Use Windows Repair Installation When Computer Won't Boot

Computers that have corrupt system files will sometimes fail to boot to Windows. The load screen appears, but it just hangs there and nothing happens. Doing a Windows repair installation will re-install the core of the operating system including the files it uses at boot time. This procedure requires a Windows CD of the same version as the one already installed, otherwise it will not work.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to perform a Windows repair installation

  1. Insert Windows XP CD into computer.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. When you see the screen that says "Press any key to boot from CD..." do exactly that and press any key on your keyboard. Wait for the drivers to load, this can take up to 10 minutes. When it is finished you will be taken to the "Welcome To Setup" screen.
  4. You will see a list of options.

    IMPORTANT WARNING: Do not select the option that says "To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R."

    Choose the one that says "To Setup Windows XP Now Press Enter" by pressing the Enter key.
  5. On the next screen, press the F8 key to confirm the license agreement.
  6. Check the next list of options carefully, if Repair is not in the list END SETUP NOW or else you will risk losing all of your files. However, if you see Repair is an option, press the R key to begin setup. If that is not an option END SETUP NOW.
  7. If you proceed successfully, setup will now copy all of the necessary files onto your hard drive and will automatically reboot when this is complete.

    COMMON PROBLEM: Sometimes system files are not found during this step. Currently there is no solution available.
  8. IMPORTANT: This time, ignore the message that says "Press any key to boot from CD...".

    All of the system files will begin installing. It will look as if it is doing a brand new installation, but your files and programs will remain in tact. Only the core of the system is being overwritten. This process takes about 30 to 45 minutes so be patient because this is one of the few proven ways to recover an XP computer that won't boot properly. When everything is complete the machine will reboot itself again. Remove the disc from the drive. Everything should be working now