Hi My PC has been working fine until yesterday when I switched it on. Its starts ok but when loading Windows it stops and the computer restarts and repeats same process again. I cannot even get into Safemode, if I click on that it just runs a list and if I press enter it does the same (closes down and restarts). I do not have the Win XP cd and I dont know anything about the BIOS to check that! I havent installed any new hardware.
I am using Intel pentium 4 dual core. Please anyone help!!!!!!!

Without an XP cd your pretty well pooched Maggic unless you can borrow one to repair the system files.

Forget about doing a full install using a borrowed disk as that is illegal.

Worth a shot maybe. I am a Linux user, so I don't experience Windows problems. My Wife uses Windows and to repair Windows boot problems without a XP cd I used

Ultimate Boot CD - Overview

It is free to download and burn a bootable cd. Hopefully some Windows tech users here can delve into your problem a little deeper. Good Luck with it.

Have you tried tapping the F2 or F8 key on Startup to get the MS Boot Menu?

If you can do this, choose Safe Mode Only (No networking etc).


Run a file check on the O/S.

If you have an XP CD:
Click START, RUN, type in:

sfc /purgecache

(This ensures that system files are copied from your Windows installation media, and files which may be infected/damaged with malware, or are corrupted, are not copied from your drive. Some of the files which are restored/replaced may need MS Updates applied. If sfc replaces any such files, you will have to reinstall updates for those files. (If you have Automatic Updates active, this will happen automatically.))

Then type in:

sfc /scannow

Have your XP CD handy.


If you do not have an XP CD:
Click START, RUN, type in:

sfc /scannow


Post back with your results.

tahnsk for your reply....yep i tried to get into safe mode but no luck!!!

Is it possible to borrow a copy of XP maggic50?

I will try and get a copy. My son may be able to borrow one. PC came with XP installed but no cd.....Thanks for replying.......I guess I will have to wait!!! I have no patience when it comes to the computer not working!!!! I feel LOST!!! lol.

Did you at least get a Boot Menu? (F2 or F8 on booting.)

Also is this a laptop or desktop, my mind veers towards desktop.

Does that list that runs end in something like sys.pup?

yep... I can get the menu up....start windows normal/safe mode etc etc.....tried them all many times .....but no luck. Dont understand why it doesn't go into Safemode though. The pc Im using is at mo is so slow... so all my reeplies may not get through....When I boot it into safe mode a list of drives(!) runs I press enter but it just goes back to restarting computer again.