Frozen at start-up

[huskyfur]

I run XPpro on my laptop.. I just ran the tool that compacts un-used files to save space, and then defragmented my Cdrive, just like I do every week or two. Only NOW... when I start my computer, I get to the "Press Ctrl +Alt+ Del" screen (login) .. and the laptop is frozen! .. the mouse won't move, and none of the keys work.

.. so... wtf?

[Jeremy]

Try doing a repair installation with your Windows CD.

[huskyfur]

.. I don't have one...

.. I tried to start windows in safe mode, but the keys won't even work while the os is booting. I tried using a seperate keyboard, and mouse.. it didn't change a thing. *sighs* .. all hope is lost...

[Jeremy]

Not it isn't. There is always a solution, you just need to find it.

Okay, so here is Ultimate Boot CD 3.4 which is freeware. Download it from here.

Just for the sake of it, use it to test your harddrive, and memory. Just to know they are okay, which they probably are. There are dozens of utilities that would be useful.

Do you have any files that you need backed up? If not, you could just reformat, but since you don't have an XP CD, that may be difficult. You'll need to get one somehow, possibly a friend?

[LLXX]

The hard drive may be failing.

Take it out and put it into another computer (2.5"/1.8" HDDs can be connected to a standard desktop PC with a suitable adapter), then copy off everything important.

If there's a directory named I386, that's your XP system files, you need to copy that directory too for backup purposes.

[miu_piu]

hey guys

did any1 get this screen at the begening?when i try to install in ms virual pc i get this screen:

[Jeremy]

Use nLite to slipstream SP2 and make a bootable ISO to burn to CD.