Computer startup problems! Please help!!?

Question

I have Windows XP on an Emachines pc. When I try to start the computer, it goes up to the part where it states that there was an improper shutdown before and now I have the option to continue windows normally, go to my last known good configuration, enter safe mode, etc. I've tried all the options (including ones that you get by clicking F8), but for each option, the computer goes further for about a couple seconds (the screen where it says "Loading Windows XP, Home Edition" with the green moving dots (indicates its loading) comes up), a blue screen pops up for a millisecond (it has something written on it), and then the computer restarts. This basically occurs over and over again, and the program never progresses to the blue Windows XP screen where the usernames are listed and you are required to type your password.

I have entered BIOS settings (by pressing Delete) and loaded Optimized Defaults, but that doesn't seem to be helping.

*Cont. in Additional Details*

At one point, the computer froze on a blue screen, which read as following:

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A problem has been detected and windows has been shutdown prevent damage to your computer.

UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

If this is the 1st time you've seen this stop error screen,restart your computer.If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any widnows updates you might need.

If problems continue,disabl8e or remove any newly installed hardware opf software.DIsable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing. If you need to use safe mode to removie or disable components,press F8 to select Advanced startup options, and then select safe mode.

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I have not recently installed any new hardware or software. So,anyone care to help? Thanks!

The thing is I don't want to restore my whole PC to factory settings because I have imporant files on the computer, which I've failed backup.

The thing is I don't want to restore my whole PC to factory settings because I have imporant files on the computer, which I've failed backup.

Answer 1

Okay everythig is going to be okay . Mount your hardisk on a friend,s computer (keep his hardisk on it too , you know ) .Boot from his os . Copy your important data from your hard to his hardisk (make shure he has enough space , data will be safe untill your bug = fixed) . Check your hardisk for errors on his windows .Boot from a windows cd (on his computer) , an repair windows on your hardisk , on his computer . If you can boot your hardisk on his computer copy your data back (if hardisk was erased wihle installing windows) , then put your hardisk back in your computer . If it still dose not after instaling fresh windows boot hardisk broke .If your hardisk boots on his computer but not on yours , your mainborad , or ram , or procesor is broke . If so , call electrician , see , if the power sorce to your computer is working propely , then replace broke parts. Sory for spelling errors , I'm in a hurry and not english . Remember , copy your data on someone else's computer while yours is broke .Even if your computer can't read your hardisk someone else's might .

Answer 2

The blue screen your getting is a memory dump, the pc does this when it crashes to avoid alot of harddrive destruction, Use your OS CD and do a Repair on the system, this should alleviate the problem, if it does not then check to make sure the memory stick /s are seated solidly.. Check this site for complete instructions for a Repair Operation using the XP CD. Michael is a well known Valued Professional and I even take advice from him once in awhile :-), he knows his stuff, and read EVERYTHING, EVEN PRINT IT.... He is Trustworthy...Good Luck




UPDATE: UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME, It is telling you the Master Boot Record could be corrupted, Follow my advice in this post to return the pc back to working order...

Answer 3

if you are using windows xp professional try to use recovery console. all you need is your windows xp professional installer... recovery console is utility tool mostly made for startup problem?
more info, or step by step procedure contact me...

Answer 4

you might want to try using your install CD. just put it in the drive, and your machine should boot from there. the CD should have some diagnostic programs.........

good luck

Answer 5

At this point, you really screwed up the computer...
You need to reformat....
Then get some serious anti-virus protection.

Answer 6

try reinstalling your windows disk if that fails get a new hard drive

Answer 7

I'm pretty sure your hard drive is dead....what you described is a classic win XP hard drive failure.

Answer 8

try to scan disk for bad sectors.