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Help! When I start my computer, it says 'we apologize for the inconvenience but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have cuased this.' Then it times out in 25 seconds. Even after I try to start it w/the last known good configuration. Someone told me I may need to re-install the operating system. Is that the problem? If so, how do I do that? We have Windows XP.
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Does this happen everytime?
Are you able to get into Windows-XP, to the desk top at all?
Have you tried running scan disk from a boot-up floppy?
When did this start happening, what actions on your part, caused it (new software, hardware install, etc)? -
Re: Windows did not start successfully
This happens everytime.
I'm not able to get into Windows or the desktop at all.
I don't know what actions caused it. For a while (when the computer was still working) it would freeze up then shut down. Then on the restart, an error message would say Operating System Not Found. I would have to turn the power off for a few minutes, then turn it back on. Then one day, it just didn't boot up at all. I get as far as the black screen saying 'Windows cannot start successfully. Blah, blah, blah." It will count down 25 seconds, then try to restart again, but always unsuccessfully. I don't know what caused it. I don't remember installing any new hardware or software around that time.Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Now that I have a better idea of the problem, I would suggest that you read the post in this forum called "Grrrr-rrrr". Since "Jedi l" just went through a similar install, just follow my directions in that post that addresses, a clean re-install of the operating system.
If you still have specific questions, I will answer each one directly as they come up.
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
I have the bootleg XP. What is a startup disk? I went and made a MS-DOS startup disk from my other computer that is working fine. Is this what I need? Thanks for being patient.Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
When I put the MSDOS recovery disk into the broken computer, I got a screen that says:
Starting...
A:>
A:>
What do I do now???Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Insert the floppy in your PC. Re-boot the PC. At the A: prompt, type "Format C: /s". The /s is not that crucial, but if you want to boot to and work from the faster hard drive afterward, instead of the floppy, the switch will allow you to do that. When the format process is completed and you type in the volume label or press enter, Pop in the Win_XP CD and re-boot the PC, then follow the instructions.Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
I typed:
Format C: /s
And it said:
Bad command or file name
Is there supposed to be a space in between the C and the : and /? Is the C capitalized?Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Its bin ah while since I typed it. Try it with and without the space between the [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]colan) and the /.Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
No luck, even w/o the spaceComment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Where are you putting the space? See my edited statement above. Are you sure you have a true DOS disk?Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
I tried
Format C:/s
Format C: /s
format C: /s
format C:/s
FormatC:/s
None of them work.
To get the MSDOS disk, I went to:
My computer
Format floppy
Create MSDos startup diskComment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Sorry I took so long. Could not get back on to JA.com web site, browser kept trying but no good.
Anyhow, this should get you going.
Type: format c: (without the /s)
If that don't work let me know and we will have to do it the hard way.Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
Update:
I finally had to hand over the computer to the IT team at Mom's job. They tried to give me directions over the phone, but it was all too confusing.
They finally figured out that the directory had somehow been lost. They were trying to give me instructions on how to repair XP, but it would require that I reformat the whole system and lose everything on my hard drive. Couldn't have that...
So, instead they found a way to reboot Windows 98 (Windows XP had been installed on top of 98) and saved all my files. Then they reinstalled Windows XP.
They are a GODSEND!! So are you J-Kid. Hope I didn't frustrate you too much...
Thanks for all your help.Comment
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Re: Windows did not start successfully
No man, if yuh read through some ah di stuff in yah, yuh wi si dat wi tackle tougher issues dan dat. Glad to hear yuh back up and running.
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