[tumms]

My problems began when I got myself infected with some malware and had a virus scanner clean it. The malware infected a vital file that affected logging on, so when I did a reboot it would log on and log back off immediately. I found the solution to that on this site, I couldn't carry it out.

My system is a Dell Dimension XPS
4 gigs of installed ram
3.4 Ghz processor
Running Windows XP Pro

I got the recovery console up, and because the left side of the screen was cut off I couldn't see what drive I was in. I assumed it was in C:\ but seeing what was in the directory I realized it was on an external hard drive. I shut down and unplug the external and attempt to access it again, 'cept now it refuses to recognize my internal HD. I go to setup and its enabled and recognized.

How might one restore the functionality of this drive so that I can fix the first problem and get my system up running again?

Oh and hi everyone, this concludes my first of I hope many posts here!

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Hi there, Welcome to Geeks To Go!

Have you tried running a Repair Install of Windows?

The recovery console shouldn't have recognized the external drive unless there was a copy of Windows installed on it. Was/is there one there?

[jt1990]

Hi there, Welcome to Geeks To Go!

Have you tried running a Repair Install of Windows?

The recovery console shouldn't have recognized the external drive unless there was a copy of Windows installed on it. Was/is there one there?

[tumms]

Yes I tried that and as soon as I hit enter it says it cannot find a drive.

The external did not have a copy of windows on it. When I was on the recovery console, I couldn't switch to my C:\ drive. It would default go to the external. After I disconnected it, it won't give me a console at all.

Soo yeah I'm quite confused.

Edited by tumms, 16 December 2008 - 10:26 PM.

[jt1990]

Are you sure that your internal hard drive is connected? I mean, have you actually opened up the case and looked?

[tumms]

Yeah, I checked. Everything seems fine. Its so odd that Setup will see the drive sittin in a slot yet I can't access it with the recovery console. Is it possible that the drive has failed/broken and its just terrific timing?