XP Wont boot. Need to transfer files from C to D in DOS ? 2

[kwunder]

Hi

Suddenly, XP Pro won't boot on my machine. It goes through the motions for a while after recognizing the devices then through the Windows XP screen with the progress bar, but then it clicks and reboots.
I've tried the recovery console but it does nothing.
I do have a few files on the C drive that I'd like to transfer to my second HDD before I have to re-install XP, but I haven't a clue about DOS.

Can anyone advise please ?
Cheers

 

[kwunder]

In addition, If I do have to do a repair install of XP Pro, will that delete my existing "My Documents" folder and it's contents ? If so, I definately need to copy some files from C to D.

Thanks

 

[linney]

Did you try ChkDsk /r from the Recovery Console?


If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

There are several alternatives mentioned here.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[kwunder]

Linney -
I'm a Bit of an oaf when iot comes to these things
I booted from the XPPro CD and selected Recovery console, which ran until I got the "Type Exit" to exit recovery console, at which point the PC restared and nothing had changed...

Don't know how to get ChkDsk /r ???

The files I need to preserve are :-
1 file on desktop
1 folder in "My Documents"

Thanks for your help here....

 

[linney]

Look at the Commands available in this document, which should also answer you question on how to use the Recovery Console.

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[kwunder]

Thanks again Linney

Have now run ChkDsk /r
It apparently found and fixed more than 1 error, but upon restart, the PC still resets and restarts right at the point that I should be seeing the WELCOME screen..

Could the Fixboot command be of any use ?

 

[gpalmer711]

Your computer may restart immediately if it is configured to automatically restart when a system failure occurs.

To turn off this option so that your computer does not restart, press F8 at startup, use the arrow keys to select the Disable automatic restart on system failure option and then press the Enter key.

Hopefully you should now be presented with a Blue screen / White writing. Let us know what the full error message is and we may be able to save the repair/reinstall.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[kwunder]

Greg

Hitting F8 at startup gives me a Boot Menu - nothing more ?

 

[gpalmer711]

Wait until after the Bios screen has just disappeared then start hitting F8 - Alternativly at the Boot Menu select HD then Keep pressing F8

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[kwunder]

Greg.

I am now presented with the blue screen. Here goes..

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

***STOP: 0x000000ED (0x8670DE30,0xC0000006,0x00000000,0x00000000)


Any ideas ?
Much appreciated !

 

[gpalmer711]

Take a look at

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/297185

As you have run the chkdsk command it looks like the fixboot would be the next step.

If that does not work try the chkdsk /r then fixboot without rebooting between them.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[gpalmer711]

This could possibly be indicitive that the drive is failing so if the above does get you sorted make sure you have a back up of any important files and don't store anything important on that drive for a week or two to make sure all is well.

You could also run a drive diagnostic - All HD manufaturers provide a free one. For example the Seagate/Maxtor utilities can be found here

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...toid=51e092db8a13d010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[gpalmer711]

Finally if none of that helps take a look at

http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=...TABLE_BOOT_VOLUME+0x000000ED+0xC0000006&meta=

which offers various fixes that have helped others - such as RAM problems etc..

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[kwunder]

Thanks a lot for all this help Greg.
It seems when I ran ChkDsk before, it was actually checking my slave drive.
I have now got it checking the OS drive and it is painfully slow. Could this be an indication of HD failure ?

I will download the drive diagnostic utility you suggest also.
I'll post back as soon as anything develops.

BTW, it is a 200GB SATA drive. I have now disconnected the slave to be certain I don't lose anything on there !

 

[kwunder]

It has just finished a standard ChkDsk and states that errors have been found.
I now have it running the ChkDsk /r as suggested.

 

[gpalmer711]

I've got my fingers crossed for you

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[kwunder]

Greg,

I had to leave chkdsk /r running through the night as it was taking ages.
Good news is though, it found errors and fixed them and restarted perfectly !

Can't thank you enough. Never even knew about recovery console.

Now to back up all the important stuff. I'll keep a watch on the HD's performance over the next few weeks and if anything happens again I'll replace it.

Once again, many thanks. A pint for you next time I'm in Peterborough !

 

[gpalmer711]

Good stuff - If the chkdsk /r worked then it is likely that the drive will be fine.

Glad it worked out for you!

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[linney]

Glad you got it fixed.


For the sake of completeness I just wish to correct a link in my post of 15 Mar 07 16:08 where I made a Copy and Paste error. I meant to link to this thread.

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

 

[GVN]

For future reference, the answer to your original question is:

XCOPY C:\*.* D:\ /S /D /E /C /H /K

gets everything... Remove the /S for just specific directories, not subdirectories too. This should be a good wake-up call to make sure you are backing up your vital files.

GVN