bjv211
asked on
Invalid BOOT.INI file booting from c:\windows\
Compaq machine just started haveing trouble booting. I don't have the xp disks and i don't want to do compaq restore b/c it will wipe my data. Compaq does not ship xp discs with machine. I now cannot even start the Compaq recovery program. It began by restarting during booting after it gives the message:
It gives the message:
Invalid BOOT.INI file
booting from c:\windows\
Now if i choose to run safe mode or start windows normally, it will go to window loading screen (logo and status bar underneathe) then restarts and gives error message again.
It gives the message:
Invalid BOOT.INI file
booting from c:\windows\
Now if i choose to run safe mode or start windows normally, it will go to window loading screen (logo and status bar underneathe) then restarts and gives error message again.
SOLUTION
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That is what I posted.
Use spinrite to get the harddrive past the corruption, it is a bootable disk
-red
Use spinrite to get the harddrive past the corruption, it is a bootable disk
-red
ASKER
i'll wait for other option
you can access & modify the boot.ini file within msconfig
or
you can boot from an xp cd, delete boot.ini then run bootcfg /rebuild, then fixboot
or
you can boot from an xp cd, delete boot.ini then run bootcfg /rebuild, then fixboot
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Oh I forgot to mention you can place those files from xpquick.zip onto a floppy disk and change your bios to load it first.
>>I would say the drive is failing but maybe you can get it back with a chkdsk command if not its time to wipe it
I used to think the same way, but seriously venom, try spinrite - it fixes problems that I thought were unfixable and has saved me HEAPS of data. I realise the asker isnt interested in spinrite, but personally, i value my data...
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I used to think the same way, but seriously venom, try spinrite - it fixes problems that I thought were unfixable and has saved me HEAPS of data. I realise the asker isnt interested in spinrite, but personally, i value my data...
-red
I like spinrite also the user just didnt seem to want to venture into the program so i gave him his only other alternatives.
ASKER
venom thankyou for the other options i was beginning to fear that redseat worked for spinright. I'll try you options prior to ventureing down the expensive road. reseat i've too seen chkdsk do miracles on some pretty messed up HD.
I havent seen chkdsk do anything special myself...
And no, I dont work for spinrite :)
I don't work for GFI either, but still think their products are fantastic - but that isnt relevant here
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And no, I dont work for spinrite :)
I don't work for GFI either, but still think their products are fantastic - but that isnt relevant here
-red
did you try my suggestion on either modifying or deleting & recreating the boot.ini file?
ASKER
friar tuck, i do not have an xp cd to boot from...
why don't you make one? open notepad, copy the contents of my post in it, and save it as boot.ini
well actually you dont need a xp boot disc to do the method i described with testing the boot.ini all you need is a floppy drive and changing the bios but if it was only the boot.ini messing up as soon as it said booting from c:\windows it would have pulled right up and you could have fixed the boot.ini, BUT thats not what happened you see.
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ASKER
i cannot boot to safe mode. I tried to use it as slave but the good machine will not boot with it attached. It loads the windows loading page then screen goes blank.
bjv the reason it will not boot is because the harddrive is bad a good computer will not boot with a bad harddrive connected to it.
I agree venom, but bjv doesnt want to know about hard drive problems...
try to hook it to another pc, i have had cases where it worked on some, and not on others
also be sure when slaving the drive that the jumpers are set correctly
or buy a usb to ide drive enclosure & try accessing it while connected via usb to that other computer
you may want to try that drive fitness test pgm nobus mentioned also
or buy a usb to ide drive enclosure & try accessing it while connected via usb to that other computer
you may want to try that drive fitness test pgm nobus mentioned also
ASKER
greetings all :)
I finally got to boot into xp and it forced a chkdsk /r which seemed to take care of it. now it boots fine. Just to be sure i am going to get data off and buy a new drive. tahnks for all your help!!
I finally got to boot into xp and it forced a chkdsk /r which seemed to take care of it. now it boots fine. Just to be sure i am going to get data off and buy a new drive. tahnks for all your help!!
ASKER