Computer,HP, shut down in a storm even with surge protector.

When starting up it keeps returning to the page that offers different start options, safe mode, start normally, return to last known working config etc. tried all options but still returns to the same page after going through HP page then Windows logo page.

How to get working normally again,looks like it should be simple but frustrating.

boot from your XP CD and choose 'repair'

^Not quite that simple. Google "repair install" for the procedure. I assume you don't want to fool around w/ the command line interface.

First of all: if you have important things on the HD: make a backup.

It could be that you have a broken HD and every start makes it worse and a repair may finally kill it.

So backup first.

First of all: if you have important things on the HD: make a backup.

It could be that you have a broken HD and every start makes it worse and a repair may finally kill it.

So backup first.

Excellent. Now, for the OP, backup how w/ no OS?

(Not that I'm saying it's impossible.)

Try starting in Safe Mode then load your last restore point.

Try starting in Safe Mode then load your last restore point.

I think the OP has tried and cannot get into safe mode.

If you have a legit XP boot disk then reseach on the internet 'using the recovery console' the commands you are looking for are fixmbr and fixboot. These two commands will fix any corruption to you XP system. I would talk you through it but I would need to refresh myself on the procedure and my computer is tied up with a long download at present. If you get nowhere with other posts then PM me later and I will try to help.

Edited August 22, 201214 yr by sysardman

First of all: if you have important things on the HD: make a backup.

It could be that you have a broken HD and every start makes it worse and a repair may finally kill it.

So backup first.

Excellent. Now, for the OP, backup how w/ no OS?

(Not that I'm saying it's impossible.)

The OP is posting here....w/ no OS....so he can backup the HD the same way.....

Put it in another computer

Bring it to the next computer repair shop together with usb drive or a large usb stick and copy

Everything might be a bit difficult but way easier that having the data recovered from a recovery service.

First of all: if you have important things on the HD: make a backup.

It could be that you have a broken HD and every start makes it worse and a repair may finally kill it.

So backup first.

Excellent. Now, for the OP, backup how w/ no OS?

(Not that I'm saying it's impossible.)

The OP is posting here....w/ no OS....so he can backup the HD the same way.....

Put it in another computer

Bring it to the next computer repair shop together with usb drive or a large usb stick and copy

Everything might be a bit difficult but way easier that having the data recovered from a recovery service.

I think if the OP is still following this thread then what I suggested might avoid all the trouble and has a good chance of succeeding. Had the same situation myself a few times and the recovery console did the trick, also doesn't cost any money so it's worth a shot. If it doesn't work it will not make his problem worse so he can still do the other things suggested. After all it is a Microsoft utility designed for these situations.

The OP is posting here....w/ no OS....so he can backup the HD the same way.....

You mean, using a Galaxy mobile phone or an internet cafe?

Put it in another computer

The fact the OP is asking this question indicates that he would lack the expertise. Probably just has a notebook as his other computer if that.

Bring it to the next computer repair shop together with usb drive or a large usb stick and copy

Everything might be a bit difficult but way easier that having the data recovered from a recovery service.

Nah. IF this is a Windows problem, the repair install or fixmbr and fixboot (suggested above; OP, google for them) will do it.

The OP is posting here....w/ no OS....so he can backup the HD the same way.....

You mean, using a Galaxy mobile phone or an internet cafe?

Put it in another computer

The fact the OP is asking this question indicates that he would lack the expertise. Probably just has a notebook as his other computer if that.

Bring it to the next computer repair shop together with usb drive or a large usb stick and copy

Everything might be a bit difficult but way easier that having the data recovered from a recovery service.

Nah. IF this is a Windows problem, the repair install or fixmbr and fixboot (suggested above; OP, google for them) will do it.

Agree with you totally 'why use a sledgehammer to crack a walnut'. As I said I've had this situation myself a few times with my own and my family's computers and it may sound daunting messing with the DOS console but it's really, really simple. I'm not pooh-poohing other suggestions but they all sound expensive to me if, as mentioned by JSixpack, the OP does not have this stuff to hand.

PS I get the feeling from the lack of response that the OP is not following this thread anyway - if you are give us an update please.

Edited August 23, 201214 yr by sysardman