Operating system does not start (the logon screen does not appear)
Feature: Last Known Good
When to use it: When you suspect that a change you made to your computer
before restarting might be causing the failure.
What it does: Restores the registry settings and drivers that were in
effect the last time the computer started successfully.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see To start the computer using the last known good
configuration.
Feature: Safe Mode and System Restore
When to use it: If you used Last Known Good and your system is still not
working.
What it does: Starts using only basic files and drivers (mouse, except
serial mice; monitor; keyboard; mass storage; base video; default system
services; and no network connections). If you are able to start the system
in Safe Mode, you can then use System Restore to restore all system and
application settings back to those that were in effect at at a time when
your system was working optimally.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see System Restore overview or Start the computer in
safe mode.
Feature: Recovery Console
When to use it: If using Last Known Good is unsuccessful, and you cannot
start the computer in Safe Mode. This method is recommended only if you are
an advanced user who can use basic commands to identify and locate problem
drivers and files. To use the Recovery Console, restart the computer with
the installation CD for the operating system in the CD drive. When prompted
during text-mode setup, press R to start the Recovery Console.
What it does: From the Recovery Console, you can access the drives on your
computer. You can then make any of the following changes so that you can
start your computer:
a.. Enable or disable device drivers or services.
b.. Copy files from the installation CD for the operating system, or
copy files from other removable media. For example, you can copy an
essential file that had been deleted.
c.. Create a new boot sector and new master boot record (MBR). You might
need to do this if there are problems starting from the existing boot
sector.
Available on: All versions of Windows XP.
For more information, see Recovery Console overview.
Feature: Automated System Recovery
When to use it: After all other attempts at recovery fail, or if you have
replaced a damaged system hard drive. You must have previously used Backup
to create an Automated System Recovery set.
What it does: Automated System Recovery restores all disk signatures,
volumes, and partitions on the disks required to start the computer.
Automated System Recovery then installs a simplified installation of Windows
and automatically starts a restoration using the backup created by the
Automated System Recovery wizard.
Available on: Windows XP Professional. Automated System Recovery is not
available on Windows XP Home Edition.
For more information, see Automated System Recovery overview.
Feature: Windows Installation compact disc
When to use it: When you cannot start the computer in Safe Mode, neither
Last Known Good nor Recovery Console has been successful, and you have no
backup to use with Automated System Recovery.
What it does: Reinstalls the operating system. You will then need to
reinstall your applications and restore your data files from backups.
Available on: All versions of Windows XP.
Lawrence Voon
from usenet. Sorry I don't have xp, wish I could be of more help.