[rshaffer61]

OK that is going to make it more difficult to retrieve the data if you can't get it to boot to the cdrom first.
Let's try to see if we can correct the OS from within windows.
Go Start and then to Run ("Start Search" in Vista),
Type in: sfc /scannow
Click OK (Enter in Vista).
Have Windows CD/DVD handy.
If System File Checker (sfc) finds any errors, it may ask you for the CD/DVD.
If sfc does not find any errors in Windows XP, it will simply quit, without any message.
In Vista you will receive the following message: "Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations".

For Vista users ONLY: Navigate to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS folder. You'll see CBS.log file.
Usually, it's pretty big file, so upload it to Flyupload, and post download link.


If you don't have Windows CD....
This applies mostly to Windows XP, since Vista rarely requires use of its DVD while running "sfc"
Note This method will not necessarily work as well, as when using Windows CD, because not always ALL system files are backed up on your hard drive. Also, backed up files may be corrupted as well.

Go Start and then Run
type in regedit and click OK


Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

You will see various entries Values on the right hand side.

The one we want is called: SourcePath

It probably has an entry pointing to your CD-ROM drive, usually D and that is why it is asking for the XP CD.
All we need to do is change it to: C:
Now, double click the SourcePatch setting and a new box will pop up.
Change the drive letter from your CD drive to your root drive, usually C:
Close Registry Editor.

Now restart your computer and try sfc /scannow again!


Thanks to Broni for the instructions

[Advertisements]

I ran sfc /scannow - it scanned and nothing came up as error and it did not ask for CD

I tried again the CD for Windows XP thta came with the computer, I got into the CD and clicked on "setup"
I got to the welcome screen and pressed R but nothing happened
I clicked on "I want to install Windows XP" and it said it could not do this as the version on the computer was newer than the CD

???? Thks

[footsie]

I ran sfc /scannow - it scanned and nothing came up as error and it did not ask for CD

I tried again the CD for Windows XP thta came with the computer, I got into the CD and clicked on "setup"
I got to the welcome screen and pressed R but nothing happened
I clicked on "I want to install Windows XP" and it said it could not do this as the version on the computer was newer than the CD

???? Thks

[rshaffer61]

I clicked on "I want to install Windows XP" and it said it could not do this as the version on the computer was newer than the CD

This normally is because of the updates to the OS and the SP version now installed on your system.

I tried again the CD for Windows XP thta came with the computer, I got into the CD and clicked on "setup"
I got to the welcome screen and pressed R but nothing happened

Is this a full installation disk or a recovery disk like from HP or Dell? The latter will not work for what you need to do.
If you have a full version and it must be the same as what is installed on your system... Home, media or Pro and the same SP number SP1, SP2 or SP3 to work correctly.
Then do the following.

Repair Installation Instructions

· Insert your Windows XP CD in your CD-ROM and then Restart your computer.

· At the first post screen start tapping the Del key to enter System Bios
· Find the Advance Options or Boot Sequence screen.
· You will need to change the boot sequence so that the CDrom is first and the HD is second.
· Press F10 to Save and Exit and then press Enter to accept.
· The system will now reboot
· When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
· When you see the following message displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER
· To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
· At this point an option to press R to enter the Recovery Console is displayed. DO NOT SELECT THIS OPTION.

· On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
· Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected and highlighted in the box, and then press the R key to repair Windows XP.
· Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

You can also go HERE
to read a step by step tutorial with screenshots.