[garnerma]

when I turn my computer on, I get to the screen requesting safe mode start, last configuration, etc. If I ask to start in safe mode, it begins to load, but then I get the BSOD with Bad_Pool_Caller as the error and I can't get past this screen. Please help! Really need to get some files off the computer. 

 

its a Dell Vostro 1510 with Windows XP professional 

 

thanks!

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   garnerma

 

Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration, if yes did it also end with a BSOD.

 

It could be a memory issue so try removing the Ram, blowing out the slot/s, replace the Ram and test, see page 49 onwards here to help with this.

[phillpower2]

   garnerma

 

Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration, if yes did it also end with a BSOD.

 

It could be a memory issue so try removing the Ram, blowing out the slot/s, replace the Ram and test, see page 49 onwards here to help with this.

[garnerma]

yes - if I try last known configeration i still get BSOD but with a different error code. I've never removed the RAM, but will try. Thanks!

[garnerma]

tried that...no luck. 

[phillpower2]

Can you try Last known Good Configuration again and make a note of the message please.

 

Ram removed details acknowledged.

 

At present the HDD or the OS (XP) on it are strong contenders as the cause of the issue, with this in mind I suggest that trying to recover your data is done before any testing, do you have another computer with internet access.

 

Tip

If you have something to add while waiting for a reply use the edit tab – bottom right of the dialogue input box and this will ensure that no information that you provide is overlooked (this can happen if your topic has more than one page)  

[garnerma]

I also have my reinstallation cd (which I started to run but ejected b/c I got nervous it would over write files or something) But it did allow me to start doing that at least...I can't find my recovery cd

 

when I reboot with last known configeration I get Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area. 

 

Yes, I have another computer with internet access. I really just want to get my files from this dying computer

[phillpower2]

If it is a MS XP or Dell OEM XP disk that you have that is good news as you will be able to try a Repair Installation, first things first though, below are the steps for you to use to try and recover your data, post back when done and good luck;

 

=================== 

***Required Hardware*** 

CD Burner (CDRW) Drive, 

Blank CD, 

Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)  

=================== 

 

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:

• Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-528.iso) 

  Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software 

   

  There are instructions on how to boot from flash drive with puppy here; http://www.pendrivel...e-from-windows/ 

   

   

• Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer 

• Extract All files to a location you can remember 

• Double Click BurnCDCC 

• Click Browse and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded 

• Open/Double Click that file 

  IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x 

• Click Start  

• Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically 

• Insert a blank CD and close the tray 

• Click OK 

Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created 

 

2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second 

•  

• Start the computer/press the power button 

• Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka "Setup" 

  (Usually shown during the "Dell" screen, or "Gateway" Screen) 

• Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to: 

  CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd 

• Open your ROM drive and insert the disk 

• Press F10 to save and exit 

• Agree with "Y" to continue 

• Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD 

   

   

 

 

 

3.  Recover Your Data 

• Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer's Memory (RAM).  You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call "your computer".  Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning.  Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy.  To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once.  Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to.  This is normal.  Ready?  Let's get started. 

   

  3a. Mount Drives 

• Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop.  

• A Window will open.  By default, the "drive" tab will be forward/highlighted.  Click on Mount for your hard drive. 

• Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount. 

• USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the "usbdrv" tab and make sure it is mounted. 

• If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the "drive" tab.  Mount it now. 

 

3b. Transfer Files.

•  

• At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon. 

• Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1 

• Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1 

• If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows) 

• From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive's Window. 

 

For The Novice:  The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each idividual name of each user. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos. 

 

Remember to only click once!  No double clicking!  Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy.  Choose COPY each time you drag and drop. 

 

YOU ARE DONE!!!  Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer.  Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations! 

 

 

 

 

 

[garnerma]

ok--that worked! Got most of my files. Any hope is saving the computer and possibly recovering it?

 

Thanks!

[garnerma]

I just tried to boot up using the recovery cd. I got to the point where it asked which version of XP i want to install and as soon as I pressed 1, I got the BSoD again with the same error message

[phillpower2]

Glad to hear that you have secured most of your files 

 

Please note that any actual programs on the HDD cannot be backed up by Puppy Linux as they will not run, much the same as you cannot drag and drop programs and get them to run, this is due to the exe type files that they contain.

 

Btw, you should not have tried doing a fresh installation of XP straight off as the Repair Installation that I mentioned in my reply #7 is the more favourable option, as Microsoft has discontinued OS support for XP many of the previous XP and driver updates are no longer available, if we are able to repair the present XP installation I will provide information for you as to how you create a back up image of the HDD.

 

Can you tell us exactly what type of disk it is that you have, it must either be compatible with what is on the HDD or a full Microsoft XP disk that is the same version that is on the HDD as in both must be XP Home Edition or XP Pro etc, it must also be the appropriate 32 or 64 - bit.

 

The next step is to test the HDD and I will provide the details once we have read your next update, knowing the type of disk that you have is important as there is no point in trying a Repair Installation if the HDD itself has issues, this because the HDD testing will identify any bad sectors on the HDD that would cause the possible file corruption responsible for the Page_fault_in_nonpaged_area message that you get + part of the testing is designed to stress test the drive and an already flaky drive can mechanically fail.

 

 

Polite reminder, as per my reply #5

Tip

If you have something to add while waiting for a reply use the edit tab – bottom right of the dialogue input box and this will ensure that no information that you provide is overlooked (this can happen if your topic has more than one page)  

 

[garnerma]

I have the software for my laptop - windows xp professional. The CD i have is "operating system (already installed on your computer) Reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3. 

 

I didn't do a total reinstall- I tried to do a recovery intall (pressed R when prompted) but couldn't get anywhere. 

 

Thanks for the help!

[phillpower2]

Sorry, slight misunderstanding but after reading your reply #9 it appeared that you had tried to reinstall XP

I just tried to boot up using the recovery cd. I got to the point where it asked which version of XP i want to install 

 

 

Have you read the Repair tutorial provided courtesy of admin here

 

If a Repair Installation is not possible it suggests one of two things, the HDD itself has issues and will need to be replaced or that the OS on the HDD is so badly damaged/corrupt that it cannot be repaired, if it is the latter a fresh installation of XP should be possible within a couple of hours but if it is the HDD itself the computer is unusable until the HDD has been replaced.

 

Let us know about the admin Repair Tutorial when you get chance.

 

NB: Worth a mention, Ram which when faulty can also cause BSOD is possibly ruled out here as Puppy Linux used your Ram to boot from and recover your data.

 

You are welcome btw 

[garnerma]

tried the repair tutorial as suggested and still got the BSOD after hitting F8.

 

How can I tell if is a hard drive issue vs an operating system error?

 

Really appreciate the help - feeling much better about things now that I atleast have most of my files (of course the one file I wanted to save is corrupted )

Edited by garnerma, 21 September 2014 - 05:51 PM.

[phillpower2]

Offline until around 10pm UK time as I have a night class but will get back to you on my return.

 

Run the HDDs diagnostics tool;

 

Make sure you select the tool that is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Depending on the program it'll create a bootable floppy or a bootable DVD/CD.
If the downloaded file is the .iso type use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn the .iso file to a DVD/CD disk depending on your OS (select "Write image file to disc" option) and make the disk bootable.

RE ImgBurn: please use the custom install and uncheck the attached foistware such as "Install Entrusted Toolbar etc

[Jared44]

The cause can be identified a lot of the time by looking at the stop code.

What's the actual error?

Can you write it down?

A picture would be better.