I had dual boot with Mandrake 8.2. I corrupted my linux install and attempted to re-install. Now I can get into XP either. XP appears to boot then gives the logo screen with the animated progress bar. Then the 3 keyboard leds flash, then a screen appears with "autochk.exe program not found - skipping AUTOCHECK". The machine then restarts and would continue this indefinitely if I didn't power down. I've tried FIXBOOT & FIXMBR but this just removes the grub menu. HELP please!

It's possible that you have a corrupt System or Software file...Try this (also see Windows XP Resource Kit, Chapter 28, Page 1285): When using the following procedure, do not replace both the System and Software files as part of a single attempt to start the computer. First, replace one file, and then test whether this action resolves the startup problem. If the problem persists, copy the other file. Start the Recovery Console 1. At the Recovery Console prompt, locate the config folder by typing: cd system32\config 2. Create backups of the System or Software files by typing: copy system -or- copy software If they exsist, save backups of other files that use file names that start with "system" or "software," such as System.sav or Software.sav. 3. Replace the current System or Software by typing: copy ..\..\repair\system -or- copy ..\..\repair\softare 4. Answer the Overwrite system? (Yes/No/All): prompt by typing Y. 5. Restart the computer. Again only try one at a time... Good Luck!

Thanks, I have tried them together, I will try them individually tonight. Watch this space.

OK gave that a try but still the same. Other things I've tried by following threads from this site include: Re-expanding kernel32.dll from the CD Replacing 5 config files (sam,security,system,software,default) with their repair cousins. I did this 'en mass' and individually. I do not get the option to boot into safe mode or 'last known good config'. Also when I boot from CD and choose install and in an attempt to do an in place repair. It claims not to recognise a windows installation. Even though in repair console I get g:\windows as an option. I can go to ASR as of Dec. 9 but I'd like to retain my recent e-mails (Express) if possible. Any other ideas on repair or even just recovery of Outlook Express mails?