do not want this to happen..

If you are dubious about making changes, then perhaps use ghost (or similar) to make an exact image first & then 'experiment'

.

& as a btw windows setup & repair installs, just check for a valid boot record, if they don't find one, they may well report 'nothing' even if there is !

**Kodiak** · August 17th, 2005, 11:08 AM

Try system restore and restore back to the point beyond where your friend removed Norton. How did he remove Norton?

**confus-ed** · August 17th, 2005, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Kodiak

Try system restore and restore back ..

Can't do that if he can't boot !

.. re-read it & you'll see

**jakkwb** · August 17th, 2005, 11:49 AM

OK, memory and ps are ok. My memory tester floppy worked fine. I pulled all cards except video and tried - no change.

This PC locks up solid right after the initial boot screen goes away.

I tried fixmbr. It said it was successful, but it didn't fix my prob.

I'll keep yall posted.

Thanks

A

**jakkwb** · August 17th, 2005, 11:12 PM

Another update on this-

I tried fixboot - it didn't work either. Why isn't the Win XP cd seeing this installation? I want to do a repair install, but I am not given the option.

Any other suggestions?

A