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Need Help! Windows XP Crash

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by JLC, Oct 9, 2008.

  1. JLC

    JLC Member

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    I ran a Windows Update (SP3) on my computer and it done broke. :conf2:

    I made a backup of my System onto an external drive before running this update, but I can not get Windows to run in any fashion (Safe Mode, etc.) I tried to do an in-place upgrade, but it's not giving me "Repair" as an option. From what I've looked up, that could mean the "data or partition on your drive is too corrupted to run repair". I don't like the sound of that. And I am now officially out of my league.

    Any computer gurus for hire out there that can fix this? Nerd Herd, I mean Geek Squad?
     
  2. Ozgood

    Ozgood Not a space alien

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    Get a Mac

    <ducking>

    :)
     
  3. JLC

    JLC Member

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    Ok, here's a question: if I reinstall Windows XP to a different directory, say windows2, will it leave my data intact?
     
  4. mrdoctor

    mrdoctor New Member

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    YES
    you can reinstall windows right onto ur current windows directory. erasing the current windows folder. avoid formatting if u want to keepo ur information. get an additional hd , make it primary, install windows onto it make ur current hd a slave, ttach to the primary, drag drop critical items. format old hd.

    rinse and repeat
     
  5. BigDog

    BigDog Member

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    There is a known bug for certain AMD processors. If you have a certain processor (I believe on a pre-built system like Acer), you will get an infinite reboot with no option to repair or go to safe mode if you install service pack 3.
    It had to do with some system builders using the same install disc on systems with AMD and Intel. Unfortunately, the disc should have only been used on systems with Intel processors. Systems with AMD processors bomb on the service pack 3 install.
     
  6. luftinarr

    luftinarr Member

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    This same exact thing happened to me, but I was stupid and did a system recovery (when safe mode didn't run and last known good configuration didn't run). Now everything is gone and I'm hoping that someone out there may know how to recover my hard drive or know of a place that works magic on computers operated by idiots (no comments from the peanut gallery...I'm already beating myself up over this).

    Please help!!!
     
  7. BigDog

    BigDog Member

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    If you did a system recovery (as in you installed from a disc that your computer came with), you might have a big problem . It might have given you a warning that you are about to erase everything and start from scratch -bringing your machine back the the original state it was in from the factory. If that is what you did, then your "old" data on the hard drive is gone.
     
  8. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Short of using a certified wiping tool/application or throwing into an ocean abyss, most data is recoverable. It is extremely costly however.
     
  9. luftinarr

    luftinarr Member

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    Apparently that's what I did, but I really swear that I read that it would take my computer back to it's last known good configuration. So my files are gone, but why would I still have some web applications that I just downloaded a couple of weeks ago on my computer still? For instance, GIMP.org is still on my computer (and operating just fine), some silly greeting card application where I can print my own cards is on there and working fine. That I don't get. ???
     
  10. BigDog

    BigDog Member

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    You are correct. I made the assumption (you know what that gets you), that this person didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars (or more) to retrieve the data. I should have said that short of getting VERY lucky on uninstall software or sending the drive of to a clean room, the data is gone. :)
     
  11. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    IF, I repeat IF I was alloowed to use the forensics tools and application at my job, I could fairly easily recover the data and make LOTs of money.

    Damn Gov't Rules! :D
     
  12. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    I was hoping you'd just carry my drive in in your lunchbox!
     
  13. Thunderchild

    Thunderchild New Member

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    What is the error message? LSASS.EXE Application error? Need more information.
     
  14. razng2grtboys

    razng2grtboys New Member

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    My PC also crashed as a result of the SP3 upgrade. Fortunately I had a recent Windows Restore Point, which I was able to use to get back to Pre-SP3. Try booting in SAFE MODE and go to SYSTEM RESTORE...here's a link with more info.
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084 - Good luck!
     
  15. luftinarr

    luftinarr Member

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    Wish I could have done that, but I was unable to boot in any mode. The computer wouldn't reboot at all...thus why I ended up going the system restore route. Ugh.
     
  16. Jervz

    Jervz New Member

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    I never heard of this "bug" on AMD processors.

    Anyways, the best thing to recover your files (for those having boot problems) is to put your hard drive on another XP computer (say a friend's computer) then access your files from there. Maybe save it on a flash drive which is very cheap nowadays then you can put back your drive to your computer and now can format and reinstall Windows.
     
  17. momalley

    momalley New Member

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  18. Grasor

    Grasor New Member

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    Try resetting CMOS. Usually a jumper or button on the motherboard. You'll need to check your motherboard docs for this.
     

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