My system restore stopped working months ago. In trying to fix it, I corrupted my system registry without backing a backup. I have talked to three different Dell technicians and they have all gave me the same answer. I need to re-install windows. I can either pay big bucks to have someone recover my files, or figure out a way to do it myself. I can move small files onto a 1.44MB floppy in safe mode, but can I somehow save bigger files on perhaps a usb flash card. I wouldn't think that I could use USB in safe mode, but my keyboard and mouse both run off USB.

If the hard drive is more or less intact, and it's just a matter of not being able to launch windows, then you can always connect the hard drive as a slave or secondary master in another machine and recover your files there.

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Jsab,

Your system, makes registry backups, with out telling it to. How long, have you had this problem, of it booting to safe mode?

What, were you advised to do, and what have you done?

Have you tried, to restore the registry, to an earlier time?

Have you tried to fix the registry? ( Well, let the system do it )

Do I understand you correctly, that it boots into safe mode, and works?

I should have described this problem better. Windows will not start normally, I can only get it to start in safe mode, otherwise it's a blue screen error message. I was advised to restore the registry from one of the backups my computer automatically creates. This is what I did in the first place to screw it up, and none of the backups worked to fix it. I'm convinved the system registry is beyond repair. I like the idea of setting the HD up as a slave or secondary master to another computer, and have an older computer to do it to. However, I'm not sure how to do that. I'll look for instructions on the web on how to do it, but if anybody knows, please share.

Jsab,

"I like the idea of setting the HD up as a slave or secondary master to another computer, and have an older computer to do it to."

Jsab, how 'old' is this "other" computer? Will it see, this size of HDD?

With both computers turned OFF, (powered down) and UNPLUGGED. Remove the HDD, from the computer. If you are going to connect it, to the same ribbon cable (data) as the other HDD. Check the jumpers, and configure them for slave. (Or Cable Select, if supported) If you are putting it on the "secondary", as master, it shouldn't need changing. Unless, it's set for cable select, and it's not supported. Then it would have to be set to master. Also the power cable. That's just a simple explanation.

After, you have backed up your files. Put the HDD back, and try letting the system fix the registry. That can be done, by booting with an EBD (emergency boot disk), and as you did with the scanreg /restore, but use

scanreg /fix

What error, are you getting, at normal boot? Have you tried, to re-install video drivers, MB drivers (chip). Unplug and USB devices, (besides mouse & keyboard) LAN, ect. Any problems, showing in Device Manager? Sorry, I'm sure Dell, had you try different things ;-)

If you need more help, someone should be able to help you.

Until Later,
Good Luck

TIME OUT, TIME OUT

Flag on the play ;-) Is this computer, still under
** Warranty **

If so, disregard that, it'll void it. I'm sure. Well, as sure, as I can be. Better check.

Did a Windows Me installation CD come with your computer? If so, then your situation is probably better than you think.

Since none of the registry backups helped, most likely the registry is fine. It is probably some other part of Windows that is messed up.

Phil

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life."