Repair Reinstallation of Windows XP (using XP CD)

[GaryRouth]

This is a fairly simple procedure, but isn't always obvious. It has an effect similiar to the "over-the-top" reinstallations in the Win9x systems.
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To run a Repair Installation for Windows XP:

It is best to disconnect from any networks during a repair install. It can also help to disconnect cameras, Webcams, scanners, printers, usb drives, and other extraneous equipment.

Your computer will need to be set to boot from the CD or DVD drive. On most computers, a banner message will show as the computer is starting up, “Press F1 (or DEL, F10, etc.) to Enter Setup”. Doing so should bring up the Bios Setup screens. Look for a menu item such as Boot Order, or First Boot Device (the exact wording differs in various Bios versions), and set the first device to your CD or DVD drive.

While in the Bios Setup screens, you can also disable the Bios Antivirus protection (though this seems to be much less of a problem with XP than earlier versions) during the reinstallation, and re-enable it after. When exiting the Bios Setup screens, be sure to choose an option that saves the changes you made [usually simply called "Save & Exit"].

Then put your Windows XP installation CD in, and restart your computer.
**(The process described here uses a Windows XP CD - & not a “Recovery Disk” or “Restore Disk” - such disks vary in their procedures, and use of them is best done with the exact instructions from the system vendor/builder).**

As the computer boots, you will see the message “Press any key to boot from CD” = so press Enter (or any key you wish!)

The next message onscreen will show “To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER” = yep, press Enter.

When the option to press R to enter the Recovery Console is offered, do not select it!

When the Windows XP Licensing Agreement is displayed onscreen, press F8 to agree.

Next, check that the installation of Windows XP you wish to repair is selected in the box, and then press the R key to repair Windows XP.

Follow the instructions onscreen.

When finished with a repair installation, a good first step is to make sure the firewall, antivirus, and antispyware programs are running before reconnecting to any networks. Then proceed to Windows Update to check for any patches that may need to be re-applied.
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Best of luck
. . . Gary

[P.S. -- let me know if I missed anything.]

[GaryRouth]

As operating systems get more complex, so does their repair. One important thing my original sketch on Repair installs doesn't do - is provide enough background information on the procedure, and the many cautions that have to be considered.

Luckily, there are some sources who have typed up detailed guides already, especially Michael Stevens’ step-by-step, no stone unturned, all-the-details article
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

The Stevens’ article is widely referenced by tech sites – he provides an excellent overall view of the pros and cons, and warnings of possible hazards are thoroughly covered. In brief, the first main warning concerns systems from OEM manufacturers who pre-installed Windows versions prior to Service Pack 1 (the problem was fixed in Service Pack 1). The second warning tells why it’s important to stop the reinstall if there is no option given to repair the selected Windows XP installation, when the list of XP installations is presented (this is the 2nd time a repair question is asked – the first time concerns entering the Recovery Console – for full details, see the article).

Perhaps the best advice is the constant reminders to back up all data first! And to keep your backups current!

Stevens also gives other helpful details – such as running full malware scans beforehand, what items to have handy during the reinstall, etc. . . . and he provides links to other articles (such as the next two in the links below) that go even further into details of what exactly happens during a reinstallation, and what alternatives are available.

C Quirke’s article with Reinstallation details, cautions, and alternatives
http://cquirke.mvps.org/reinst.htm

Charlie White’s Tutorial for repairs from within the Recovery Console
http://www.digitalwebcast.com/articl....jsp?id=8658-1
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Best of luck!
. . . Gary

[OK - one more article. To hear the details from the folks who wrote the operating system, have a look at Microsoft's Knowledge Base artilce http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;315341 ]

[glc]

I'm going to add something here - this has worked for me and saves a lot of time. If all you are going to do is swap out a motherboard or move a 2000 or XP hard drive to another system, try this.

Before shutting down, open Device Manager. Open up the IDE controllers, you will see one or two busmaster controllers. Double click on them and find the Update Driver tab. Do not search, select pick from a list. You will see Standard Dual IDE Controller. Use that one. Doing this will allow the system to boot without getting the usual INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE bluescreen.

This is the key to get it to boot. Of course, it would be a very good idea to uninstall the drivers for all components that will not be making the move.

[Greenh]

I installed a new motherboard and when I turn on the computer, it will start running for about 30 seconds and then stop. What did I do wrong?

[glc]

You need to post a thread in the appropriate forum - which would probably be General Hardware. This is not a troubleshooting thread. When you do, please provide system details.

[ITlover]

Originally Posted by glc I'm going to add something here - this has worked for me and saves a lot of time. If all you are going to do is swap out a motherboard or move a 2000 or XP hard drive to another system, try this. Before shutting down, open Device Manager. Open up the IDE controllers, you will see one or two busmaster controllers. Double click on them and find the Update Driver tab. Do not search, select pick from a list. You will see Standard Dual IDE Controller. Use that one. Doing this will allow the system to boot without getting the usual INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE bluescreen. This is the key to get it to boot. Of course, it would be a very good idea to uninstall the drivers for all components that will not be making the move.

Thank you Sir for this useful information, pls clarify that is this dual IDE controller used so that our hard drive can work on new system in which we are going to install it?

My other question is that what are generally the reasons we get "INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE" error messeges?


Regards,

[glc]

1. Yes.
2. Because the installed IDE controller driver is incompatible with the hardware. The standard controller driver is compatible with any chipset but will not perform well.

[bd1886]

Thanks for the thread. Is going to help a bunch! (Great collaboration guy's)