[shotgun425]

well i just dont know im in c:\> and i type

cd system~1\_resto~1

and it comes up access denied

although i will say to find the ~ on the comp with the trouble for some reason it is only available by using the ¬ key some of the other symbols are on different keys to like the @ is actually on the " key, if i remember correctly a long time ago i had to change the keyboard from usa english to uk english because of this reason i think i am right but was when i first got the machine, also the ~ symbol is almost above the text not in the middle like this. mmmm~mmmmm not having much luck i guess

[Advertisements]

If you get an access denied error when doing the above, then do the following at the recovery console:

* Type cd \ and press "Enter".
* Type cd windows\system32\config and press "Enter".
* Type ren system system.bak and press "Enter".
* Type exit and press "Enter".

go back to the recovery console and start again - this is on the original post regarding the console and restore.

Re keyboard
~ above the # key next to enter ie: caps on the #

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 03:55 PM.

[Macboatmaster]

If you get an access denied error when doing the above, then do the following at the recovery console:

* Type cd \ and press "Enter".
* Type cd windows\system32\config and press "Enter".
* Type ren system system.bak and press "Enter".
* Type exit and press "Enter".

go back to the recovery console and start again - this is on the original post regarding the console and restore.

Re keyboard
~ above the # key next to enter ie: caps on the #

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 03:55 PM.

[Macboatmaster]

If this does not work
Then please post
1. DO YOU WISH TO PROCEED with attempting to repair this installation with receovery console.
OR
2. Do you wish to recover any data - if so we can go to a repair install of Windows
OR
3. We can start again with afresh install.

If YOU wish to consider 2 PLEASE tell me exactly what discs you have with the computer and what is the XP disc is it the original Dell disc and if so does it indicate the SP ie: SP3.

If you wish to recover data there is another program I can send you that will allow you to do this to a usb flash pen.
It boots the computer to a Linux installation using ram.
Once you have anything you need then we can proceed with a fresh installation.



NB please do tell me when you are going offline aa per our arrangements for your 0500 hrs.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 04:05 PM.

[shotgun425]

If you get an access denied error when doing the above, then do the following at the recovery console:

* Type cd \ and press "Enter".
* Type cd windows\system32\config and press "Enter".
* Type ren system system.bak and press "Enter".
* Type exit and press "Enter".

The last part of my post regarding this.
~ above the # key next to enter ie: caps on the #

~ yep thats where it should be on the shift hash but it isn't working that way i'm afraid

im sorry i'm not reading things carefully enough been a long hard day

can i confirm ren system system.bak and then press enter
i only ask as the same prompt comes up as was already there, i.e system 32\config> prompt i have done this and comp has rebooted to black screen and says press any key to boot from cd

[shotgun425]

i am thinking a fresh install as for business reasons earlier stated and to have a fresh new system to start again there is nothing that is important that i cannot get from discs i have saved to in the past

[shotgun425]

also is my day off tomorrow so no early start for me

[shotgun425]

a disk i have in front of me came with the computer it is a operating system disc

reinstallation cd
microsoft windows xp professional
service pack 2

from dell computers

i do have others like drivers and utilities and so forth

[Macboatmaster]

To answer the one re the cmds first
when you type cd windows\system32\config AND press enter the cmd prompt should then change to that prompt as the command cd means enter that directory.
so the line where you are going to type should then have that and you are then going to rename it which is the ren cmd which is going to rename system system.bak
When you then press enter
nothing will appear to have changed you will then type exit and restart at the first cmd.

NOW I have explained that just confirm your wishes.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 04:20 PM.

[Macboatmaster]

Perhaps I should clarify the last AFTER doing this to get round the access denied error you go back and re-issue the first set of cmds, before you got the acess denied error.

[shotgun425]

ok well i think if possible fresh install if possible any data is either backed on cd or is not important i would rather wipe it clean and start again if that is ok with you

[Macboatmaster]

No problem
Exit the recovery console
Reboot to the CD DO NOT press R press ENTER. When presented with the screen as on the link below select the Install Windows.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307 - microsoft link

and link with graphics
http://pcsupport.abo...-windows-xp.htm

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 04:37 PM.

[shotgun425]

right i got to the blue screen pressed enter and pressed f8 for the liceince agreement i seem to be on a page that is showing the existing partitions, the document link you sent me is mostly about using a new hard disk so i don't want to get this wrong would should i do now????

[Macboatmaster]

What is shown please

THE GUIDE COVERS WHAT YOU NEED
After serious system problems it's often necessary to wipe your Windows XP system clean and start over from scratch - a procedure referred to as a "Clean Install". This guide is broken into four parts for a total of 34 steps and will walk you through every part of the clean installation process.

Start at page one it is a ten page guide

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 05:10 PM.

[shotgun425]

What is shown please

the following list shows the existing partitions and unpartioned space on this computer

use the up down arrow keys to select an item on the list

to set up windows xp on the selected item press enter
to create a partition in the unpartitioned space, press c
to delete the selected partition, press d

218418 mb disk 0 at id 0 on bus 0 on iastor (mbr)

-: partition1 (fat) 94mb < 86mb free >
c: partition2 (ntfs) 238308 mb <214599 mb free >
unpartioned space 16 mb



enter = install d=delete partition f3 quit

[Macboatmaster]

select partition 2 and press enter


BUT PLEASE SEE MY POST 58 that guide does cover this.
I am not worried about taking you step by step, it may however make it easier fopr you if you get the guide
on the other computer and follow it through

Edited by Macboatmaster, 16 December 2010 - 05:20 PM.