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xp pro keeps going back to boot option for safe mode and last known good configuration

upon boot up of xp pro it won't go into safe mode or last known good configuration, when you try normal boot it starts to boot then right at the splash screen it goes back to boot options

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scrathcyboy

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r-k

Try an XP repair install as suggested in this link:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

scrathcyboy

I already suggested an XP repair install above.

r-k

"I already suggested an XP repair install above."

Yes, you did, and maybe I should have added that he should try your method first. I provided that link mainly because it includes some precautions and tips for what to do to preserve user data, as well as options if the Repair menu is not available, etc. In other words, it's not really a different answer, but an elaboration.

nobus

i would boot into safe mode, and do a scan disk for errors

phototropic

If you cannot boot into safe mode, boot to Recovery Console from an XP disk.
Run chkdsk /r from the prompt.
Let it run.
Reboot. Any change?

winstonep

Does any message appear on the screen? I've had a message similar to:-

"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG is a file not a directory"

Windows would not boot into safe mode, las known working configuration or anything. No form of repair worked until I searched for the error in Google.

This URL may be a good starting point:-

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

I can't remember the full process now but I know from experience that making a backup of the files in this directory is a really good idea.

If this is not the message you get, please let us know.