Xp Hangs!

[Pixieman]

Hi, have a problem with my install of XP, it was working fine untill the other day when i tried to install some software for my Web Cam and now it won't boot properly!
It allows me to log in fine but then I just get the background of the desktop and I can't do anything.
I can't start up in safe mode - any ideas?

 

[smah]

Have you tried 'Last Known Good Configuration'?

 

[Pixieman]

Don't get that option!

 

[bcastner]

Hit the F8 key early and often beginning immediately on turning on the computer. You should get, (besides a keybaord error) the boot option menu, incuding 'Last known good configuration'

 

[Pixieman]

Nope that doesn't work either, finally got it to give me a "Last known good configuration" but the result was the same. Any other ideas?

 

[bcastner]

In order:

1. Boot from the XP CD and enter Recovery Console with the first R(epair) option.

chkdsk /r

reboot.

2. If no joy, use the Recovery Console again, but use these instructions to repair the registry:

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

3. If no joy, do a repair reinstallation of XP:

http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp&NoWebContent=1

 

[Xemus]

By the way, Last Known Good Config doesn't work if you can get to the logon screen. That's where it takes the snapshot. If the error occurs before that point, there's a good chance that LKGC will fix it, but not after.

MCSE, A+

 

[Pixieman]

Followed the steps about recovery console, couldn't do all of them as the folder didn't have any snapshots in. Have however been able to get into a MUCH earlier version of my system and am in the process of doing a windows update. Everything seems to be fine (fingers crossed). Thanks everyone.