I downloaded a program that messed up my Windows 2k. Anytime I turn on the computer I get a ntdetect failed message and I don't have a windows installation CD-ROM to repair or reinstall the OS. (the computer was a gift and it was set up for me) Windows costs $200-300. Is there a cheaper way I can get Win2k installed or is there a cheaper product I can buy that'll install whatever files are missing and get the computer working again? A clerk in the electronics store told me I can get Windows if I just install Microsoft Office 2003. I won't get any of my old files back but my OS will be running again and it'll only cost me $60. He wasn't 100% sure though that it would work since my laptop doesn't even show my desktop. Will MS Office 2003 be able to help or not?

et2005

First off, no version of Office will fix windows.

U don't blame you for not wanting to spend for w2k; I wouldn't.

You might consider one of the many flavors of linux. They're free; you just pay a couple bucks for the disks/books.

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If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

Try F8 when you boot. See if there is a choice for last known good config or something like that.

If that doesn't work, you may be able to download w2k from one of those russian FTP sites. They have everything. Just look for an FTP search engine. Why should you have to pay? You legally owned the machine and the OS already.

Other than that, FreeBSD or as mentioned Linux. I prefer FreeBSD.

Depending on the model laptop you have, you might be able to find a restore cd on ebay.

If not, you can try here...

http://restoredisks.com

I haven't tried them yet so I can't tell you how good their service is.

http://www.crazydecal.com/surplusbytes/prodpages/dellrestoredisk.htm

The above website is also surplusbytes at ebay $12.99 with free shipping ain't bad.

I have dealt with this person many times
he is honest and dependable.

Thanks for all the advice, guys! I appreciate it.

I've tried the F8 and saved the last good configuration but I still get the "NTDetect Failed" message.

RE: the restore disk

Is a Windows 2K "restore disk" the same as a Windows 2K "boot disk"? (because I purchased the latter and it didn't work either) :(

et2005

W2k boot disk? Is it a CD or a floppy? If it's a CD, then make sure that the boot sequence in the BIOS is correct. If it's a floppy, it's worthless for NTFS.

It's actully a CD. The boot sequence I arranged is 1. CD-Rom 2. Hard Drive 3. Diskette. On this boot sequence, I get a WINDOWS 2000 SETUP heading with the following message: "Setup needs to know where the Windows 2000 files are located. Enter the path where Windows 2000 files are to be found." Beneath it is the default path of Z:\I386SP3. And when I hit enter, the next message I get is "Windows 2000 requires a hard drive volume with at least 217 megabytes of free disk space" That's why I think the "boot disk" I got isn't working. Or am I missing something? Is there a specific path I can type that'll locate my Win2k files.

Also, both the "Load Last Saved Values" and the "Load Factory Defaults" commands on the Boot "disk" don't help either.

et2005

I don't see how it would be the Z drive. D would be my guess.
The only other thing I would try is dowmload the diagnostic program from the HD maufacturer's site and run that.
Yes, it still could be the boot disk is no good.
Another thing is the Ultimate Boot CD.
Free on the net.