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How to Fix a Windows XP System That Won't Start
Sooner or later, it seems to happen to all of us—you turn on the computer and it greets you with problems or maybe it won't turn on at all. An article at Microsoft (link here) gives some tips on what to do when this happens to a Windows XP system.
Here are the situations that are discussed in the article:
- You log on by clicking your user accounts, but then you can't open any programs
- Your computer displays the Windows logo, but fails before you can log on
- You see "Non-system disk or disk error," or a similar message
- Your computer stops immediately after you turn it on or displays nothing on your monitor
- Your computer does not turn on
- You need to perform a repair installation of Windows XP
Some of the suggestions in the tips are simple things like check if you have a loose connector. But don't sneer. You might be surprised by how often the simple stuff works.
Related tip: How to Prepare for Boot or System Problems by Creating a Windows 7 Repair Disk
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This tips section is maintained by Vic Laurie. Vic runs several websites with Windows how-to's and tutorials, including a computer education website and a site for learning about the command line.
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Comments
I have a old slimnote - 9100Cv Model #P79EMC I have forgot the password and can't get into it. Can anyone help me after I try it 3 times it disables and shows 023C8A disk l/0 error. I thought I could get it back up and running for my granddaughter to play and learn on so for no luck. I do not have a disc to put in it to boot it up either.
This type of detailed question about individual setups is best posted in the forum. Sign in there with your question and you will find knowledgeable people to help you.
Any similar info for a Vista system that will not start? Startup Repair will not work and neither will Last Known Good Configuration. Stupidly I did not realize I had earlier deleted all my System Restore points as well.Thank You
Most of them begin with "insert your Windows CD". Mine didn't come with a Windows CD and Drive D was corrupted to I guess I'm out of luck.
If you can borrow a full Windows installation CD for the same OS that you have, that might work to do a repair. No guarantees but it's worth a try.
Another way to fix an XP system that won't start is to replace it with Linux :-)
You mean and return it to "Mint" condition? :D
It would be really EasyPeasy to do :-)
Excellent tip. I could have used this frequently a couple of years ago. Now if anything happens, I just use remount my last good install disk image.
>simple things like check if you have a loose connector<
Reminds me of a friend of mine who used to repair tube-type TVs back when electrical outlets were not grounded.
Whenever anyone called to report their set wold not turn on, George would tell them to reverse the plug in the outlet. When they came back on the phone saying the TV was now working, George knew that the set had been unplugged and he saved someone some embarrassment.
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