[Newhavenmama]

I am at my wits end! I know my problem is probably severe as I have the 'blue screen of death'....but at this point, all I want to do is get into my system and move some precious photo files and document files to my external hard drive....after that I can concentrate on fixing the problem (if possible).

However, as I posted in another thread, I cannot start up in safe mode and so I can't even get in to do this. The blue screen appears when Windows is loading. But even if i do get to the screen where I can choose safe mode, I click on it and some files names start listing down the screen and it looks like its working...but then I'm thrown back to the blue screen....

I haven't had any luck with responses to my other threads with regards to fixing the problem which leads me to believe that perhaps its a bad situation I'm in but if someone could just help me figure out the safe mode thing so I can save my kids photos and documents, I would be so very appreciative!!!

Please please please can someone help me!!!

Thank you so much.....

[kovok2009]

It sounds like windows has completely crashed, so even booting in safe mode wont work.
One way to save your files is to install another copy of windows on your hard drive, for this you will need a full retail version of windows not a recovery disk.

[Newhavenmama]

Does that mean I have to go out and purchase Windows XP? What I have right now is Windows XP Media Edition 2005 that came already installed on my Dell...I have the Reinstallation disk but you're saying that it won't be helpful in this case?

[kovok2009]

You can try it, but I think it will restore the hard drive back to original settings (wipe clean and reinstall windows).
boot with the disk inserted, The program will ask you if you want to restore the hard drive or not before it does anything.
If it gives you the option of repairing windows without wiping the hard drive give that a go.
If not then you will need an installation disk.

[Newhavenmama]

Could you tell me just exactly how I do this? I've never restored before....I definitely don't want to lose any data at this point - unless I've tried everything else... If it does allow me to repair windows, is that an option that will not erase my data?

Thanks!

[vicks]

Put the cd into the cd drive then boot the computer. It should boot from the cd. When the installation portion starts, you should be given the choice of new installation or Repair (R). Choose R. Normally the R (repair) choice will not delete your personal data. You will need to update Windows, reinstall antivirus, anti spyware, firewall and any other programs you had.
Good luck
Vicks

[Newhavenmama]

Kay....I'm stuck....I've booted with the disk....pressed R for repair....and am now at a screen called Microsoft Windows XP Recovery Console.....etc.....
1: C:\WINDOWS
Which Windows installation would you like to log onto (to cancel, press ENTER)?

I am not sure what to do here...?

[vicks]

I would go ahead and press enter. Since you have already press the R.
GOOD LUCK
Vicks

[Newhavenmama]

When I press enter it cancels the whole thing and I am back where I started....

[vicks]

Sorry, I misread the choice that pressing enter will cancell. :~(
Press what you need to to keep the recovery process going.
Vicks

[Newhavenmama]

That's the problem....there is nothing to pick...its like there should be something listed but what I typed is all that is showing....like i need to type something in but I don't know what? It doesn't list anything to choose from....so there is no way to continue the process until I type something in....?

[vicks]

Try waiting a few minutes after you tap the R. It may take a bit for the system to access the data on it.
Let us know what results (or lack there of) you have.
vicks

[Newhavenmama]

I think it's 1 hit....I was reading it like it was a prompt for me to type something. Anyway I've done that and am at the C:\WINDOWS> promt. What do I do from here?

[vicks]

The following link gives a pretty detailed explanation as to how to do the installation.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
Vicks

[Newhavenmama]

Well...I'm back....went to bed after realizing the installation was going to take about 45 mins and it was already 1am! There were a couple of error messages that came up during installation which I copied down but continued. The installation finished and is now just sitting at the Microsoft Windows XP Please Wait screen....and has been for about 20 minutes....does not look like its doing anything (i.e. hourglass icon is not moving and doesn't appear to be any sound coming from hard drive to indicate its working)....?

Is this normal or am I locked up??

The unfortunate part is I now have to go to work - I would much rather be home tryiing to figure all this out! My husband is home but has only ever used the computer to check email so he will not be doing anything to help the repair process today!! Having said that, if you think I am locked up and need to re-do something or try something, then let me know and i will walk him through what needs to be done!

I feel like I am maybe a bit closer to resolving this so am so anxious to keep going!

Thanks for all your help - let me know your thoughts on my frozen screen...

Here are the 2 error messages I received:

ngen.exe Entry Point Not Found
The procedure entry point Get RequestRuntimeVersion could not be located in the dynamic link librarymscoree.dll

.Net Framework Initialization Error
c:\Windows.net\Framework\v2.0.50727\mscorwks.dll could not be located

Hope to hear from you soon although its probably still middle of the night there!
Thanks!