Need Help With Computer

[cheeseburger]

UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME - thats the message i keep getting when i start up my computer. It will not allow windows to start and will only allow me into the f2 setup and f8 boot menus. i am not able to get into windows at all and cannot get into safe mode either. Running xp pro, 1.7gh, 256ram, single core pentium. When I try to get past it, it shows a listing of i believe startup files and stops on the one for AGP. HAve tried changing the cache settings with no success. is there a way to fix this driver without being able to get in or do i need some professional help???

The problem started the day after i plugged in a new ipod into my powered external usb hub. the pc was off at the time and i was using the hub to charge to ipod. the only other recent upgrade was a more recent java version but booted up several times after that.

[BIGCATDAVE]

I have a similar problem with one of my computers. It's a power supply problem to the hard drive. Maybe there's a fuse blown somewhere or a loose connection. But don't put too much faith in my diagnosis, if it don't have a gas tank I'm lost.

[TIMe2Ride]

CB, If you can get to the F8 Boot Menu, try the option to boot to the Last Known Good Configuration. That will try to load the last set of drivers before the issue began.

Start there and let us know how it goes.

[jeepinjp]

i had same thing ahile ago on laptop, i dont remember how i solved it but did a web search a found problem... not much help huh...

[user3657]

if it just happened out of no where it sounds like a dieing hard drive or other hardware. boot from your win xp disk, and pretend like you are going to install xp again but when it ask u a new install choose repair install. it could be the last software you installed for whatever reason casused this problem.

a repair install will not delete any files it will just check your drive and install any missing files thats causing it not to boot. if u do have files you need i would recommend to put those files on another pc first before doing anything. always be safe, you never know.

you might want to try resetting the bios first to defualt settings just inscase something was changed.

[MarGinJoey]

CB, I like Matts idea.. he and I are assuming corrupted system files....... and here's something else to try...

Unmountable boot volume is not good, but on the other hand......256RAM on an XP machine?? Hehe, sorry.

First, SAFE MODE takes forever to load, be patient!!!! Easily MINUTES or in your case (1.7gz w/ 256?) It could be an HOUR...ok, maybe not an hour but you get the idea.

Second, Unmountable boot volume could be several things, have you tried reseating the hard drive? Checking cables? Laptop, or desktop btw...

Dang, I've been trying to find my HD rescue tool and have had zero success... I may just go buy one soon (I have to run to MicroCenter in JANUARY anyway for Joeys free NintendoDS game, perhaps I'll get it then...

Things you COULD try.... Hopefully it is a desktop, and hopefully you have ANOTHER desktop around (U did type this post afterall)... try taking the "dead" drive out, and installing it alongside the other drive (called slave), then boot up the other machine, see if the "D" drive is there, probably still called "C" as well, and try running SCANDISK (with all of the checkmarks ticked), and see how you make out... If successful, remove the "bad" drive and put it back in the original PC and boot up.

Keep me posted...

MGJ
DUPLICATE reply on http://www.slotcaraddicts.com by the way

[cheeseburger]

Thanx - borrowing daugters laptop. will try to boot up using the xp install disk first

[TIMe2Ride]

Mark, I agree with you and Matt. But about 1 in every 5 times I've tried the Last Known Good Configuration, it's worked. I was kind of hoping he'd be in the lucky 20%...

Hope it works out for you CB. If you need any additional help once you've tried alot of this, don't forget you're only about 10-15 minutes away from me.

Tim

PS - Mark and I have been doing this sort of stuff for over a decade, Matt...well, he was probably still popping pimples and trying to get a date for the spring dance!

[user3657]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TIMe2Ride @ Dec 29 2007, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Mark, I agree with you and Matt. But about 1 in every 5 times I've tried the Last Known Good Configuration, it's worked. I was kind of hoping he'd be in the lucky 20%...

Hope it works out for you CB. If you need any additional help once you've tried alot of this, don't forget you're only about 10-15 minutes away from me.

Tim

PS - Mark and I have been doing this sort of stuff for over a decade, Matt...well, he was probably still popping pimples and trying to get a date for the spring dance! [/b]

well i might not have gray hair but i am starting my first almost real job next week as a feild service tech

[TIMe2Ride]

Nice! I hope that works out well for you bud. See you on the trails!