Expert: Brian Benosky - 9/18/2008

Question
Hi Brian,

I don't know if you know anything regarding the following problem but, if you do, I really need your help.

Because my PC used to operate with ME and was updated to XP Home, my filing system was FAT 32.  Due to the fact that NTFS is a better system, I decided to convert from FAT 32 to NTFS using the XP built-in converter.  All seemed well except for one major problem...after startup and after approx. 3 to 5 minutes, a blue screen appears that reads: "a problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer  BAD_POOL_HEADER"  then the message goes on telling you lots more regarding uninstalling any recent programs  etc. (there has been no real recent programs and naturally this error is caused by something to do with the conversion).

I tried rebooting many times and the same problem keeps happening.  After approx 3-5 minutes it reverts to the same blue screen message in ALL circumstances..i.e.. If I log on as normal, if I don't log on and don't do anything.

Brian, If you can help solve this problem it would be very, very much appreciated.

Needless to say, I am able to write to you because I am using my wife's computer.

Steen

Answer
Hi Steen

Obviously the conversion did not succeed, so a repair install of XP might be helpful.  Use the procedure outlined here:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

You will repair XP and will not lose documents and programs this way.  Let me know how you make out.

Brian