hey there. woke up this morning, and my machine was frozen. No big deal, i thought. did a reset, and when it gets to the desktop on boot, it freezes again. no task bar, just the clock and the "Start" button, and the desktop wallpaper. Cannot access the "Start" button (when I move the mouse to the button, clock or task bar, I get the hourglass). I can access the task manager, but everything in there looks fine (no unexpected programs, etc.) Cannot boot into Safe, Safe w/Network, Safe w/command, or last know good settings, as I get the same lockup. Tried safe w/command, then tried to run SFC, but certain services were not loaded and unable to continue. I can access task manager, but the programs listed all seem fine. I really REALLY don't want to reformat/reinstall, but if I have to, I will. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks Gerg

How to do a system repair.--Boot from the xp cd and go past the recovery console to the install menu. Select repair the existing installation. You won't lose any data except the xp updates. Unless you have a slipstream sp1 Or SP2 cd you will have to d/l sp1 or sp2 and all subsequent updates. You MUST have at least SP1 installed and the updates for security reasons. Be sure the firewall and A/V is active before going online as you will be susceptible to sasser and msblaster. http://computervitals.com/

Since you can get into taskmanager. I would try this first. Open up taskman and click file then newtask..Type in Msconfig press ok then go to the services tab and check the box that says hide microsoft services. After making sure you check that box you will see a small list of services click disable all. Then go to the startup tab do the same thing..Making sure you select Hide all microsoft services. Then disable all the addon programs that startup with windows. If you notice afterwards that your system starts up correctly. Enable one program\service at a time untill you find the problem. VeL

no luck on the msconfig. I disabled all startup items, and disabled all non microsoft services, same result. I did notice that there was an optionm for "use original boot ini" or "use modified boot ini". Which is the correct one to use? Mine had "modified" selected. thanks gerg

If you are not running a dual operating system try the original boot.ini Tweaker a new website for windows

No luck. Tried the original boot.ini, tried to do a repair, same results. I'll probably have to slave the drive to another system, pull my files off and format reinstall, unless someone has any other ideas. gerg

When I try the recovery console, It says "put disc labeled Windows Automated System Recovery Disc in floppy and press any key when ready". I don't have an ASR disc, nor can I make one (I think I never turned on automatic backup). Can I create a generic ASR disc from another system to use in my Machine? I'm in unfamiliar territory when it comes to recovery (I usually just blow up the system, reformat and reinstall). Thanks Gerg