Windows not booting? You're getting a corrupted or missing file error?
Is your Windows XP "messed up" and has many errors?
This guide will solve the following problems:
- You try to start up Windows and all you see is BLACK SCREEN, and maybe a blinking cursor
- You get a "corrupted or missing Windows system file" ERROR
- An ERROR appears when you do simple Windows-related functions like right-clicking, or running defrag or anything related to Windows.
- Your Windows just isn't working right and you don't want to re-install the whole thing and have to re-install all your programs again. Or maybe you just don't want your data wiped out.
First off, make sure you have the Windows XP CD that came with your computer, or the one that you used to install Windows XP on that computer. If you do not have the CD, then borrow one from a friend and make sure it matches the Windows version installed - for example, if you have Windows XP Home installed, then borrow a Win XP Home edition CD, if you have PRO installed, borrow a WinXP Pro CD. It is much better/smoother/cleaner if you use the same CD, but if you don't have it, another CD will suffice but it MIGHT give you some performance issues afterwards (but at least you'll have a working computer). 1) Setting up your BIOS to boot off the Windows XP CD. Entering the BIOS on most computers can be achieved by pressing the DEL, F1, F2, or F12 keys when you first power up the system. Most computers will have a message like "Press DEL or F1 to enter setup" or "Press F12 to enter BOOT MENU" when you first boot up. I like to slam on all 4 keys when I don't see any message. On MOST computers, the BIOS screen will be a blue screen with a bunch of settings for you to dig through. What you are looking for is options or settings for BOOT MENU, BOOT DEVICE, BOOT ORDER, or something similar. What you want to do is make the CD-ROM drive the first device. Changing the settings can be done by hitting Enter and then using the arrow keys, or pressing the "+" and "-" to switch the boot order around. Most computers have the floppy drive as the 1st boot-up device by default. Once you've changed the settings to make the CD-ROM the first boot-up device, you can SAVE & EXIT out of the BIOS. There are usually instructions at the bottom or top of the screen that tell you what keys to Exit AND Save out of the BIOS. 2) The system should automatically boot off the CD; you might have to press a key to boot of the CD in some system (a message will tell you what to do if needed). The Windows XP installation will automatically find your already-installed Windows. And it will say "Press 'r' to do a REPAIR install" and "Press ESC to re-format and install Windows all over (you lose data here)". Make sure you press R!!! 3) From here on, the Windows XP will install and make you setup everything like it's your first time installing windows, except only when it finishes, your files are still there! HOORAY! You fixed your problems and don't have to install all your programs and data all over again. Any questions or comments, just send to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thanks and take care!
Contributions are encouraged. If you have a great how-to or tutorial, please send to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
We're looking for technical writers for the site. Anybody who thinks they can help us are welcome. Feel free to support the site and share this site with your family, friends, and colleagues.
 |
