[comp98]

I am trying to backup some data from this computer before I format and reinstall. However, I can't access either the normal boot mode or safe boot mode. I have tried each multiple times. It boots, the desktop loads, the icons appear, and then the taskbar is frozen, none of the icons can be highlighted, when I click Alt-Ctrl-Del Task manager is greyed out and cannot be selected. I went into the XP setup and tried to repair the XP installation, but the result is still the same. Is there any easy way I can get in to backup pictures and music? Thanks in advance.

Ryan

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I am trying to backup some data from this computer before I format and reinstall. However, I can't access either the normal boot mode or safe boot mode. I have tried each multiple times. It boots, the desktop loads, the icons appear, and then the taskbar is frozen, none of the icons can be highlighted, when I click Alt-Ctrl-Del Task manager is greyed out and cannot be selected. I went into the XP setup and tried to repair the XP installation, but the result is still the same. Is there any easy way I can get in to backup pictures and music? Thanks in advance.

Ryan

I seem to be having the same problem. The only thing that works if mozilla. I can use the internet but that is all.

[geryll]

I am trying to backup some data from this computer before I format and reinstall. However, I can't access either the normal boot mode or safe boot mode. I have tried each multiple times. It boots, the desktop loads, the icons appear, and then the taskbar is frozen, none of the icons can be highlighted, when I click Alt-Ctrl-Del Task manager is greyed out and cannot be selected. I went into the XP setup and tried to repair the XP installation, but the result is still the same. Is there any easy way I can get in to backup pictures and music? Thanks in advance.

Ryan

I seem to be having the same problem. The only thing that works if mozilla. I can use the internet but that is all.

[Retired Tech]

Hello Comp98

Choose any restore point if you only need to get in to back up

Start the System Restore tool at a command prompt

1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.

2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.

3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.

For additional information about the Safe mode with a command prompt, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

http://support.micro....com/kb/315222/


A description of the Safe mode boot options in Windows XP

[Jonesey]

If you're planning on reformatting the drive, what are you backing up onto?
The reason I'm asking is that it would be much simpler to install a new hd, load Windows XP onto the new drive then you can access your music & photos from your old drive set up as a slave.

Just thinking out loud / laterally!!

[comp98]

Backing it up to another computer over the network. It is a laptop and I dont currently have an ext harddrive to back up to. I will try to restore and see if it works, then repost. thanks!

[comp98]

Update-

was able to get into the system restore. however, there are no restore points so it wasnt too helpful. from the command prompt i was able to get into the registry and into the CurrentVersion\Run folder. It was filled with tons of bogus links to files. I cleared out about 50 of them. rebooted. Still- no access to any desktop shortcut, taskbar, nothing. Any ideas?

[Retired Tech]

Type sfc /scannow at a command prompt

System restore works better if is turned on

[comp98]

yea, it was turned on though. i checked that

[Retired Tech]

sfc /scannow or sfc.exe should start from a command prompt

[comp98]

The only way I was able to gain access to the information on the harddrive was to reinstall Windows XP as a new installation to the C:\Windows2 directory. Now, I must go about removing all the spyware that was present before. I will post my HiJackThis log in the proper section.