Repairing Windows XP in Eight Commands

Ivan · May 2010

Vinay · Mar 2011

Thanks for your help, It worked for me :)

Boaz · Mar 2011

Hi All, before going into these 8 (or 9) steps, could you please reassure me that if this does not work it will also not erase data on my disk?

In other words, if it works - great, if it does not - no harm done?

Many thanks
Boaz

Tushon · Mar 2011

Confirmed. Nothing is removed here.

Boaz · Mar 2011

Thanks. I'll try when I get home.

My PC will start to load the Windows logo welcome screen and then become black.
Will the method above help?

Tushon · Mar 2011

Possibly. Chkdsk /r may be the most pertinent part for you. Also, after performing the steps, if you can't get into windows, you might try going in to safe mode. If that works, try running sfc /scannow

Robert · Mar 2011

I have scoured the net looking for exactly this info. I goofed, but know it will work.
Thanks

Greg · Apr 2011

When I try to run the ATTRIB commands on the BOOT.INI file it says the file cannot be opened.

Any suggestions?

Tushon · Apr 2011

what does the cmd prompt line start with? c:\> or c:\somethingelse\>

Type "dir /a *.ini" (no quotes) and see if boot.ini is listed or not when at the root of the drive

Mordheimer · Apr 2011

Thank you for taking the time and write this. Excellent guide. Remember, for every person that post some kuddos, there are THOUSANDS of ungrateful bastards using the information. Your efforts are appreciated! ;)

Bernie · Apr 2011

After 3 days of complete frustration and trying countless of fixes, which probably did more harm than good, I came across this post. I woke up today ready to try your solution. Didn't work. I can't get it to accept "CD" even though it's in the Help list of commands. I'm wondering if somewhere along the way if I wiped part of the HDD. Any suggestions?

Thrax · Apr 2011

Plug your hard disk into another PC with an external adapter (USB to SATA or USB to IDE, depending on your hard drive) and back up your data. When you're done backing up your data, install the hard drive back into the PC, wipe it clean and reload Windows.

There is absolutely, positively nothing more that can be done to fix your current OS.

Bernie · Apr 2011

Thanks for the quick reply. The following is a LENGTHY report of the steps I took before I received your instructions.
At C:>windows, I put in BOOTCFG. That went to a list of options. I was able to use "Bootcfg /rebuild.Note the space between "g" and "/".It ran through and then used the steps in the order in the above instructions and went for a walk.
It had gone throughthe scan, chkdsk and recovery of files by the time I came back.Unfortunately it didn't work. On the next attempt,still couldn't go to C: but started with the 3 ATTRIB steps. The 3rd one "R" wasn't found. So I tried "F" (someone mentioned that above) it wasn't accepted but then I tried "R" again and it worked. The command "C:del boot.ini" wasn't found. So I started with "bootcfg" again and chose "redirect to load" option "Windows XPSP2 Home Edition"as input in and earlier step. Then rebooted it with cd still in.Same original message of NTDLR missing but went ahead with booting with the cd and then into "R" and needed to do that twice.
The needed files were copied and then to the install portion. I used the original key of the system, not the one on the CD itself because that was for another system. Install complete and restarted the PC before I had a chance to change the boot order or remove the CD. "NTLDR is missing" message again. I put in a floppy that contain a fix I had for it. And it ran. I used "CTRL+ALT+DEL" and changed the boot order, HD as first. NTLDR still missing. Press any key to restart, I did. "Boot from CD" and then the last message."DISK BOOT FAILURE. INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER". NTLDR still missing after putting the disk in. It boots from the CD and back to Windows Setup I go!! Still can't get into "C:"
Now what?!!! Sorry for the loooong post but felt it necessary in case of questions.

Thrax · Apr 2011

Your answer to "now what?" is what I stated above. There is nothing more you can do to rescue your OS.

Bernie · Apr 2011

Part 3.....I tried to copy the NTLDR from the CD to HDD. It seemed to work but didn't. Used floppy with the fix and it booted into Windows but I can't activate XP. Apparently incorrect key. ( I know of the little tricks but haven't any luck so far). I can get into Safe Mode with command prompt but that only will go to "Documents and Settings" not C. I shall continue to "Google" for answers and I'm considering Ubuntu but the PC is going to a relative and I'm not sure she would want it.

Bernie · Apr 2011

Success!! While in Safe Mode, I was able to open Windows Explorer and make the necessary changes by following the instructions from tinyempire.com where I got the NTLDR fix files. I copied the files from on the floppy to the C: drive. Boots up great! It's been a real learning experience that I couldn't have done without you. Thanks!!!
Now onto dealing with the activation problem.

Dark Angel · Apr 2011

few other tips for your perusal... sometimes, a file system for example, NTLDR, /windows/system32/config/xxx error can be caused by someone who has decided to 'compress files to save disk space' ive seen on numerous machines within last few years. for all you budding techs i would recommend a live windows cd (Ultimate Boot CD For Windows) you need to 'roll your own' per example, will allow you to boot to an xp gui and hopefully see information about the filing system that (to my knowledge) the command prompt doesnâ€™t let you see, for example, compressed (Blue) - Home & Pro / encrypted files.. (Green) Pro Only i think

in addition, another useful tool would be a live Linux disk, ie puppy, ubuntu, kubuntu, mint knoppix ... take your pick... but this will also allow you to view your filing system.

both will allow you to access the system volume information folder which is in the root of the c:\ and which is under normal circumstances, not accessible.

this is because this contains important files such as registry entries :-) for your system created by the system restore utility..

as always, create a backup before modifying ANY files... this covers your ass if it goes fubar and is reversable... ie a Disk Image.

word to the wise.. do not use Microsoft backup files and settings utilty. if you have old version (tut tut) some of more newer versions will not allow you to use your backup... ive had experiance in dealing with getting files back from this type of situation.. it aint pretty!

just my .02

Siddhartha Kumar · Apr 2011

Awesome....i am so happy that i fixed it..using these steps !!

Johnsmith · May 2011

Hey thank u very much ...i just fixed my PC following your instructions...LOVE IT :)

deri · May 2011

okay, got to the second step with the revealing files ATTRIB -H C:BOOT.INI and all that jazz, all of them came up with the error message "the system cannot find the file or directory specified" anybody?

Tushon · May 2011

Tushon said:
what does the cmd prompt line start with? c:\> or c:\somethingelse\>

Type "dir /a *.ini" (no quotes) and see if boot.ini is listed or not when at the root of the drive

Answer that question

Buzzinator · May 2011

I tried the first step where you type in CD .., but all it tells me is that there's no floppy disk or CD located in the drive. What the heck?

Tushon · May 2011

Buzzinator said:
I tried the first step where you type in CD .., but all it tells me is that there's no floppy disk or CD located in the drive. What the heck?

Did you successfully boot from your Windows XP cd? If not, you have a hardware problem in addition to w/e else is going on.

Buzzinator · May 2011

Yeah, booting via the CD is not a problem.

Tushon · May 2011

So then what is failing? Maybe you missed the two periods after the CD

cd ..

You are using "cd .." to change directory up a level to get to the root of the C drive

Bruce · May 2011

Attempted a repair install of XP pro, but it stops during "completing installation" at the 25 min mark. Tried rebuilding boot.ini to see if it would boot back into windows, but no luck...still boots to setup. Knoppix on DVD allows me to see that all my files are still intact. Any ideas will be appreciated in case a full install can be averted.

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Repairing Windows XP in Eight Commands

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