Revert to backup now only get black screen

[missvyxen]

I just got a computer from a friend who said it was working fine. Upon setting it up, I kept getting a continuous ERROR. He said he didnt get it before so instead of researching the problem, etc, I just reverted to the last backup.

Now whenever it boots up, I get the warning screen asking how I want to enter windows (safe mode/regular/etc). Once I choose it begins the Windows XP boot up where it says Microsoft Windows on the screen with the little timer thing.

After that the screen goes blank except for the mouse.
Nothing works, no CTR, ALT, DEL, etc.

If I reboot in safe mode it shows the safe mode words in the corners, but same thing.

It says the revert is undo-able, but I can't do it if I can't even get windows to work.

I want to just go back to square one and I'll research and fix the error instead At least my son could watch DVD's and play his baby-games on that computer before this happened.

Please please help
my email is jcrow33@comcast.net or reply here. Also feel free to IM me:

ICQ: 15807555
AIM: Missvyxen
Yahoo: adiyra

 

[phreakwars]

There are 2 solutions here that would probably work, one is do a repair by using the windows XP cd.

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxphome/installxpcdrepair/



If you have the XP boot CD then it will go quicker.

More then likely you will need to do a repair install.

Or the 2nd method of going into the recovery console and manually doing a system restore,which takes ALOT of typing if the XP cd is not available.

You can find these instructions HERE: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

If you don't have this disk, THERE IS a way of downloading BOOT DISKS for the repair from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994 I THINK IT WILL TAKE 7 DISKS, if I remember right.

I've even had this happen to me once, it had happened after installing an update, I did the usual REBOOT that was needed, and all I got was a black screen..forcing me to take the recovery steps as outlined by Microsoft. It helps if your familiar with DOS commands, its saves alot of trouble made by constantly glimpsing over at a printed sheet of instructions to type your commands. Which, I am assuming you will probably need to do.

But on the other hand, and you'll be most fortunate if this is the case. If you boot into the recovery console, and log into XP, then type "CHKDSK /f " without quotations, and it fixes itself. That usually take quite a while itself.

What happened is you have a file that either is corrupt, or didn't get registered right. Which file it is, is hard to say. If Bob or GavinO know, maybe they could answer that (would actually be greatful to them myself if they knew). Myself, I could second guess all day. As I am only giving you instructions from personal experience with the same problem a few times myself, and how I handled them for my customers, and for myself.

However, I can say, once this problem has been fixed and your up and running normal, I'd strongly suggest installing the recovery console so that in case it ever does happen again, you won't need any disks.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654
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[missvyxen]

I tried the disk thing and I got a DISK I/O error and have my windows xp home cd AND a boot up cd but I can't get CMOS to boot to a cd no matter how many times I try..
Is there a way to get to Dos to use commands to boot the cd?

The computer has a DVD player and a CD burner on it, so I am not even sure which drive to put the disk in.

 

[phreakwars]

OK, heres what you do. Place your CD-Burner as a SLAVE drive on the same chain as your hard drive. And temporarly unplug the DVD burner. Then set the CMOS to boot from CD.

Alot of times DVD players won't read a boot sector on a CD properly. Its better to use a regular CD-Rom drive or in your case, a normal burner. the lenses on it are different then a DVD. I've seen alot of Lite-On brands with this strange defect, as well as some generic dvd burners.

You may have an outdated BIOS too, but lets not get into that. I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Try the other method first. Double check your jumpers too.

I usually only see a DISK I/O error when it can't read a floppy. But then, your BIOS may just be handling a CD-ROM drive the same as any other drive.. My PC gives me a message that it can't boot from the CD-ROM.

ALSO, are the XP discs original, or are they copied ? Some CD-Burners/DVD players have a hard time with ONLY copied discs when it comes to the boot sector.

And if anything, since you seem to have access to a PC already, just borrow a drive that you know is working.

I know I have been tossing alot at you, but really now adays, there is no reason at all that people shouldn't learn more about what goes on in the PC, besides pushing the power on button.

Microsofts Windows XP, is a good operating system, it caters to those who are new to computing, but fails bad when it comes to recovering the OS by the average user. Until the fabled "CRASH PROOF" OS can be invented, the public MUST be taught how to use there machine and maintain them. It sure beats someone like me coming over and charging a premium price to do something most people should be able to learn.

When it comes to a thing like a PC, where so many different things like audio and video and network, modem, TV TUNER all come together to make your PC, you have many different manufacturers all trying to make there product work well with somone elses. Compatibility issues have always been around, even in places you wouldn't think. Like something as simple as you BURNER and the motherboard.

Unless you suspect the burner or dvd was defective before hand (which I doubt). I'd blame incompatibility or poor quality parts. Unless the CD is scratched... but then, you said 2 DIFFERENT BOOTABLES had the same prob.

Out of curiosity, do you know what motherboard is in this machine, as well as which model of burner/dvd ??

Edit: Another posibility, is the MEMORY STICK is bad, I have seen this cause errors in HDD and CD-Rom drives as well... oh so many things to look at here..
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[missvyxen]

Okay I finally got it to recognize the windows xp cd is in there. Which is great except I am getting this wierd error now that says,

"Unmountable_boot_volume"

But the solution to that is to put in the XP cd and do the fix thing, but since that's what the unmountable boot volume is about.. I have no idea.

I am having a feeling this computer just may be going in to a local shop

The technical information is:

STOP: 0x000000ED (0x81791A20, 0xC0000185, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)

 

[phreakwars]

In this case, it might be your best bet.

There seems to be something really messed up with the entire machine.

Alternately, I do repair machines for clients in town. I have for years.

I would be willing to give the machine a workover for a small fee and shipping to and from, paid by you. Plus any additional parts added, which will be purchased direct from newegg.com and come with excellent warrantys.

But then, I only suggest this to those who do not have a reputable A+ certified repairman in there area, and wants a guarenteed quality job.

A PC is a substantial investment for some. I have always believed in selling a quality machine with quality parts. It sounds to me like something is lacking in the one you are having troubles with.
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