lrthames
asked on
Windows XP msg - A problem has been detected with your hard drive. Press enter to continue.
Hi -
I have a friend running Windows XP. Suddenly, when she turned on her pc, she got the message "A problem has been detected with your hard drive. Press enter to continue". Nothing happens after pressing enter. Windows sits at the Windows screen. Is there a way to get her important data off of this drive? I used to be able to boot Windows 98 with a startup disk and get data off. Can you do that with Windows XP? What else can we do to try and save this system. Thanks.
I have a friend running Windows XP. Suddenly, when she turned on her pc, she got the message "A problem has been detected with your hard drive. Press enter to continue". Nothing happens after pressing enter. Windows sits at the Windows screen. Is there a way to get her important data off of this drive? I used to be able to boot Windows 98 with a startup disk and get data off. Can you do that with Windows XP? What else can we do to try and save this system. Thanks.
Get another Disk and transfer the files from the broken disk to this other disk. Fisrts install XP on the other disk and the boot to it and then transfer the files.
Or take this disk and slave the disk to the disk in another mahcine that is running Win2000 or XP and then transfer the files from the broken disk to the other disk.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Hi
"I used to be able to boot Windows 98 with a startup disk and get data off. Can you do that with Windows XP?"
This can work if the XP install is on FAT file system and not NTFS drive/partition.
Also boot into safe mode and run some test's if it lets you like the CHKDSK as mensioned above.
After this if you can boot up and have the PC running in normal mode then Back-up imediately.
H
"I used to be able to boot Windows 98 with a startup disk and get data off. Can you do that with Windows XP?"
This can work if the XP install is on FAT file system and not NTFS drive/partition.
Also boot into safe mode and run some test's if it lets you like the CHKDSK as mensioned above.
After this if you can boot up and have the PC running in normal mode then Back-up imediately.
H
hi.
Restart the computer, then press F8 every second. go to Last known good configuration. press ENTER.
Winxp-> press ENTER.
OR
Go to Safe mode. if you are able to, go to SYSTEM RESTORE.
Did you add a new hardware?
Restart the computer, then press F8 every second. go to Last known good configuration. press ENTER.
Winxp-> press ENTER.
OR
Go to Safe mode. if you are able to, go to SYSTEM RESTORE.
Did you add a new hardware?
"I used to be able to boot Windows 98 with a startup disk and get data off. Can you do that with Windows XP?"
This can work if the XP install is on FAT file system and not NTFS drive/partition"
Not entirely correct, tools are available to read/write data on NTFS partitioned drives within a DOS environment http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/NTFSDOS.shtml might make interesting reference for you if you're unable to slave the hard disk in another system.
This can work if the XP install is on FAT file system and not NTFS drive/partition"
Not entirely correct, tools are available to read/write data on NTFS partitioned drives within a DOS environment http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/NTFSDOS.shtml might make interesting reference for you if you're unable to slave the hard disk in another system.
stealthMullet, ok tools are availible but I didnt say they were not, i said with a normal 98 boot disk DOS on there you cannot access NTFS drive/paririons, which is correct. ty
H
H
ASKER
Help Help Help!! I'm at my friends house now. I can boot from a CD but when I select recovery console, it asks for the administrator password. There is no password. She doesn't use one on this computer to log on. Pressing enter doesn't work, ESC doesn't work. Any way around this??
Why use the recovery console right now. Tranfer your files so at least you have them just in case.
Why use the recovery console right now. Tranfer your files so at least you have them just in case.
ASKER
ps I cannot log use safe mode. It won't work. Computer just sits there and won't boot up.
'The Password Is Not Valid' Error Message Appears When You Log On to Recovery Console in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308402
BEGIN ARTICL
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q308402
SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to log on to Recovery Console in Windows XP by typing the correct password for the local Administrator account, Recovery Console may display the following error message:
The password is not valid. Please retype the password.
Type the Administrator password:
This error message may occur even though you typed the correct password. If you start Windows XP, successfully log on by using the same password, change the local administrator's password, and restart the computer to Recovery Console, you receive the same error message.
