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Unable to make System Restore in XP

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by suniltr77

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My computer is set to get automatic updates and the windows genuine advantage velidation tool has been installed quite a long back. Yesterday while searching for a sound card update in the optional category I found the WGAV tool again in the category. Alongwith other updates I installed that. After the restart I found the welcome screen a bit different, like having many users.I have to clik my a/c(though I am the only user). But the CD drive does not show up under MY Computer. Neither it reads any CD/DVD.I tried in the boot menu but unable to solve that.So I tried to restore my XP, But after the restore process it gives a message that this cann't be restored, try another point(for any restore point).This way I am unable to format my PC even.
Anybody please help.

16 replies

by rob miners

Troubleshooting steps for issues when you try to use the System Restore tool in Windows XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302796

Restart your computer and press [F8] during the initial startup.
When you see the Windows Advanced Options Menu, select the Safe Mode with a Command Prompt option.
Select the Windows XP operating system.
Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.
Type the following command at a command prompt:
C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
Follow the onscreen instructions to restore your computer to an earlier state.

How and Where System Restore Points are saved:

Restore points are saved in under x:\system volume information\_restore{558C94FD-3C7F-4954-A02D-
26679E6D849E}. Each restore point's files are saved in a folder named RPXX where XX is a two digit number
corresponding to the restore point.

Let us know how you get on.

by mamies

This is the best option I have seen for such a problem unless a virus is to blame, then this may not clear the virus and the problem may arise again. A clean reboot would take care of this but is also more user dependant

by suniltr77

First the post screen remains for about 3-4 mins.(since this problem happened.)I tried to press F8 but it started windows normally.Then I done a switch off to give the error console in the next start-up so that I can enter in to the command prompt.But then also the windows started normally. I don't know how to format the C drive or to upgrade the bios.

by horus_k64

If your operating system is giving you trouble this is what you need to do

1. Back up all your important documents and files first.

2.On the BIOS settings, select to boot up from the CD drive.

3.Put in the XP CD.

4.Determine how much space is XP going to occupy on the harddisk.

5. Install XP.

6. After the installation process, switch back to boot from Harddisk.See if the CD can be recognized by going to my computer.

7.If not, then switch off your computer, check the molex connectors from the motherboard to your CD-ROM. If they are connected properly, if not, then unplug the connectors,put them back again. I hope this helps.

8.Any problems, further solutions will be provided.

by mamies

This may not work due to pre packaged machine. You may not have an XP disk although a Recovery Disk if you purchased your machine from HP, DELL, Toshiba etc. If so you may state and we can go from there

by suniltr77

I had already done that. As if it seems that the Bios has been corrupted. I want to make the bios updated.But I don't know whether it is possible to do that through a USB flash.

by honey_11

if you just want to make your cd/dvd drive appear try this-

Restart the pc>go to bios>select the default configuration>save changes & exit.

Please reply after trying this.

by suniltr77

I tried it. But noway it is showing up. Neither it reads too.

by suniltr77

Honey you took a U turn. My prob. is unrecognised CD/DVD drive. I am unable to boot from a CD/DVD drive.( Boot sequence is changed already)

by rob miners

so the BIOS is not recognising your DVD, can I take it that it is not showing up in the BIOS. Check the cable and power connections to the drive. Unplug them and push them back in firmly. It could be caused by a failed Drive. Have you got access to another CD/DVD drive, if so slot it in the PC in place of the old one. Take note of the jumper settings on the rear of the unit.

You could do a Google or check your Motherboard Manual to reset the BIOS back to Default if you think that could be a problem.

Let us know how you get on.

by rob miners

can you get around in it. If you can see if this works. Then boot int Safe Mode and at a command prompt type in
chkdsk /r

Start, Control Panel, System, Advanced, Startup and Recovery, Settings and System startup.
Select Edit

This is a sample for XP Pro
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

Edit the original boot.ini (shown above) so it appears as shown below.

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional Safe" /fastdetect

by hckradm2005

So far what I have understand from the posts with the CD drive you have tested (the cd drive) with another computer. Have you put a different working drive into the computer? Just to see if the MB itself is not working?

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