The Windows XP operating system has quite a number of advantages over previous versions, but it still knows how to create troubles for users. For example, if you do not have an uninterruptible power supply, and electricity is often cut off, then the computer, of course, has no way to shut down correctly. So the hard drive can be physically damaged, not to mention the safety of documents and settings.
Necessary
- - installation disk;
- - a system rescue disk.
Instructions
Step 1
In this case, each time you turn on the computer, it can bring unpleasant surprises. In particular, after the equipment is diagnosed, nothing may happen, i.e. The OS will freeze during the boot process. Or, a black screen with a blinking cursor will simply appear, which does not respond to any of your actions. If the OS does manage to boot, it may start behaving unpredictably: it may display messages about unknown errors, "hang" during operation, ignore some drivers, and much more. In Windows XP Professional, all of these problems are fairly easy to fix.
Step 2
If recovery is not prohibited in the settings of your operating system, then at the end of each work session, installing new software or drivers, adding devices, etc., the computer automatically creates checkpoints, i.e. "Remembers" and saves the configuration of the system at the time of the end of the session. You can also create them yourself.
Step 3
At any time you can return to any of the control points, i.e. restore, or "roll back", the system. All computer parameters will be the same as they were at the time of the checkpoint creation, and all created documents will be saved. This can be done using standard Windows tools: "Start" - "Programs" - "Accessories" - "System Tools" - "System Restore". But what if the OS "freezes" during the boot process or does not boot at all?
Step 4
While the computer is diagnosing the hardware, hold down the F8 key, otherwise you may skip the desired screen. Then, instead of the familiar Windows icon, a list of different ways to boot the system will appear. The simplest of them, which is suitable in this case, is "Loading the most successful configuration (with working parameters)". Moving between the items on this menu using the arrows, select the indicated method and press Enter. The system will load the last known good configuration, i.e. that checkpoint when the computer was shut down normally. For the OS, this means that you had no complaints about its work.
Step 5
After booting the system, check its operability: whether it "hangs", whether errors appear, whether all programs and drivers are working normally, etc. If you still feel uncomfortable with her job, try doing it differently. Restart your computer again, but now start the OS in "Safe Mode". In this case, only a minimal set of drivers and programs are loaded, there is no access to network connections. If the system is working normally in Safe Mode, then your assumption is correct: the failure is associated with a hardware or software update.
Step 6
After powering off the computer, disconnect all newly installed devices, reconnect one of them and start the system in normal mode. If it does not start again, then it was this device that caused the problem. Perform this procedure with all new devices. Check the hardware compatibility with your OS, install the drivers that came with it, download them from the manufacturer's official website, or roll back to the previous, working ones. If these steps do not work, you will most likely have to stop using hardware with this OS.
Step 7
If the system still does not start, you cannot do without the Recovery Console. Just keep in mind that mastering it is not an easy task for a not very experienced user. And if you are the owner of Windows XP Home Edition, even if you have installation and rescue discs, you can hardly do without the help of qualified specialists: it requires some knowledge and skill to use. Its commands are written in DOS format, require a clear knowledge of the syntax, as well as the operators necessary for your purposes. It will be easier for you to reinstall the system using the same installation disc.
