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Help, can't boot up Windows XP

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by wufeinberg

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Please help. I have a Sony Vaio PC, running Windows XP. I can't get the computer to start Windows XP today.

When I turn on the computer, I first see a black screen with the Microsoft Windows XP flag/logo with the blue squares scrolling beneath. After a few seconds, I can hear the computer whirring and then I see this screen (black with white text):

"We apologize for the inconvenience but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding, restarted unexpectedly or was automatically shut down to protect your files and folders, choose Last Known Good Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interrupted due to power failure or because the power or reset button was pressed, or if you aren't sure what caused the problem, choose Start Windows normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Last Known Configuration
Start Windows Normally"

I tried every start up option but I always end up back at the error screen. The only thing that changed yesterday was that my husband turned off the electricity in the house in order to install a light fixture. I'm guessing the computer was in stand-by mode when he turned off all electricity.

Any thoughts? I'm desperate!

6 replies

by bogdan.botezatu

Did you install Roxio's EasyCD Creator or Daemon Tools or FoxBurner's VideoCD? There has been installed something (a driver, most frequently) that prevents Windows from booting. Start in safe mode and either restore the system back to one point where it was functional, or uninstall your last installed piece of software. Alternatively, you may choose "Last known goods configuration" optionfrom the boot menu.

by wufeinberg

hi, thanks for your reply! unfortunately, i can't even get the safe mode to start up. i tried to start up in every mode offered, including safe mode and last known good configuration. each time the computer sounds like it's starting up but then reverts back to the error screen. i didn't install any new CDs, software, or drivers lately. any other thoughts?

by bogdan.botezatu

Try booting from the Win XP CD. Select Repair in the menu. This will replace critical files in your Windows XP installation without the loss of your data.

by wufeinberg

thanks again. i'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out. i'm crossing my fingers...

by shevawn

Hi, I had this same problem after we lost power in a storm. Did you ever get your computer working properly? If so, what did you do?

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