[graham179328]

The only thing I see might be what you are meaning is under Drives, SATA OPERATION. It gives two choices, RAID Autodetect / ATA or RAID On. RAID On is what is already selected.

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RAID Autodetect / ATA it is.

[Salagubang]

RAID Autodetect / ATA it is.

[graham179328]

The looping continues. And now the black screen in the loop only has one sentence, Loading PBR for descriptor 2...done.

By the way, I'm not opposed to installing a fresh copy of Windows XP as I have all documents backed up.

[Salagubang]

Hi graham179328

The looping continues. And now the black screen in the loop only has one sentence, Loading PBR for descriptor 2...done.

By the way, I'm not opposed to installing a fresh copy of Windows XP as I have all documents backed up.

I also believe that is the surest way to go. (Be sure to set back the SATA Controller to its default )

Depending on the model, your computer may have a recovery paritition that we can use to restore the machine to its original state when it was first bought. You can opt to try it first. To initiate the recovery process, restart the machine then press Ctrl+F11.

Tell me if you run into any problems.

[graham179328]

It lists partitions and unpartitioned space as

-: Partition1 [FAT] 55 MB (47 MB free)
C: Partition2 [NTFS] 235280 MB (166794 MB free)
J: Partition3 [FAT32] 3075 MB (1261 MB free)
Unpartitioned space 8 MG

I assume I select C?

[Salagubang]

It lists partitions and unpartitioned space as

-: Partition1 [FAT] 55 MB (47 MB free)
C: Partition2 [NTFS] 235280 MB (166794 MB free)
J: Partition3 [FAT32] 3075 MB (1261 MB free)
Unpartitioned space 8 MG

I assume I select C?

What part of the process was it being asked?

[graham179328]

Blue screen that says Windows XP Home Edition Setup

[Salagubang]

Blue screen that says Windows XP Home Edition Setup

Did you use an installation CD to reinstall XP?
Is the recovery partition not working?

[graham179328]

I used the Windows XP CD that came with my computer. I selected to install a fresh copy of Windows.

Edited by graham179328, 06 February 2011 - 12:42 AM.

[Salagubang]

I used the Windows XP CD that came with my computer. I selected to install a fresh copy of Windows.

I understand now.

You need to delete the current partition where Windows is installed. Use the arrow key to select it, and press D to delete it. Press L to confirm. Then, to create a new partition, select the unpartitioned space and press C. To create a new partition with the maximum amount of space allotted to it, press Enter.

Now select the new partition you've just created to install Windows on. Select to Format the drive as NTFS. Depending on the size of the drive and how fast your computer is, it will take some time to finished the install.

[graham179328]

Computer is all fresh and clean and seems to be ok. It's four in the morning here and I'll check it out more after some sleep. Thank you so much for your help.

[Salagubang]

Hi graham179328,

Nice Job.

Here are my recommendation to prevent future infection and to keep your machine in tiptop condition.

ANTIVIRUS

It is necessary to have an antivirus program running on your computer to help catch and keep some of the many types of malware and virus that people keep putting on the web. Below are some free antivirus programs that I recommend. There are also many antivirus programs that will give you a free trial or limited use to see if you like it before purchasing. (Install only one)

Microsoft Security Essentials
Click here for Avast Home Edition
Click here for AVG Anti-Virus

Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For most users the default Windows Firewall is acceptable for basic security, but if you would like a more in-depth firewall with more features I would recommend these--

Click Here for Comodo Personal Firewall
Click Here for Sunbelt Personal Firewall

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Below are links to several programs that will help protect your computer.

Anti-Spyware
I recommend downloading and installing any of the following applications.

• SpywareBlaster keeps spyware from installing on your system - read the tutorial here
• SpywareGuard protects your browser and computer in real time - read the tutorial here
• SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition detects and removes spyware, adware, malware, trojans, rogue software, worms, rootkits, parasites and other potentially harmful software applications - read the tutorial here

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Other things to keep in mind.

Windows, Java, and Adobe products should all be kept up-to-date on a regular basis so the latest security fixes are in place on your computer. Please refer to the following links on how to manage these products.

• Windows Update (2000/XP) or Windows Update (Vista)
• Java
• Adobe Reader
• Adobe Flash Player

Here are a few other applications you might consider. Keeping your temporary file area clean, your Windows registry backed up, and backing up your important data are all good techniques.

• Flush Flash - by Bobbi Flekman - cleans Flash Player cookies
• ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) - a registry backup utility
• Cobian Backup - a very good backup utility - read the tutorial here
• WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
• Green to go
• Yellow for caution
• Red to stop

WOT has an addon available for Chrome and Opera.
Please remember that just having these programs is not enough. You must use them. Running a full spyware scan weekly, a full virus scan monthly, and checking for updates and cleaning your temporary files periodically is very important in keeping your computer in tip-top shape.

Finally, please take the time to read the following articles. Applying this information will help prevent future infections:

How to prevent malware by miekiemoes
Preventing Malware and Safe Computing by Rorschach112

This article will help you understand how you may have gotten infected:
How did I get infected in the first place?

Remember, you have to be smarter than the bad guys! Be safe out there!

[Salagubang]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

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