hi, today i installed some software, trying to create a slideshow playable on dvd player, when i tried to get the cd out after it failed, it wouldnt work, so i re-booted, all was ok, i got the cd out and shut down via start menu. However, when i went to turn my pc on later, it got up to the win xp bootscreen and restarted (after i got the option to boot into safemode, normal mode........) tried safemode, normal and last known good configuration, none of them worked!!
I thaught ok, ill just do a repair install, can't find the disk, i gave it to my sister to borrow because it had the sp2 disk in the same case and she thaught she gave it back to me. I could have used hers, but i havnt got my serial number (lost origonal cd cover) PLEASE HELP!!!

Does anyone know how to fix this without repair install? is it a virus?

With an XP CD you can enter the Recovery Console.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_rec.htm

Or with the 6 floppy setup as well.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310994

A good first try would be to run CHKDSK

More options here:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

If you can start Safe Mode with a Command Prompt this is System Restore:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Worst case scenerio is to put the drive as slave on another computer in order to access data. The Product Key will be on the hard drive.

Thanks for the reply.

With an XP CD you can enter the Recovery Console.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_rec.htm

Thats the problem, i havnt got one, me or emma lost it but it should be in the house somewhere (unless she took it out in her laptop bag and lost it)

Or with the 6 floppy setup as well.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310994

At the end of this, the xp cd needs inserting doesnt it?

Can i run CHKDSK without booting up past the xp bootscreen and without the xp cd?

im happy now I found the xp cd (in my sisters room) AND i fixed my computer using recovery console and i havnt lost a thing thanks for helping me Jephree

Glad you got it going. The 6 floppies will let you enter the Recovery Console.

If you want to get your Product Key while the going is good use Belarc

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Software Licenses | Microsoft - Windows XP ..........................

aaah thanks, i will open belaric now to see and write it down in my manual
Thanks again for your help,
Mike

Thanks for the thanks & all of your help as well!

Let us know if we can help further in the future!

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