[EricB]

You probably deleted some critical file. if you can't get it to repair......

reformat

try hitting f3 when booting from the xp cd.
I forgot the options that you have to type here, but if you start typing anything it will tell you the options

[Dmonik]

So basically what does F3 do?

[Samm]

Can you press F8 as soon as POST test finishes & select safe mode with command prompt? If so, try running chkdsk from there instead of using boot disk/CD.

[EricB]

Originally posted by Dmonik
So basically what does F3 do?

it give you different recovery options

You might want to try this. I don't know if it help, but you should be able to reformat with this and keep your data

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/artic...66,pg,3,00.asp

[TheMajor]

Put your HD on a different cable, or get a new 80 conductor IDE new cable. Sometimes works.

[Dmonik]

Im thinking of switching a different cable..... but im not so sure if thats the right choice or not.

[TheMajor]

Try it. If you have 2 IDE cables in you system, use the other cable for you XP harddisk.

[Dmonik]

Originally posted by TheMajor
Try it. If you have 2 IDE cables in you system, use the other cable for you XP harddisk.

Sorry I don't really know much about computers, so can you explain to me the 2 IDE cables.

[Osiris]

The IDE cables on your harddrive and cd drive. Try switching them.

[Dmonik]

Oh ok ill try that.