Windows won't start up on XP

[ILoveLoPoR]

Ever since last night... windows has not been able to start up.... it keeps restarting itself after clicking start windows in any mode including safe mode and my last working preferences...

eventually, i rebooted enough times it got to the blue screen where it saids windows prevent starting due to a file called ACIS.sys... im not sure about the file name but it is a .sys file... it recommended to press F8 and use other safe modes to disable driver but i can't even enter my comp in any mode... its a pain! it keeps looping... restarting and loading... is there any way to solve this problem... is it some kind of virus? or if i can use BIOS to format C: how do i do it...

thx alot for your help... greatly appreciated

 

[bobol]

is there a sequence of beeps you hear upon bootup, if so what kind? And you say you can get to BIOS screen ok? could ACIS be an art program you have?

 

[ILoveLoPoR]

neah there is no beeping... but the normal one... i really don't know whats wrong... could it be a worm? im really really lost... like nothing works...

 

[bobol]

still early in the game, don't worry... someone here will lead you in right direction sooner than later I'm sure....is ACIS an art proggie you had maybe?

 

[bobol]

we'll see if a more 'knowing' person here will recommend using your xp cd-rom to run repair recovery/ recovery console to use the repair feature, or fixboot command.... Lets wait a little bit, since I know the methods but not sure if to use that yet.

 

[crjdriver]

If you are unable to start in either safe mode or normal mode, I would do a repair install of xp. Boot with your xp cd [cd set as first boot device] from the first menu choose install NOT repair. The next menu shows your previous xp install and gives you the option to repair it. Let setup repair xp for you.

After a repair install, you will need to reapply all updates, sp2, and any patches.

 

[crjdriver]

I should have added a repair install leaves all data, and installed programs intact. It is the system files you are rewriting.