CAUSE
This issue may occur if Windows XP was originally installed from a Sysprep image, or if Sysprep 2.0 was run on the computer at one time. Sysprep.exe makes changes to the way that password keys are stored in the registry; these changes are not compatible with the Recovery Console logon routine.
NOTE: The manufacturer of your computer may have used Sysprep to preinstall Windows XP on your computer.
RESOLUTION
NOTE: If you can start Windows XP and the Recovery Console is not preinstalled on your hard disk, go to step 2 in the following steps. If you can start Windows XP and the Recovery Console is preinstalled on your hard disk, go to step 3.
Download the necessary files, create the appropriate Setup disks for floppy boot installation, start your computer with the Setup disks, and then log on to Recovery Console to correct the problem that is preventing you from starting Windows XP. For additional information about obtaining and using Setup disks, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
310994 Obtaining Windows XP Setup Boot Disks
The Setup disks for floppy boot installation are available for download from the following Microsoft Web sites:
Windows XP Home Edition:
Download WinXP_en_hom_bf.exe now
Windows XP Professional:
Download WinXP_en_pro_bf.exe now
Release Date: October 24, 2001
For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services
Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on secure servers that prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.
Install the Recovery Console if it is not already preinstalled. To install Recovery Console, use the winnt32 /cmdcons command from the I386 folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM.For additional information about how to install and use the Recovery Console, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
Contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain and install the following hotfix.A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem.
To resolve this problem immediately, download the fix by clicking the download link later in this article or contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS
NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.
The English version of this fix has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.
Date Time Version Size File name
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----
11-May-2001 13:57 5.1.2600.15 225,152 Spcmdcon.sys
12-Nov-2001 04:48 5.1.2600.21 218,624 Srrstr.dll
If you already have Recovery Console installed, installing this hotfix automatically updates the C:\Cmdcons folder with the update so that you can log on to Recovery Console.
Administrator Using Sysprep
To resolve this problem, obtain a version of Windows XP that has Service Pack 1 already integrated, or obtain and install the latest service pack for Windows XP before you run Sysprep. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
322389 How to Obtain the Latest Windows XP Service Pack
For additional information about integrating SP1 in your installation, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/spdeploy.asp#the_integrated_installation_fmay
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Using Sysprep
To resolve this problem, obtain a version of Windows XP that has Service Pack 1 already integrated.
STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Windows XP Service Pack 1.
MORE INFORMATION
If you reinstall Recovery Console for any reason, you must reinstall this hotfix. To install Recovery Console, use the winnt32 /cmdcons command from the I386 folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM.
Last Reviewed: 10/13/2002
Keywords: kbbug kbsetup kbWinXPsp1fix KB308402
COPYRIGHT NOTICE. Copyright 2002 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052-6399 U.S.A. All rights reserved.
END ARTICLE
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308402
BEGIN ARTICL
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q308402
SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to log on to Recovery Console in Windows XP by typing the correct password for the local Administrator account, Recovery Console may display the following error message:
The password is not valid. Please retype the password.
Type the Administrator password:
This error message may occur even though you typed the correct password. If you start Windows XP, successfully log on by using the same password, change the local administrator's password, and restart the computer to Recovery Console, you receive the same error message.
CAUSE
This issue may occur if Windows XP was originally installed from a Sysprep image, or if Sysprep 2.0 was run on the computer at one time. Sysprep.exe makes changes to the way that password keys are stored in the registry; these changes are not compatible with the Recovery Console logon routine.
NOTE: The manufacturer of your computer may have used Sysprep to preinstall Windows XP on your computer.
RESOLUTION
NOTE: If you can start Windows XP and the Recovery Console is not preinstalled on your hard disk, go to step 2 in the following steps. If you can start Windows XP and the Recovery Console is preinstalled on your hard disk, go to step 3.
Download the necessary files, create the appropriate Setup disks for floppy boot installation, start your computer with the Setup disks, and then log on to Recovery Console to correct the problem that is preventing you from starting Windows XP. For additional information about obtaining and using Setup disks, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
310994 Obtaining Windows XP Setup Boot Disks
The Setup disks for floppy boot installation are available for download from the following Microsoft Web sites:
Windows XP Home Edition:
Download WinXP_en_hom_bf.exe now
Windows XP Professional:
Download WinXP_en_pro_bf.exe now
Release Date: October 24, 2001
For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services
Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on secure servers that prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.
