D4Ly
asked on
Windows XP TROUBLE!!!!
My computer locked up. I run XP Pro. I had to turn the power switch on the back of the computer to turn the cpu off. 30sec later, i turned it back on and started up the cpu. When I clicked my profile to login, it locked on "Loading User Settings...". I had to restart this same way from here again. On this restart windows did a quick system check, and then brought me back to the login screen and I was able to login.
However, it's like I'm logged in under a new profile. All programs act as though they have never been used (asking to set as default media player, asking to import bookmarks for browsers, etc...) My desktop theme is the default. And all files I had on my desktop are missing (they can be found browsing through my computer). All files are intact.
Am I in safe mode and I don't know it?
What's the problem?
What's the fix?!
Thanks
However, it's like I'm logged in under a new profile. All programs act as though they have never been used (asking to set as default media player, asking to import bookmarks for browsers, etc...) My desktop theme is the default. And all files I had on my desktop are missing (they can be found browsing through my computer). All files are intact.
Am I in safe mode and I don't know it?
What's the problem?
What's the fix?!
Thanks
ASKER
In addition, I am unable to press F8 to get startup options on the black screen before the loading windows xp screen appears. the text to press F8 appears and dissappears just as quickly.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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From the signs of it, it looks like you have a corrupt user file. Before you do a system restore, do the following...
PS: since you are able to browse the files, simply copy and paste the file in a different location. (NOW, if you run system restore, the file won't be lost - this is a precautionary measure we have been asked to implement as my role here, as a DB Manager).
A system Restore usually fixes up all these small problems. But in the bigger picture, if the problem still persists, you will simply need to fix up the registry by using the "Repair" option when you throw in your Windows XP installation CD (you can repair the installation and would save you time from a fresh installation)...also, you said "And all files I had on my desktop are missing (they can be found browsing through my computer). All files are intact." Are the files in the location you left it before the forced shutdown?
Awaiting your reply...Hope this helps....
PS: since you are able to browse the files, simply copy and paste the file in a different location. (NOW, if you run system restore, the file won't be lost - this is a precautionary measure we have been asked to implement as my role here, as a DB Manager).
A system Restore usually fixes up all these small problems. But in the bigger picture, if the problem still persists, you will simply need to fix up the registry by using the "Repair" option when you throw in your Windows XP installation CD (you can repair the installation and would save you time from a fresh installation)...also, you said "And all files I had on my desktop are missing (they can be found browsing through my computer). All files are intact." Are the files in the location you left it before the forced shutdown?
Awaiting your reply...Hope this helps....
ASKER
Yes, browsing through my computer, all files are intact in the exact places they should be.
My account is Jason. This is the one and only account, and is an admin account.
When I finally was able to log back in under this account i am still an admin, but everything is set to default...and viewing files that were on my desktop, i must browse c:\Documents and Settings\User Accounts\Jason\Desktop...w
I must burn a new copy of windows xp pro, since mine is not with me and i have no access to it for 2 weeks...BUT
can you explain this better? as i would like to try this.
"PS: since you are able to browse the files, simply copy and paste the file in a different location. (NOW, if you run system restore, the file won't be lost - this is a precautionary measure we have been asked to implement as my role here, as a DB Manager).".....what file?
My account is Jason. This is the one and only account, and is an admin account.
When I finally was able to log back in under this account i am still an admin, but everything is set to default...and viewing files that were on my desktop, i must browse c:\Documents and Settings\User Accounts\Jason\Desktop...w
I must burn a new copy of windows xp pro, since mine is not with me and i have no access to it for 2 weeks...BUT
can you explain this better? as i would like to try this.
"PS: since you are able to browse the files, simply copy and paste the file in a different location. (NOW, if you run system restore, the file won't be lost - this is a precautionary measure we have been asked to implement as my role here, as a DB Manager).".....what file?
ASKER
oh, and andysmith18...i dont use mydocuments folder, ever. I have 250+gig of files in different folders throughout my harddrives which from my understanding will be changed if any of these files have been modified in the last day....tell me if this is incorrect.
I think i might try a system restore IF i can remember all the files i changed. ;p
I think i might try a system restore IF i can remember all the files i changed. ;p
ASKER
Also, are these your best suggestions considering the fact that it seems my drivers are not working (ie. as in safe mode?)??
My video card drivers, soundcard drivers, and even the usb driver for my ipod are not working properly.
My video card drivers, soundcard drivers, and even the usb driver for my ipod are not working properly.
ASKER
I am copying all files I can remember modifying to my ipod. (boy i love my ipod ;p). I'm then going to create a restore point, and then go back to my last restorepoint (Saturday 4:35PM). Then I'll replace all of the modified files with the must up to date version on my ipod, and hopefully my drivers work, etc... I'll post once again when this is done (in a few minutes). Thanks very much so far for your help.
hi d4ly some files wont be touched by system restore like word and excel documents but to be safe copy or move any files that are importent into the my documents folder have a look at this site for some info on system restore http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm
ASKER
andysmith18-
The past 4 days I have only been working on one website, and one java program. Other than this the only changes I can remember are save-games and a couple new bookmarks.
So I restored back to Yesterday afternoon (before the problem) and the problem was still present. I then tried going back to saturday (where I am restored to now) and BAM. Everything is great. I just have to put the files back from my ipod to my hdd.
Thanks for all your help.
The past 4 days I have only been working on one website, and one java program. Other than this the only changes I can remember are save-games and a couple new bookmarks.
So I restored back to Yesterday afternoon (before the problem) and the problem was still present. I then tried going back to saturday (where I am restored to now) and BAM. Everything is great. I just have to put the files back from my ipod to my hdd.
Thanks for all your help.
Hey D4Ly,
RE: can you explain this better? as i would like to try this.
"PS: since you are able to browse the files, simply copy and paste the file in a different location. (NOW, if you run system restore, the file won't be lost - this is a precautionary measure we have been asked to implement as my role here, as a DB Manager).".....what file?
when i refer to a file...I mean that you should move your data (or files) to a safe place example another partation on your HDD/CD/Flash Drive/or as you mentioned you iPod...As soon as you get a hold of the XP CD...let me know and i can assist you further on how to proceed...Cheers!
good luck
da_dj_of_sound
RE: can you explain this better? as i would like to try this.
"PS: since you are able to browse the files, simply copy and paste the file in a different location. (NOW, if you run system restore, the file won't be lost - this is a precautionary measure we have been asked to implement as my role here, as a DB Manager).".....what file?
when i refer to a file...I mean that you should move your data (or files) to a safe place example another partation on your HDD/CD/Flash Drive/or as you mentioned you iPod...As soon as you get a hold of the XP CD...let me know and i can assist you further on how to proceed...Cheers!
good luck
da_dj_of_sound
i would also like to add that if you have driver problems with any hardware a "repair" is a must....cheers!
ASKER
Thanks very much for your suggestions and help da_dj_of_sound!!
glad your all sorted :-)
pleasure...nice to know you are back on track again ;-)...Cheers!
ASKER
I also suppose I could do a system restore to late yesterday afternoon, but:
a) i don't know if this will matter, since all files are intact
b) i don't know what files would be changed as a result of this as I have done a lot of work the past day.