The CD-ROM drive in my computer recently stopped working. Shortly after my XP Operating System stopped working. I know I have accidently deleted a Windows file and need to reapir it but how can I repair it without inserting the CD? I have the CD and have copied all files to my other computer. I also have an external, USB hard drive. Is there any way to repair the operating system without inserting the CD???
Go and get a new CD rom, it will cost you less than $15.00.
You said:"deleted a Windows file", what is the name of that file ?
You can extract that file from your external Usb Hd.
I dont know the exact name of the file... but how can i extract it drom my usb hd??
you must be able to boot with the cd to get to the repair utility.
Try the system file checker - go to start > run and type in sfc /scannow. Note the space between the c and the /. Most HP computers have a recovery section on your hard drive and hopefully the file checker will be directed to it and replace that windows file!
yeh but i cant run the OS i.e i cant get past the windows loading screen so i cant go to start -> run. Any other suggestions??
try safe mode....then restore the deleted file from the recycle bin, or did you empty the bin?
Get another CD drive.
I cant get into safe mode or Last Known good configuration... The only way i can get a new CD drive is to send it away to HP - none of the computer repairers want to touch it. I will sent it away to HP soon but i urgently need it over the next 2 weeks.
why do you have to send it away? A drive costs about $15-20...more if you want a burner. All you have to do is open the case (both sides), remove the 4 screws that hold the drive in place (2 per side), unplug the cables, then pull out the old drive. Reverse the order for installing the new drive.
The only thing you'd have to do before installing it would be to check is the jumper on the back of the new drive. It would have to be set the same way as the jumper on old drive. The whole process should only take 5-10 minutes.
Using BartPE, you can make a "live CD" on your USB drive. If you can get the computer to boot off of the USB, you can copy the file over.
Very wierd... Today i decided to go buy a new drive but before i did so i took out my old cd drive and just caus i had no where eles to put it, i put it back in. I accidently turned on the laptop and the cd drive lit-up fully working. I am now using my XP cd to repair. Thanks for all the responces P.S. Lesson to be learnd here - Try the simple stuff first ;)
"P.S. Lesson to be learnd here - Try the simple stuff first ;)" It would have been nice to know that your computer was a laptop.
Considering you have a removable drive it isn't all that surprising. Had you informed us of that fact someone might have suggested reseating the drive.
My bad, I thought Pavillions were desktops.
Pavillions come in both varieties i.e. desktops and laptops. The OP should have made it clear it is laptop. Looks like he is OK now though.
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☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.
Yep fine now. I found a much easyer way though where i didnt need the cds afterall. It seems that Hp's and Compaq computers come with a recovery partion. For Pavilion laptops, if you hold down F11 at startup, the recovery partion will launch. Thisgivs you the option to wipe the drive and install a new OS and recover the PC to factory settings - like new or attempt just to restore the system files. Hope this helps people out in the future ;) P.S sorry i didnt clearly state that it was a laptop at the start; i thought i had :S
