[Macboatmaster]

Try this please
If this does not work I think you are looking at a reinstall, at least you have your data
Go back to recovery console.


1. You will be given a message asking for the administrator password. Unless someone or something has messed with your computer there is no password so you just click the Enter key.

2.. This will bring you to a prompt that says:

C:\WINDOWS>

3. Type:

cd \

Press Enter

Note: between "cd" and "" there should be a "blank space" otherwise the command won't work

4. . The prompt should now say:

C:\>

5. Type:

cd system~1\_resto~1

Press Enter.

Note: If it gives an error "Access Denied" while accessing the folder, follow the method below

Type: cd \

Press Enter

Type: cd windows\system32\config

Press Enter

Type: ren system system.bak

Press Enter

(note the spaces between ren and system, and then between system and system.bak)

Type: exit

Press Enter

now the computer should restart, then follow steps 1-6

6. Type:

dir

Press Enter

NOTE: When you hit enter it will list all the restore points folders like "rp1", "rp2" we have to see the last restore point to copy the file from a recent backup. If the restore points have more than one page then you have keep on hitting the key to view the last restore point folder.

NOTE: It is a good rule of thumb to choose the files from the restore point folder which the second to the last one.

7.. Type:

cd rp{with the second to the last restore point number }

Press Enter

Example: cd rp9. if rp10 is the last restore point

8.. Type:

cd snapshot

Press Enter.

NOTICE: Now the command prompt will look like this:

c:\system~1\resto~1\rp9\snapshot

Note : restore point 9 assumed for clarity of the content.


9.. Type:

copy _registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system

Press Enter

10.. Type:

Exit

Press Enter.

Final note : If the above procedure won't solve the problem, repeat all steps, but in step 9 type:

copy _registry_machine_software c:\windows\system32\config\software

Alternatively, select different restore point.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 10 March 2011 - 02:11 PM.

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When I go to the recovery console, the prompt command is C:\> It didn't make me provide a password or give me a prompt stating windows as you mentioned in 1 and 2. So, I tried to type cd \ at the C:\> prompt. It said the path or file specified is not valid.

[JF88]

When I go to the recovery console, the prompt command is C:\> It didn't make me provide a password or give me a prompt stating windows as you mentioned in 1 and 2. So, I tried to type cd \ at the C:\> prompt. It said the path or file specified is not valid.

[JF88]

It will allow me to type just cd...which obviously is different than cd \, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Edited by JF88, 10 March 2011 - 02:37 PM.

[Macboatmaster]

at the C:\ prompt
type
cd system~1\_resto~1

[JF88]

I receive the message "the path or file is not valid".

[Macboatmaster]

Sorry but I do not think you are going anywhere except a clean install fo windows.
If you cannot get to dell recovery on F12
You are now back to either ordering the recovery from Dell.
Borrowing the same type of Dell XP installation disc as in on your machine, it will have a label on with what was originally installed

Installing Linux which is free - completely with all free sopftware including a full office suite.

If you wish to order the recovery disc from dell go here.
http://support.euro....n&catid=&impid=

If you wish Linux post and will send it to you.

Good luck with it and the triplets

Edited by Macboatmaster, 10 March 2011 - 06:48 PM.

[JF88]

Thanks for all your help! The triplets are 1 year old today -- its been a crazy ride.

Yes, please post the linux info I'm leaning towards this route.

Re: the recovery disk at the Dell website, which title is that under? I can't find it on the link you posted?

[Macboatmaster]

It appears that Dell no onger offer on their site the Operating system reinstall CD
for that model.
As you probably know XP is now no longer marketed by Microsoft.
You would have to contact Dell, provide the service tag no and ask them.
There was one, I believe, supllied with the computer, but presumably you do not have it.

I know I mentioned it before, but I have not had time to acquaint myself with all the details of this thread after such a long gap from Oct to Feb.

See this from the Dell site
http://support.euro....6&isLegacy=true


Try again, if you already have, to access that recovery partition.

http://support.euro....6&isLegacy=true


If it does not work , particularly if you cannot access it, then you are either
1. Dell and see if they will supply
2. Try and borrow a Dell CD and use it on yours. Must be the same operating system as on your computer on the label on the case.
3. Linux.

If after trying the recovery from the link and you are still settled on it, here is Linux.
http://www.ubuntu.co...ubuntu/download
Get 10.04 - not the new 10.10

CAUTION, once you install it, there is no return, without the Dell CD.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 11 March 2011 - 12:24 PM.

[JF88]

I did a system restore, after restarting the computer the following screen appears:

Loading PBR for descriptor 1 ... done.
Starting Windows 95...

The computer gets stuck on this screen.

The linux route is looking better and better....

Edited by JF88, 11 March 2011 - 02:33 PM.

[Macboatmaster]

Starting Windows 95...

Windows95 - I have to admit I am perplexed, there is no way this computer ever came with Windows 95 installed

On the case of that computer will be a label showing the Operating system installed etc. What does it say pls?

[JF88]

Designed and powered by Windows XP.... Very strange? I googled the problem, and found a couple other instances of this happening on this particular Dell model...?

[JF88]

Update: I hit F8, went into advanced boot options. I then hit windows debug...and its taking me through the process of setting up XP!

[Macboatmaster]

Designed and powered by Windows XP.... Very strange? I googled the problem, and found a couple other instances of this happening on this particular Dell model...?

Well I didnt google it, but if you have found that and the solution I take my hat off to you.
If that works pls post it for the benefit of all.
Although being honest - primarily for me - I am fascinated if it works.

[JF88]

I didn't find any solutions on the threads I found... I just stumbled on the windows debug trying different things that I found on the Dell support site.

I am now up and running after I hit the windows debug in the advanced boot section! I have re-started several times with no issues. Of course, my data is gone, but at least I'm operational. Thanks for the help Mac!

[Macboatmaster]

Data has now been backed up. Thanks.

But it is not is it = I thought you retrieved it using Puppy.


IMPORTANT

Not sure what you have actually done but sounds like a recovery to factory condition.
UPDATES
ANTI VIRUS
see this please

http://www.google.co...hoywaFhH4PEzWzA

Edited by Macboatmaster, 11 March 2011 - 05:06 PM.