[crustygloves]

So my mother recently re-installed our windows xp home, not much was functioning with just sp1 so i downloaded sp2. It asked me to restart the computer so i do, then everything started to fall apart. I couldn't make it past the load screen, it popped up a similar menu to the one where you press f8 at startup, it said that windows encountered an error and automatically reset itself. I chose all the options (safe mode, last working settings, normal mode ect) and all of them restart before the computer can reach the login screen. I re-installed windows, all my files/programs are on a seperate partition, but i can't access it because my computer reboots before i can login. What i want is to delete this partition that im using and gain access to the one with all my stuff.

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If this is not an oem version then the best way is to try a repair
Lets hope that with the disk in it wont keep rebooting. Have you had SP2 on this computer before?

[peterm]

If this is not an oem version then the best way is to try a repair
Lets hope that with the disk in it wont keep rebooting. Have you had SP2 on this computer before?

[crustygloves]

I tried a repair already and it continued to reboot. And yes i have had sp2 on this before and a very similar thing happened, although i had to spend $300 to get it fixed and it took 2 weeks.

[peterm]

Ok then you can try Linux which runs off the CD Drive and copy off data that you need.
Or if you are willing to risk it you can do a reinstall of windows over itself and DO NOT choose the option to FORMAT. You then pick the current windows patition to reinstall on. - if you have 2 partions then it should show both.Your data SHOULD be fine.

[crustygloves]

I don't have a linux.

and that second part is what i did already. Is there anyone of deleting this partition and making the other one work? Or to delete SP2 off of that partition?

[Bobbydoo8]

Well sounds like you already have Windows XP Home Setup CD, so simply install xp and in doing so you can format your partitions. Right after doing that you can setup SP2 and get'r going again.

Hope you get'r goin again!

[peterm]

Ok can you get to the recovery console
Use Recovery Console
Warning The following steps contain information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up, and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
256986 (http://support.micro....com/kb/256986/) Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry
If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

If you cannot successfully remove Windows XP SP2 by using one of the previous methods, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Windows XP startup disk in your floppy disk drive or insert the Windows XP CD in the CD drive or in the DVD drive, and then restart your computer.

Note When you receive the following message, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD:
Press any key to boot from CD

Note Your computer must be configured to start from the CD drive or the DVD drive. For more information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD drive or the DVD drive, see the documentation that came with your computer or contact the computer manufacturer.
2. When you receive the Welcome to Setup message, press R to start the Recovery Console.

Note Multiple options will appear on the screen.
3. Select the Windows XP installation in question.

Note You must select a number before you press ENTER, or the computer will restart. Typically, only the 1: C:\Windows selection is available.
4. If you are prompted to type an administrator password, do so. If you do not know the administrator password, press ENTER. (Typically, the password is blank.)

Note You will not be able to continue if you do not have the administrator password.
5. At the command prompt, type cd $ntservicepackuninstall$\spuninst, and then press ENTER.

Note After you complete this step, you cannot stop the removal process.
6. At the command prompt, type batch spuninst.txt, and then press ENTER.

Note The Spuninstal.txt file appears. As the file scrolls down, you will see errors and files being copied. This is normal behavior.
7. After Windows XP SP2 is removed, type exit, and then press ENTER.
8. Restart your computer in Safe Mode. To do this, press F8 as the computer restarts.
Note After you restart, the system may lock up with a black screen. (Your mouse will work.) In this case, restart again by turning the computer off and then back on. The second restart will let you to log on.
9. When your computer restarts, Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) does not run, and the Windows icons and the Start button are unavailable. To resolve this problem, follow these steps: a. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to start Task Manager.
b. Click File, and then click New Task (Run...).
c. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
d. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs
e. On the right side of the viewing pane, right-click ObjectName, click Modify, type LocalSystem in the Value data box, and then click OK.
f. Restart your computer

10. Use one of the previous methods to remove Windows XP SP2 from your computer.
For more information about how to install and use the Recovery Console, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
307654 (http://support.micro....com/kb/307654/) How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

[crustygloves]

sounds a bit complicated.

Il wait for tomorrow to try it, i'll be sure to let you know how it goes

[peterm]

Please remember if in Doubt DO NOTHING

[crustygloves]

I do have a bit of doubt, is there any other way? its not the end of the world if i have to re-format, i dont have any thing important that isn't already backed up, its just a hassle putting a few gigs of music back on.

[peterm]

Ok then if you are happy for it
put the disk in and then let it boot up. It should show 2 partitions This time pick to format the C:\windows partition only. You will loose all data on the C: partiton but the other partition should be fine.
Just to make sure you understand all the data on C will go