Re: off topic: Windows problem

Hi,

I would use your linux LiveCD to mount the local harddrive and extract
all the relevant data off it (to another computer/usb drive/external
harddrive etc). In my experience, trying to debug windows problems is
impossible, you'll never get it working quite right again. So, after
extracting her data, just do a complete format/reinstall (of linux, if
you dont want to deal with these kinds of problems again) and copy the
data back when its done.

Also, if you think the hard drive is failing, see here:
http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/linux-find-out-if-harddisk-failing.html

Erin



On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 5:32 AM, Rose McGillicuddy
<[email protected]> wrote:
>  Hi all
>
> I've been googling this but thought I'd tap into local knowledge!
>
> I have a friend's laptop NEC Versa E2000, CPU 1500Mhz, 256 memory, 4000Mb
> HD, WinXP I don't know if she has SP3 or not, and neither does she.
>
> It gives the "We aplologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start
> successfully message ..."
> She had not updated any software or hardware she thinks, but is totally
> awash with computers :-)
>
> I've tried all the modes it offers, but the same message repeats over and
> over.  She doesn't have a WinXP disk, so I tried mine, but it won't go
> beyond admin password, where I simply pressed enter.
>
> I can load a knoppix live CD and access the internet, so just wondering what
> ideas anyone might have?
>
> Many thanks
> Rose
>
> She is open to using Linux, but I'd like to get any files back for her.
>  I've read it could be a failing hard drive?  Is there a way I can check
> that using the knoppix live CD?
>
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