HELP! XP is killing my computer.

[Sebass911]

Immediately after startup my computer gives me a fatal error (but does not say what it is) and shutsdown in one minute. I want to fix, but have lost my software so I cannot reinstall.

I am thinking of switching to LINUX, but have no experience. I tried to install, but the machine wont boot up the disk I burned.

I was hoping for help in fixing my auto shutdown, and recommendations on if LINUX is a good substitute.

Thanks.

 

[linney]

What you are describing sounds a lot like the old Blaster worm infection of a few years ago. Have you a fully updated system and have you ever run Microsoft's monthly Malicious Software Removal Tool?

Shutdon XP-Pro
thread779-723272

Malicious Software Removal Tool

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

I don't know about Linux, but plenty of people use that or Apple Macs.

Check your Boot options in the Bios to make sure it is set to boot from CD ahead of the hard drive. If you failed to create a bootable CD in the first place that last action wont help you, so try this.

307848 - HOW TO: Start Setup from MS-DOS in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307848&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Replacement of CD or Product Keys
To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

See if any of these more complicated procedures are available to you.

Cannot logon to winxp...losing lots of valuable documents
thread779-975236

Data recovery.

PC Inspector

http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/UK/welcome.htm

http://www.restorer2000.com

http://www.runtime.org/hints.htm

Plenty of other recovery software listed here.

http://dmoz.org/Computers/Software/Disk_Management/Error_Checking_and_Repair/