Expert: Brian Benosky - 3/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian,

I wasn't able to send another follow-up to your last answer - AllExperts.com wouldn't allow it.

The codes I got with the BSOD were:

0X0000007E (0XC0000005, 0X804D92C2, 0XF9013080, 0XF9012D7C)

At the time, I tried copying the message (and wasn't able to do it) and I did not think of making a screen image, so I don't have the associated message.

I'm hesitant right now to restart my computer because I don't know if the restore point I created yesterday will work - and it took me a few hours to make my computer current after using the 2 week old restore point that worked.

I'll create another restore point today (maybe one of them will work) in case you actually need the content of the message.

Thank you again.

Steven

ANSWER: Hi Steven

You will need to boot from an XP disc (any disc will do, it doesn't have to be the one you installed it with).  At system start up, after inserting the disc and pressing any key to boot from it, press r on the XP setup screen.  This will load the Windows Recovery Console.  Once you are at the command prompt, type chkdsk /r (note the space between the k and the /).  Allow the computer to check your machine for errors.  This can take quite a while, so let it run and come back later.  When finished, type exit at the C: prompt and the computer will reboot.  

The error seems to be from a bad system file, which can be fixed using the above method.  If it doesn't work and the machine goes to the BSOD again, reboot in Safe Mode to see if that loads normally.  If it gets stuck, let me know the last file that it stuck on.  Hopefully though, the recovery will fix the problem.

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,

You are certainly the ultimate geek - and I mean that as a complement.  I don't think that I'll be able to do anything until tomorrow late afternoon or Tuesday (I have a bunch of doctor appointments tomorrow for pain management -sometimes it sucks getting old!)

My one question is how do I boot up from an Xp disc if when I restart the computer I automatically get the BSOD? Or, alternatively, if the computer boots up OK, how do I stop it from booting up automatically so I can boot up from the disc?.

Steven

Answer
Hi Steven

I certainly understand the rigors of getting older.  I'm only (!) 43, yet things have started breaking down already!  I'll not going anywhere, so I will get back to you asap whenever you decide to try chkdsk.  

To boot to a CD, check your BIOS by noting during boot up the Key Commands needed to access the BIOS, this will be a text message usually at the bottom of the screen.  Usually, it's the DEL or F2 key.  If your system has a splash screen with the OEM logo hiding the boot up screen, press ESC as soon as you start boot up.  When you get into the BIOS, navigate it using the arrow keys, and look for the screen that allows you to change the boot sequence.  Set it to boot from CD before the hard drive in the boot sequence.  Laptops for the most part do not need to access the BIOS, and will boot directly.

Brian