Originally Posted by jephree

Assuming you are using the HP XP disk this is their next step:



This should retain all your data and settings. However if your data is extremely critical it would be advised to remove the hard drive and back it up first.

If the Repair Install doesn't work then you would need to do a Full Clean Install which will remove all your data while restoring the computer to factory conditions as seen here:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...ctID=c00681978

Again you can remove the hard drive first and extract your data prior to reinstalling. All you need is a laptop hard drive adapter and a working desktop.

Here is a guide to that process:

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com...1-5160538.html

ok. ill give it another shot and if it doesnt work ill just do the full clean install. thank you again for all your help

No problem. Please note that the suggestion above is different from what you have been doing.

This is not the Recovery Console. Do not press the first R. Press Enter to Enter Setup then press R to Repair.

Originally Posted by jephree

No problem. Please note that the suggestion above is different from what you have been doing.

This is not the Recovery Console. Do not press the first R. Press Enter to Enter Setup then press R to Repair.

oh ok.. and that will keep all my data?

Yes.

Originally Posted by jephree

Yes.

ok thank you very much for telling me that lol

That is what HP says. Plus it has always worked for me.

Let us know how it goes. The process could take some time.

Originally Posted by jephree

That is what HP says. Plus it has always worked for me.

Let us know how it goes. The process could take some time.

ok, it's at 31%

Ok, it finished the "repair" and is now on a screen setting up windows XP. says it will take 39 minutes to complete so we shall see

ok im headed upstairs while this thing finishes. i'll let you guys know how it goes. thanks again for all the help

You may be prompted, if you haven't already, to input your Product Key.

This generally happens about 3 minutes into the 39.

Thanks for the thanks. Hope it goes well.