[dancingcleo]

My computer suddenly decided not to load the logon page on xp. I have a feeling my hard drive could have possibly conked out, but I'm giving it a go trying to repair install windows xp pro on it. I'm using the same disc as I installled windows with and I seem to be doing everything else right, but the problem is after I've chosen to boot windows from the disc. The "welcome to setup" page doesn't appear. It just says "Windows XP Professional Setup" at the top and then the rest of the page is blank apart from the gray bar at the bottom that carries on saying stuff like "press f6 to install raid" etc. Finally after a bit it comes up with the screen to reinstall windows completely but I don't want to do that I just want to do a repair. Any ideas what's going on?

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some OEM disks do not have the repair function...is this a windows xp disk (with the laser logo)?

[gerryf]

some OEM disks do not have the repair function...is this a windows xp disk (with the laser logo)?

[dsenette]

are you follwoing these steps?

Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by presssing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards. NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to Perform A Re-Install Of XP
Repair XP

[Johanna]

Have you considered a System Restore before taking the Repair plunge? If you suspect your hard drive is "conked out" why bother to reinstall Windows? Another option you may have is the recovery console.

Johanna

[dancingcleo]

I don't think it has the repair option cos the xp disc came with the pc like gerryf suggested. Anyway I already have tried system restore but I tried it again from ages ago and it's fixed it. I dont quite know what happened cos I havent changed anythin recently or anythin but o well at least its fixed. Thanks for the advice.

Edited by dancingcleo, 21 January 2006 - 06:05 AM.