this is my kids computer and has no data i need,
the problem is when i turn it on it says it can start XP because this file is either missing or corrupt , \windows\system32\config\system i have tried every option under the f-8 key and nothing works it goes right back to the begininng, i bought the computer new a couple years ago its an HP and it did not come with a windows disk and does not have a floppy drive only usb and cd rom any ideas what i could do to fix it short of throwing it in the trash , it is a great computer for kids has 512 mb ram 1.2 ghz processor , should i spend money on it , i also have a 2.8 ghz gateway and a new dell inspiron but i'm not ready to pass either of these on yet the dell is brand new and the gateway is less than 1 year old, so someone please tell me how to fix this problem cheaply, thanks
2007-02-09 16:07:01 · 5 answers · asked by roger c 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
well, most of the hp computers don't come with the recovery discs; they're located in the D:// drive. you can access this by pressing F10 on startup.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?cc=us&docname=bph07145&lc=en
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if you suspect a virus causing a booting error, then see
http://antivirus.about.com/od/securitytips/a/bootsectorvirus.htm
2007-02-09 16:13:35 · answer #1 · answered by Legend 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with legend - if you didn't get a CD- most likely there is a recovery drive (hidden) that can be accessed by specific key strokes. He said F10 - but I know on Dell's, there are two keys you have to push at the same time when DELL appears as it boots.
Each manufacturer is a little different- so you might want to go out to the HP site and see if you can find info on it.key. Also.... at manufacturer's site - there is an opportunity to plug in your serial number and you can request a restore CD for around $10. Definitely a good idea anyway.
Remember to get yourself a thumb drive and copy all important files onto it because that software will return the computer to the way it was when you brought it home.
2007-02-10 00:47:30 · answer #2 · answered by longhats 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey dont give them up. There good for online and things like that. It has happen to me befor. You will need to re boot / re instell your windows XP disk and see if there was a back up.. Use the disk it came with. Call the where you got them at and get all the tips you can.
2007-02-10 00:14:34 · answer #3 · answered by body_xs_j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try pressing F10 when the computer first boots up, it should launch the system restore. Will lose all of your data, but you will get back your operating system and start from scratch. Otherwise you will have to call HP and have them send you the restore discs.
2007-02-10 00:16:04 · answer #4 · answered by Thomas S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your windows install is corrupted. you will most likely need to reinstall windows.
as for a copy, see if anyone you know is upgrading to vista and has a valid disk and key.
Your kid might know someone with a spare disk, eh?
2007-02-10 00:22:33 · answer #5 · answered by pezzilla101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