Computer Geeks: My computer won't boot up. What to do?

Question

It keeps asking if I want to run a system restore (or if I want to run "Last known good men") and says
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM is either missing or corrupted. Then, no matter what I select, it keeps recycling to the black screen, asking me how I want to recover from the problem.

Does this sound like a hardware or software problem?

I've got a 2002 HP Pavilion running Windows XP.

Am I screwed? Is it worth calling Geeks-on-call or should I trash it and buy another PC?

Answer 1

try safe mode

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f 8

computers what a world
i would try
1 - turn on monitor
2 - turn on computer
3 - constantly tap f8 - located at top of your key board
4 - when new screen comes up - use up and down arrows on your key board
to high light safe mode or last know good configuration etc
5 hit enter on key board
6 - windows should start or it will give options on how to start windows

system restore
1- click start at bottom of screen
2 - then click choose all programs
3 - then click pc help tools or could be in accessorys
4 - then click on system restore
5 - then click on restore to an earlier date or factory settings
6 - choose a date when it was working - or factory settings
7 - let it run it may take a while - follow directions - if any
8 - if does not work - restart THEN CHECK STATUS
choose destructive recovery as last resort you will have to look hard to find this option
i don"t know your computers options etc
BUT thats what it took to restore mine to get settings i wanted etc
BACK UP IMPORTANT THINGS TO CD NO MATTER WHAT OPTION(S) YOU CHOOSE

Answer 2

its a software problem. try starting it up under the last known good config, and if that doesnt work. then most likely you will have to reformat. you almost definitely have a windows problem, since thats where its having trouble booting.

you can try putting in your xp cd and running the windows repair, but i usually dont like doing it cause it has this habit of duplicating all your files.. then you have to go through and find all the (2) files and delete them manually.

but if you have information that needs to be saved, then try the system repair. or take the hard drive out and install it into another computer. so you can access your files from within that systems windows. if you have a password on your account, you will need to take ownership of your file.

but if no information needs to be saved, and you just want your machine back. pop in xp disk, reboot, hit f8 in the bios screen, and boot from disc. you can then choose to reinstall windows which will delete everything else on the hd. this is also how you rub repair fyi. except you choose the repair option.

note: most likely not a hd problem. and it is definitely not a ram problem your your bios wouldnt even post.
hope this helps!

Answer 3

It is a Windows System file that is missing or corrupted (as it says) and it is unable to repair itself. This is definitely not something you would trash the PC over. All it requires is a fresh install of Windows (which will unfortunately cause you to lose any data that was there).

You can easily reinstall Windows yourself if you have the disc. If not, you should definitely call the Geek Squad or whatever tech support group you were planning. They can easily reinstall windows on a PC (and I am sure they are capable of retrieving any information off of the pc before reinstalling, although it may cost a little bit more).

Answer 4

actually, restoring windows XP is no big deal. The last known good config was probebly just a few days ago. The computer automaticly sets a restor point every four or five days. So just go to the last known good config.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Try doing a repair install on Windows:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Your hard drive or RAM might have gone bad.

Answer 6

sounds like a registry problem i would just do a reinstall personally but its up to you good luck

Answer 7

Try asking nicely, and maybe we'll help, otherwise, if your not a girl, your.....