On switch-on desktop and I get "services.exe application error the application failed to inialise properly (Oxc0000005) click on OK to terminate the application. Clicked OK, and blank screen but mouse operational.

Tried to run repair using xp cd, but after got to dos level c:/windows didn't know how to proceed.

Any ideas.

Rannoch

If you can still boot into the old configuration you might try running the Task Manager and New Task explorer.exe

Also if a new problem try a System Restore from Safe Mode.

Also you should not get any "DOS" level from an XP CD.

If it boots properly the GUI should give you all your options.

A Repair Install requires entering Setup and not the Recovery Console.

Thanks for the response Jephree,

Can't boot to any configuration.
The boot sequence stops at the error message, and then there is a blank screen where the mouse can move but nothing is displayed.

Can't get into safe mode.

All I can do is boot from the XP CD, starts XP setup where it copies file, then I get a choice of install windows, repair, or exit. I chose R for repair.

Then I get an option of where do I want the repair to take place (type in 1 for C:\windows or Enter to exit the Recovery Console.
I chose 1 C:\windows.

I then get a "dos like" display of
c:\windows where I can enter dos commands e.g. chkdir

I assume that I should have selected Enter to exit Recovery Consiole.

Rannoch

Just to verify:

1) Ctrl Alt Delete won't bring up the Task Manager (old config)?

2) F8 will not give you Safe Mode options?

If none of the above and you want to run a Repair Install then you do not want to press R. You want to choose Install Windows. Then choose a Repair (upgrade) installation. This should retain your data and programs but otherwise will load a new copy of XP. If you choose this you will need to reload all updates.

If you want to try the Recovery Console there is not much you can try except:

FIXBOOT or FIXMBR

Hello Jephree,

1) Ctl/alt/del does not operate - i.e no task manager
2) F8 does not get me to safe mode

So, just to understand ...
If I select Install at the choose install/repair/exit stage of the XP CD boot
I will get a choice of Install (overwrite everything), or Repair (does it say repair or upgrade), and that will not delete any data files or applications. It will give me an original install (without any of the subsequent m/s XP updates).

That sounds the way to go.

Thanks,

rannoch

You are correct. Two choices: Clean Install which wipes everything.

Repair (upgrade) Install which should retain your data and programs but no windows updates nor service packs.

Although I have never had a problem with a Repair Install most people advise backing up your hard drive first. The only way you can do this now is to use another computer and remove the drive in order to slave it or access it via an external enclosure.

For more details this web site has both options detailed (almost too) well.

Although I find the details good I also find the warnings a bit unnecessarily intimidating. Anyway here it is:

XP Repair Install

XP Clean Install

Hello Jephree,

That did the trick. It's a bit disconcerting that, after you choose R for repair the progress is identical to the clean install, but all OK in the end.

Thanks for your advice.

Best Regards,

Rannoch