Windows XP Home SP3 Cant boot into safe mode from a crash Sony laptop VGN-A790

Anonymous

I get to the window that shows safe mode safe mode with networking, and last good configuration none of which works. If I choose safe mode, I get a black screen with a long list, such as multi(0) disk(0) rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\compbatt.sys and about 50 others.

I am not sure if this happened because I updated java plug in later reading with xp it should be uninstalled, since there is no longer support for xp. The only recovery disc I have is for xp pro sp 2, but I need to get one that is xp home with sp3. XP home came installed on the laptop at purchase, and has since been updated to sp3. Is there a way to create a bootable disc using sp3 from a computer using windows 7, I have borrowed from a friend for 48 hours.

The only other disc I have is the one that sets it back to factory settings supplied by Sony, but can't do that, since I will loose files. The disc wont do it anyway since I have ie7 or 8 and SP3 is installed. I have tried F8 multiple times with no luck, however I am using a wireless keyboard, although the arrow keys work to choose safe mode, after that, I can't get past the long list (example above), and leaving it idle at the screen with the list sends it back into a recycle of reboot. Choosing anything else in the list does nothing including last good config. I have no known way of seeing a blue screen.

I have no backup of files and can't loose 10 years of work, etc. I had a similar issue once before when my hard drive died about 3 years ago, but since have replaced the hard drive, and files were transferred using Ubuntu. I could download ubuntu to a USB drive that is bootable and try that I just don't recall from the last time if I left that option available in the bios for future issues in case I needed it but I think I did, if there is a way that I can fix it using Ubuntu? I won't be replacing this computer until November, so I need to get it back working again, any help or suggestions will be much appreciated as I was in the middle of a job.

Kindly,

Stacey

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54 answers

Anonymous

2014-07-22T12:19:58+00:00

Hi,

No, you cannot install from Windows XP Pro

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-windows_install/install-xp-home-edition-with-professionnal-cd/9e88f24a-4930-40af-897a-891002414e4a

Try using this to restore the computer

Home computer restore CD for Windows Home Server (See install instructions)

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5587

Download the file

Select the "Run" option on the pop-up box and you will start the installation process.

Wait for the "readme.txt" file to appear on your computer screen. When this file appears, that means the installation process has finished. The "readme.txt" file provides you with the instructions on how to burn the Windows XP bootable CD. However, the actions required in this stage will instruct you to place a blank CD-ROM into your CD drive, click "Enter" on your keyboard when prompted to do so and when the CD burning process has finished, the Windows XP restore CD that will assist you in the process of booting your computer will be ejected from the CD drive automatically

You can slipstream Service Packs

SP2

http://winsupersite.com/product-review/slipstreaming-windows-xp-service-pack-2-sp2

SP3

http://www.howtohaven.com/system/slipstream-xp-service-pack-3.shtml
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Anonymous

2014-07-22T23:45:30+00:00

Hello,

Thank you so much for the help. I think I am unable to click run because I am using a borrowed computer for a few days running windows 7 and can't install anything that could change that. Do I have any other options for creating an xp home cd without buying a new disk? You can see me original post here thanks again for the help!
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Anonymous

2014-07-23T01:38:13+00:00

XP installation cd,w/o the service packs can be used for youre problem(s).

Boot pc to BIOS,in BIOS,install xp cd,set BIOS to boot pc to cd (boot priority),

set hd 2nd,save & exit.At xp cd boot menu,tap the r key (recovery console),

select 1 for C: press enter for password.Type: FixBoot Agree,type: CHKDSK C: /R

Once its thru,type: EXIT Let xp start auto.Also,a cd with repairs on it wont help

unless you reach windows explorer,also the problems would be in the OS,not

software updates,SP2 SP3,wont help repair windows files & folders.
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Anonymous

2014-07-23T01:51:38+00:00

I don't have a bootable cd, only a factory cd,(the oem cd wont do anything since the system has upgraded to sp3 the factory cd is sp1) I get a blank screen. I've tried Hirens, but only can see a picture of sky and grass no icons, and no start menu, my cd is already bootable, don't need to go into bios. How do I get a bootable cd that works, I can't use F8 I have tried 20 times.
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Anonymous

2014-07-23T02:27:00+00:00

Hello,

Thank you so much for the help. I think I am unable to click run because I am using a borrowed computer for a few days running windows 7 and can't install anything that could change that. Do I have any other options for creating an xp home cd without buying a new disk? You can see me original post here thanks again for the help!

You can purchase 1 CD at Staples and I believe Walmart

Download the file and select Save As from the menu

Save it to a folder or to the desktop

Does your friend (owner of borrowed computer) have software to burn CD's? I recommend using ImgBurn. It works great.

http://imgburn.com/

Ask your friend if it is ok to burn a CD and if you can use ImgBurn.

Do you have a Recovery CD? Have you tried using it to Recover the system?

Is your computer a Dell system?

Try pressing Shift > Restart the system and begin tapping F8. It may take a couple of tries and may work.
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