[MFMadCap]

Hi,I just read through this string of messages because I have had the same problem as chyorain. I hope someone can help me too.I have a Compaq Presario 4100, 2.5 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 80 GB HD, Windows XP Home Edition with SP2. (I have no Windows Installation or Recovery disks because it was preinstalled on this machine. I have the Compaq Presario System Recovery disks, but want to save my files from the hard drive if at all possible.) One day, I turned on the computer and got the same message Chyorain received (Windows could not start normally -- and offered several options for starting Windows --- safe mode, last known good configuration, etc.). None of those Windows options worked; when it got to the Windows splash screen, the computer would stop and reboot.In accordance with the helpful instructions Chyorain received, I have (1) changed the boot sequence to boot from the CD first (2) burned the Knoppix image to a CD and have gotten the Knoppix program to run from the CD in the affected machine.Here's my current status:(1) If I don't do anything, the Knoppix will try to start eventually will freeze at some point where I cannot get a prompt.(2) If I press F2 or F3 upon getting the Knoppix splash screen, I get a prompt, but I'm not sure what to enter, so I have tried various things including cheat codes. Using "knoppix 3" usually gets me to a prompt. If I don't use some number, it automatically goes into an X-Windows session (is that what it is called?) and then the computer immediately freezes. Also, if I type "startx", the X-Windows thing starts, but then immediately freezes.Note: I have tried the "Knoppix toram" to try to get the Knoppix in the RAM, but it says the file is too large to fit in my meager amount of RAM.During the boot of Linux, it says "Enabling DMA acceleration for: hda [MAXTOR 4R080J0]" Later, it says, "Scanning for Harddisk partitions and creating /etc/fstab . . . Done." As mentioned above, I have gotten into Runlevel 3 and have been able to type "dir" or "ls" to see some file structure, but do not know what commands to type to find my old hard drive. Do the messages above indicate that Knoppix has recognized my partitions and that I will be able to retrieve my files?By the way, my command prompt is "root!tty1:/#" I have no idea what that means because I do not know much about Linux (and I haven't used DOS for much of anything in over 10-12 years!).Can someone help?Thanks,MFMadCap

[mphenterprises]

Hi MFMadCap. Please do not latch onto another thread, regardless of whether or not it is similar to your situation. The original thread you post in has since been resolved so your post may not get the attention it deserves in that thread.I created a new thread for you in hopes that people will see this thread and help you as best as we all can.You have given us a lot of information, thank you. One question for you. I am reading through your post. Are you trying to load a Windows or Linux Operating System? ...or are you trying to create a Dual Boot System?

[MFMadCap]

MPH,Thanks for the prompt reply and for moving my post to a more visible thread.I will phrase my answer to your question in terms of my priorities:1. Get Windows to boot up on the current hard drive and be able to access all files/programs as normal. (So, solution may be to fix Windows?) Since this option seemed out of reach, given my previously described efforts, I resorted to trying to achieve priority #2.2. If I can't get Windows to boot up properly, then I would like to at least retrieve my personal files from the current hard drive in any way I can. Once I get my files off the hard drive, then I wouldn't care so much if I had to do a system restore. As described in the previous message, I was trying to copy the files using Knoppix so I could have more options regarding the Windows repair/restore (including total system recovery, if necessary).3. If I can't get my hard drive to function at all, then I would simply replace the hard drive and explore options to get the files off the defective drive, if it is possible. In short, I am trying to load a Windows operating system that was on the machine. (If I solve this problem, then I may, in the future, consider a Dual Boot System.)I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if my priorities do not make sense or are unwise.THANKS!MFMadCap

[smax013]

It would appear that your drive is an IDE drive. Do you have another computer that you could install the drive in as a slave drive and see if you can get your files?If you have another computer, but it will not accept an IDE drive, then you could look at trying either an external USB enclosure for IDE drives or an universal adapter like this.If you don't have access to another computer, then we can go from there...

[rgreen4]

When you go into the BIOS setup, does the drive show up properly?

[MFMadCap]

smax013,I don't have another desktop computer to test the drive. I have a laptop, but I don't have one of those IDE-USB adapters. If I can't find another way to get the files, I will consider getting one of those adapters. Thanks for that suggestion.Cheers,MFMadCap

[rgreen4]

Madcap - does the drive show up in the BIOS?

[MFMadCap]

rgreen4,You asked, "When you go into the BIOS setup, does the drive show up properly?"I think so. I go into a "PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility" and it indicates that the Primary Master is a "Maxtor 4R080J0-(PM)." When I select it, the screen says:Type: AutoMulti-Sector Transfers: 16 SectorsLBA Mode Control: Enabled32 Bit I/O: EnabledTransfer Mode: FPIO 4 / DMA 2Ultra DMA Mode: Mode 5SMART Monitoring: EnabledI don't know what that stuff means or if it is helpful to you. I assume that the "drive shows up properly" if I can see this stuff. Is that true?Thanks to everyone who has responded to my problem so far! I really appreciate it!Thanks,MFMadCap

[MFMadCap]

Anyone out there?



MFMadCap



(Wow -- the discussion board changed a LOT!)

[mphenterprises]

Hi MFMadCap. We see you. :D Yeah, the system changed this afternoon. It will take some getting used to for all of us so please let us know what you think.

[MFMadCap]

Does anyone have any more suggestions (for my problem, see messages above)? I have answered all of the questions, I think.



Thanks for the help.



MFMadCap