I am trying to help close friends troubleshoot their home PC. They have Win XP installed (SP2) and their PC gets hung up on the blue welcome screen. I've tried going into safe mode and it still can't get past that welcome screen.

I asked a bunch of questions and learned that they had tried to install a Sandisk software compatible for Win 98, not Win XP. I wonder if they installed a driver that is causing all of this to happen. They did mention that the fan was making a strange noise the other day as well.

I tried unplugging everything on their CPU besides the basics and still no success.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Karen

Do they have a retail XP CD or an OEM recovery CD?

If the former:

I would suggest first trying the Recovery Console:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;307654

To try to fix the boot:

Assuming that your XP is on C: then:

Type:

FIXMBR C:

then enter. After that completes type:

FIXBOOT C:

then enter. After that completes type:

BOOTCFG /rebuild

then enter. After that completes type:

EXIT

then reboot.

If in the process you are asked to run chkdsk say YES.

Also after the BOOTCFG /rebuild you will be prompted to:

C:\Windows
1. Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All):
2. Enter Load Identifier: (Custom description for an operating system loading from the Boot menu)
3. Enter Operating System Load Options: (that is: /fastdetect)

Reply:
1. Yes
2. XP
3. /fastdetect

If this fails you can run a Repair Install that will leave your data intact:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

If the latter refer to the manufacturers manual (or web site) for Recovery Options.

Or post back the make and model of computer and we can help search for it.

They did not create a recovery disc and do not have the original Win XP software disc since it was pre-installed when they bought their PC.

Some type of disk is probably neccessary. You might be able to gain the Recovery Console using the floppy boot disks available here: (Make sure to get the SP2 version of Home or Pro depending on their specific O.S.)

How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks

Then you could try the steps outlined above.

Otherwise they can probably purchase Recovery Disks from the computer manufacturer. What is the make and model?

I shoud mention that this problem has appeared on a new windows instalation, so i do not have any viruses.
I have done this procedure. As a result when i start my computer i get screen with 3 options. First is XP (that is one thhat was created with recovery console and it works when I choose it windows starts without any problem), second is Microsoft Windows xp professional (that is old one that does not work), and the third one is Recovery consoe.

My problem is that this screen lasts 30 seconds. I would like to order that xp boots automaticly. I do not like to watch black screen with three options. I was trying to delete this second options but i just do not know how. If i delete recovery console will this "dual boot" stay intact?
Pls respond.
Tnx!