Install the Recovery Console if it is not already preinstalled. To install Recovery Console, use the winnt32 /cmdcons command from the I386 folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM.For additional information about how to install and use the Recovery Console, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
Contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain and install the following hotfix.A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem.
To resolve this problem immediately, download the fix by clicking the download link later in this article or contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS
NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.
The English version of this fix has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.
Date Time Version Size File name
--------------------------
11-May-2001 13:57 5.1.2600.15 225,152 Spcmdcon.sys
12-Nov-2001 04:48 5.1.2600.21 218,624 Srrstr.dll
If you already have Recovery Console installed, installing this hotfix automatically updates the C:\Cmdcons folder with the update so that you can log on to Recovery Console.
Administrator Using Sysprep
To resolve this problem, obtain a version of Windows XP that has Service Pack 1 already integrated, or obtain and install the latest service pack for Windows XP before you run Sysprep. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
322389 How to Obtain the Latest Windows XP Service Pack
For additional information about integrating SP1 in your installation, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/spdeploy.asp#the_integrated_installation_fmay
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Using Sysprep
To resolve this problem, obtain a version of Windows XP that has Service Pack 1 already integrated.
STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Windows XP Service Pack 1.
MORE INFORMATION
If you reinstall Recovery Console for any reason, you must reinstall this hotfix. To install Recovery Console, use the winnt32 /cmdcons command from the I386 folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM.
Last Reviewed: 10/13/2002
Keywords: kbbug kbsetup kbWinXPsp1fix KB308402
COPYRIGHT NOTICE. Copyright 2002 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052-6399 U.S.A. All rights reserved.
END ARTICLE
ASKER
Transfer them how? I can't log onto the computer at all. I have no other windows xp pc here at my disposal. I'm typing on a win 98 laptop now.
Then you need to get this disk to a machine that is running Win2000 or XP
The free utility http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/NTFSDOS.shtml StealthMullet mentioned has very limited functionality unless you buy it. But it does allows using the copy command.
I would suggest using this one instead because you can install on that Win98 disk so you don't have to do it from DOS
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/ntfswin98.shtml
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/ntfswin98.shtml
ASKER
OK - I'm back home. I have my friend's computer. I have Windows XP and Windows 98 here at home. I really don't want to take out the hard drive and put it in one of my computers because the last time I did that, I screwed something up on my computer and had to reformat and reload windows. I will start with the recovery console and run a chkdsk /r.
ASKER
Hello again. Good news. I ran chkdsk and it found many errors. First errors were "File record segment xxxx is unreadable". Then messages said "Delete index entry xxx in index xxx of file y". Then the message "Windows replaced bad clusters in file xxxx". However, I am now able to boot up windows and I got her data off. What do you think now? Does she need a new hard drive. Or just back up often and take a chance??
ASKER
Hello again. Good news. I ran chkdsk and it found many errors. First errors were "File record segment xxxx is unreadable". Then messages said "Delete index entry xxx in index xxx of file y". Then the message "Windows replaced bad clusters in file xxxx". However, I am now able to boot up windows and I got her data off. What do you think now? Does she need a new hard drive. Or just back up often and take a chance??
Thought I would step in and help a little.
The bad sectors have been marked for non-use. She can continue to use the drive, but since drives are cheap, I would not hesitate to purchase another. You could then ghost an image of the old drive onto the new, wipe the drive and slave it to the new one. You could also just put it away and use it as a safety net in case something happens in the future.
Just some thoughts.
FE
The bad sectors have been marked for non-use. She can continue to use the drive, but since drives are cheap, I would not hesitate to purchase another. You could then ghost an image of the old drive onto the new, wipe the drive and slave it to the new one. You could also just put it away and use it as a safety net in case something happens in the future.
Just some thoughts.
FE
If it were me I get another drive for nothing else other than peace of mind.