Can't run windows!!!!!! Please HELP!

[quaked2023]

hello

i have a BIG problem with my pc... i tried to install linux mandrake 10 and when i got to the part where you choose if you want to delete windows or install linux using a patition there was an error that said that it was a corrupt partition.... so i restarted my pc and when the Windows screen shows then ther's this blue screen that says something like boot error i don't really remember.... i tried to start in safe mode and no luck. i'm now dowloading the ultimatebootcd and the hiren's boot cd... but if this doesn't work what can i do????? PLEASE HELP ME

THANX! (sorry for my bad english)

-The Only Privacy Left Is The Inside Of Your Head!- QUAKED2023

 

[aznluvsmc]

Try running either an Emergency repair or a regular repair using the installation CD.

_______________
Doing IT Right!

 

[Philly44]

It sounds to me like your Master Boot Record is screwed up. I ran into a similar problem a few years ago. If the system is Win2K then as aznlunvsmc said you can boot using the isntallation disks and use the repair console to fix (FIXBOOT or FIXMBR will do it from there)or if its Windows 98 then create a bootable floppy and boot using it and type fdisk /MBR . That should do it.

 

[PowerPlay]

I agree with Philly. However once you have it running again back-up any valueable information and reinstall windows (configuring partions the way you want them). The reason for this is that PC have a horrible habit of when a problem like this happens it never goes away, it has sideaffects for the rest of the computers life. Just a little of expirience on my side, i've delt with this many times before; pain in the but.

 

[wolluf]

If there's something wrong with windows partition, you might want to run chkdsk from recovery console -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;229716

- assuming you can load recovery console.

If that (and fixmbr/fixboot) doesn't get 2k back up and running, a repair reinstall might be a good choice (keeps apps, settings, data, loses windows updates) -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;292175&Product=win2000

- again assuming it can find the installation to repair.

You might need to slave the drive in another machine if you need to recover data from the 2k partition (eg, data recovery tool if the partition not accessible normally - its difficult to say what's happened to it from your description).

 

[quaked2023]

hey thanx to all!

here is the problem i get the error inccessible boot device after the windows screen appears. i tied Philly44s advice but no luck, but i have a windows xp pro instalation cd, can i upgade to XP? and maybe solve the problem?

ThanX (again sorry for my bad english)

by the way the ultimatebootcd didnt work!

-The Only Privacy Left Is The Inside Of Your Head!- QUAKED2023

 

[wolluf]

quaked2023 - do you need to retrieve/backup data on the 2k partition? If yes, then that's your first priority. After that's done, you'd be best wiping drive and clean installing 2k or XP or whatever in my opinion (because unless you can show otherwise, the drive/partition may be too corrupted to recover the o/s - did you try either of my suggestions?)

To recover files - slave drive in another machine if available - otherwise install a parallel installation of 2k (or XP) - ie, don't format & install in a drive other than \winnt (assuming that's where 2k is). This also assumes the partition is still viable for 2k/XP to install into without reformatting.

 

[quaked2023]

Hello to all again!

I finally solved my problem!!!!!!

I used Hiren's Boot CD 5... let me tell you it's a really good boot disk

Thanx for all the help you guys!



-The Only Privacy Left Is The Inside Of Your Head!- QUAKED2023

 

[wolluf]

quaked2023 - could you tell us how you used it - its a collection of tools, so not obvious how you solved this.

Thanks