Huge computer problem please help!

[Autobot77]

My problem started Sunday when I kept getting the screen which gives you the "Safe Mode" option, but no matter what I clicked I kept getting the "Safe Mode" screen. I called tech support and after I followed his suggestions I got a screen that said " Load needed DLLs for kernel" etc. The tech guy said I'd have to reinstall and would probably lose everything.
Monday I went and googled the error message to see if I could find more options, and which brought me to this forum. I followed the directions for the guide to reinstalling windows, however it set up a new Windows directory on my H drive (Before it was on my C drive).

1. Are my files still on my computer or did I screw up and erase everything? If my files are still on my computer how can I access them?
2. When I start my computer I get a menu giving me a choice of several Windows systems to choose from, one will get me to the new installation the other choices I will still get the same error message.
3. I could not find the Windows CD that came with my PC so I used a Windows XP professional edition that I had on my last computer. The PC I have now has XP home edition. Would this cause a problem?

Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.

Matt

[The Straight Story]

1. Kicking - have to run for a school open house for my daughter

If no one helps ya I will when I get back this evening (have to leave in about 5 minutes so not enough time to write much and reply)

[pokerfan]

2. Try booting without the keyboard plugged in

Just to remove a keyboard hardware failure as a possible cause.

[Fredda Weinberg]

3. I think you'll recover your data

1. Are my files still on my computer or did I screw up and erase everything? If my files are still on my computer how can I access them?

Unless you chose the option to reformat your drive, your original data should be available. You may have to search for other "Documents and Settings" folders where the previous OS was installed.

2. When I start my computer I get a menu giving me a choice of several Windows systems to choose from, one will get me to the new installation the other choices I will still get the same error message.

Boot into the new Windows and look around your hard drive, starting from C:\. You should see the old Windows file hierarchy ... see the previous answer for direction.

3. I could not find the Windows CD that came with my PC so I used a Windows XP professional edition that I had on my last computer. The PC I have now has XP home edition. Would this cause a problem?

You've given the PC a brain transplant ... the XP Pro is nothing more than data files at this point. There's very little difference in operation, so unless you're a developer running server services, you won't notice.

[Autobot77]

7. I hope I will...

Unless you chose the option to reformat your drive, your original data should be available. You may have to search for other "Documents and Settings" folders where the previous OS was installed.

Ok right now Windows is running from my "H:/" drive. Before everything was, I'm assuming, on my "C:/" drive. Right now when I clock on C drive and click "documents and settings" I don't see any of my old files.

Boot into the new Windows and look around your hard drive, starting from C:\. You should see the old Windows file hierarchy ... see the previous answer for direction.

Okay I've done that but still nothing.

[Fredda Weinberg]

8. Are there any other instances of "Documents and Settings"?

The new install would make an empty one, but the old stuff should still be there - do you see the old Windows folder?

[Autobot77]

9. Yes there are on the C drive

but I don't see any files. I checked the Windows folder off of the C drive also, (C:/Windows)unless theres another one I'm missing.

[Fredda Weinberg]

10. The original D&S, assuming you kept the defaults, would be

under the root of C:, you should see a corresponding hierarchy under the new H: drive designator.

Is there a file name you can search for?

It's not normal for a fresh install of Windows to blow away old D&S folders, but the original failure may have corrupted the file system. I've had success using recovery software - I hesitate to recommend any titles, but a quick search will show free trials.

[Autobot77]

11. I got some recovery software

...and I recovered some of my lost files. Should I just resintall Windows now? How do I reinstall and make it so Windows is just running on 1 drive like it should?

[Xipe Totec]

4. Buy a new hard drive, they're cheap.

You can get a new drive for $100 or less.

Install the new drive as primary, switch the current drive to slave.

Install new operating system onto new hard drive.

Your old files will be available to you on the old drive.

Copy the files you need from the old drive to the new.

Disconnect the old drive and put it away, in case you realize you forgot to copy something you really needed.

[Fredda Weinberg]

5. He's already got a fresh install ... no need for new hardware

If the drive wasn't reformatted during the install, the data should still be there. But in general, yes, I would start with a fresh drive as well.

[Xipe Totec]

6. Yea, I see that now

More than a brain transplant, he's got two OS installations; that's a pain in the butt.

[Fire Walk With Me]

12. When attacked by huge computers, your best bet is to turn the hose on them.

Although they tend to fight back with dazzling weaponry and tactics. Plus, you'd have to tow away their sizzling, sparking carcasses yourself.

Who, oh who, unleashed such monstrosities upon us!?

[Autobot77]

13. Maybe I should've described the problem as HUGH!!!1! instead of huge

Then you'd understand it more...just kidding :silly: :silly: