Can't boot into safe mode

[enreil]

Hello,

I don't usually like to ask for help making my computer work, but I have hit a wall with this one.

A few days ago I was browsing the Internet for a restaurant to take some friends to. Upon typing in one restaurant's web address--BAM!--virus. I had been negligent on updaing my virus definitions. Anyway, as soon as Symantec told me it detected a virus, I disconnected my CAT-5 cable, then realized I needed to update my definitions. So I reconnected, ran Live Update, then disconnected and scanned my computer. Symantec was able to quarantine two files.

I thought everything was just fine, and I could use my computer normally. However, when I later shut the computer down and tried to restart, I got a real pretty Blue Screen of Death that flickered very briefly, after which my computer rebooted itself. I can get into the BIOS just fine, and I get a message from Windows giving me the option to boot normally or to safe mode. Neither option works. As soon as the XP icon with the status bar below it appears, the computer immediately restarts.

Does anybody have any advice? Thanks!

enreil

[epots9]

insert the XP cd and boot from the cd, when everything is loaded instead of installing windows, press R to enter the repair console.

Once the repair console is loaded, type:

cd \
 

or

cd ..
 

to have it point to the c: drive and not c:\windows. then type:

chkdsk /R
 

then it will scan your disk and repairs it (will take while depending on harddive size, harddrive speed, computer speed, etc.). Once completed type:

exit
 

the computer will restart, tell us how it goes.

good luck

[enreil]

Thanks, ePots!

That did the trick. Once I was able to complete chkdsk, I was able to boot. Appreciate the help!

enreil

[bobbyb1]

have an original error "error loading operating system", tried to reboot into safe mode, no joy...I had made a copy of my boot disk, won't recognize it--still shows "error loading operating system"

I think it might be a BIOS problem, or registry.

Have XP Pro (originally bundled with system), American Megatrends BIOS v. 1.54SIS, M848A 2003 release

Maxtor 80GB HDD, on AMD 2400 platform

Thanks for any help===notify me at [e-mail]