DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Unable to boot windows xp

9 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/unable-to-boot-windows-xp.159468/

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psr Original post #1
Jul 2, 2012 at 6:40 PM
I have a Compaq Celeron 1 Ghz PC with 1 gb of RAM with Windows XP SP2 installed on it. Since yesterday when my nephew used the computer and shut the computer in a improper way, I have been unable to boot my PC. When i start my PC, it starts with the screen showing last known configuration, start in safe mode, start in safe mode with networking, start windows normally etc. When I click on any of the above options, the screen shows the Compaq logo and then again shows the same screen containing last known configuration, start in safe mode, start in safe mode etc. What should i do? Do i need to reformat the C drive? It would also help if you direct me to past posts in this forum for solutions.
dashing.sujay
Jul 2, 2012 at 8:12 PM
Did you tried booting into safe mode to be precise?
E
enVolt #3
Jul 2, 2012 at 9:13 PM
try this : go to bios setup,
and reset settings to default, it will solve your problem
topgear
topgear #4
Jul 3, 2012 at 6:08 AM
@ psr - how can you click on any of the menu option like - Safe mode or Last known good config - select safe mode and hit enter - if windows loads reboot and use last known good config and see whether this fix your issue or not.
stonecaper
Jul 3, 2012 at 7:17 AM
get your xp cd
set your boot device priority to cd drive first from bios
insert the cd
restart
press any key to boot the cd
let windows load the files
accept the license agreement
when the drive selection menu comes choose the same drive where the previous xp location is located
windows xp will find the previous installation and will ask if u wanna repair or not,
choose yes
tech_boy
Jul 3, 2012 at 10:53 AM
@ psr - how can you click on any of the menu option like - Safe mode or Last known good config - select safe mode and hit enter - if windows loads reboot and use last known good config and see whether this fix your issue or not.

If that does not help then here is your solution:
How-to repair Windows XP - Geeks to Go Forums
audiophilic
Jul 3, 2012 at 2:53 PM
get your xp cd
set your boot device priority to cd drive first from bios
insert the cd
restart
press any key to boot the cd
let windows load the files
accept the license agreement
when the drive selection menu comes choose the same drive where the previous xp location is located
windows xp will find the previous installation and will ask if u wanna repair or not,
choose yes

You forgot to say that if he doesn't place the cable wiring to sata ports in sequence of boot, it may never boot from windows, even after repair. :wink:
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psr #8
Jul 4, 2012 at 3:20 PM
Originally Posted by stonecaper View Post
get your xp cd
set your boot device priority to cd drive first from bios
insert the cd
restart
press any key to boot the cd
let windows load the files
accept the license agreement
when the drive selection menu comes choose the same drive where the previous xp location is located
windows xp will find the previous installation and will ask if u wanna repair or not,
choose yes

Thanks for the response.

After doing the above process upto license agreement it doesnt show the location where the XP is installed and doesnt ask if to repair or not but instead shows all my drives including C drive and asks it where i want to install the XP. But the problem is that it shows the C drive as completely empty.
There after I reinstalled XP in the C drive. But now the problem is that i am getting the resolution and color very low. This may be due to the driver of the monitor which i am unable to find. My monitor is Compaq 5500 series. Please help me solve the problem and get the drivers.
dude_gamer
Jul 4, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Have you tried below steps:
Right click on the desktop---> go to properties.

*www.top-windows-tutorials.com/image-files/change-screen-resolution-xp-step2.jpg

Click on Settings TAB.
change Screen resolution to 1024 x 768 & Colour Quality 32 bit.
which motherboard do you have?