WinXP Pro hates me. Maybe it likes you better.

[democracyindanger]

I need help. I'm running WinXP Pro on a self-built box. It's been fine for the year I've had it, but now it refuses to start.

The system will go through regular startup fine: Memory check, etc. It gets to the black Win logo loading screen, and after a while I get BSOD with an error message; It reports something like "windows logon process system {critical system failure}...c000012a..." and reboots.

When I use F8 and try to reboot in safe mode, same thing happens. I can't get into the system at all. I've disconnected all peripherals (running just monitor, keyboard, mouse) and it makes no difference.

MS knowledge base has a lot of articles about this error message, but almost all of them are about Win NT or 2000. In any case, their solutions require me to be in Windows, which I can't do.

So,

1) Any ideas how to get into Windows? I'm not above reinstalling, but I'd like to at least get in and retrieve some files;
2) Anybody know a good tech that lives in San Francisco? If I have to pay someone, I don't want to pay CompUSA;
3) "Buy an Apple." Thanks, but heard it.

Anyone?

[Don_G]

1. This Might Help

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

[democracyindanger]

3. Thanks! nt

[Nomad559]

2. Google error code

I did a google search for that error code and found this link.

http://www.ideaspace.net/users/wkearney/archives/entries/000253.html

Fortunately the CD setup Repair option brought it back. Not with the current service packs and updates, so there's more work ahead. But at least it's back with the data and it's programs intact.

It'd have been nice to know what Mozilla and Sun's Java installers managed to corrupt. But short of getting the debugger installed and running I haven't got that much patience.

[democracyindanger]

4. And thank you too nt

[Nomad559]

5. Virualdr.com

You may want to try this forum, lot's of knowledgeable people there.

http://discussions.virtualdr.com/index.php?s=

[CanuckAmok]

6. I tried this with W98SE:

power up with the restore/recue CD in the drive, but DO NOT hit "Y" to restore.

If you hit "N", it *Should* just give you a C-prompt, and you can getr into your config from there.

I don't know if XP will do that for you...