Question

About Windows XP repair install - what to do when the previous installation is not detected?

Asked by: asgarcymed

My computer has/had Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (32-bit; English version) installed on it (only 1 OS; no crappy Vista; no dual-boot).
Until yesterday, everything was fine, but then, I (stupidly!) inputed  registry errors (while I was trying some "registry hacks"). I was really unwary, since I did not any registry backup... I will never do this again, for sure!...

My problem is that my Windows became unbootable - it boots, shows the boot logo screen, and then "freezes" with a black screen (the screen becomes black and nothing else happens).
 
I have already performed a lot of Windows XP repair installs (on other physical computers and virtual machines), and I know, very well,  the option to repair a previous installation.
The problem, now (and for the first time, to me), is that the option to repair my previous installation, simply "disappeared" - the setup cannot recognize the previous installation - therefore, the only apparent possibility is to perform a "fresh" (new) installation (losing all my settings)...

I really want to find a way to repair my previous installation, in order to keep my main settings OK!... What can be done?

Thanks in advance,
Best regards.

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Asked On
2009-09-23 at 17:58:22ID24757028
Tags

windows xp

,

repair

,

install

,

reinstall

Topic

Windows XP Operating System

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
5

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Answers

 

by: MaffooClockPosted on 2009-09-23 at 18:03:27ID: 25409499

Typically, if you use a disc which is different from what's installed on the hard drive, the option to repair will be skipped (i.e., if your PC has an OEM version, but you're using a retail CD-ROM).

But in this case, perhaps it depends on what chunk of the registry you borked.  I don't think the registry plays a part in whether the repair prompt is displayed or not, but I'm not sure.  In short, are you sure you're using the correct Windows XP CD?

 

by: edbedbPosted on 2009-09-23 at 18:27:10ID: 25409587

You will have to use a windows XP Pro SP3 install disk to do a repair install. You can't do it with SP2 after you upgraded to SP3.

 

by: edbedbPosted on 2009-09-23 at 18:43:03ID: 25409639

You should be able to repair your registry by carefully following the directions in the atached txt file.

 

by: nobusPosted on 2009-09-24 at 00:32:20ID: 25410765

that's about it :  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545
i always do it when booted from a live cd, to make the copying things easier
this will work, if it finds your C:\Windows install
i hope you can get it running !

 

by: asgarcymedPosted on 2009-09-24 at 16:22:25ID: 25418919

Thank you very, very much!!!!
Your tips were extremely precious to me!!
You saved me from a big trouble!!
I will never be so unwary again!!

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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