Need EXPERT Computer Help, Please

by **tcwest10** » Wed May 26, 2004 7:32 pm

Okay, kids...It's a starting point. Let's see what she says.

by **1niksder** » Wed May 26, 2004 8:10 pm

Hope this will help

To start the computer using the last known good configuration

Print these instructions before continuing. They will not be available after you shut down your computer in step 2.
XOX
In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Restart, and then click OK.
When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press F8.
Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER.
If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, choose the installation that you need to access using the arrow keys, and then press ENTER.
Notes

Choosing Last Known Good Configuration provides a way to recover from problems such as a newly added driver that may be incorrect for your hardware. It does not solve problems caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files.
When you choose Last Known Good Configuration, only the information in registry key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet is restored. Any changes you have made in other registry keys remain.
NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.

Feature: Safe Mode and System Restore
When to use it: If you used Last Known Good and your system is still not working.
What it does: Starts using only basic files and drivers (mouse, except serial mice; monitor; keyboard; mass storage; base video; default system services; and no network connections). If you are able to start the system in Safe Mode, you can then use System Restore to restore all system and application settings back to those that were in effect at at a time when your system was working optimally.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see System Restore overview or Start the computer in safe mode.

Feature: Recovery Console
When to use it: If using Last Known Good is unsuccessful, and you cannot start the computer in Safe Mode. This method is recommended only if you are an advanced user who can use basic commands to identify and locate problem drivers and files. To use the Recovery Console, restart the computer with the installation CD for the operating system in the CD drive. When prompted during text-mode setup, press R to start the Recovery Console.
What it does: From the Recovery Console, you can access the drives on your computer. You can then make any of the following changes so that you can start your computer:
Enable or disable device drivers or services.
Copy files from the installation CD for the operating system, or copy files from other removable media. For example, you can copy an essential file that had been deleted.
Create a new boot sector and new master boot record (MBR). You might need to do this if there are problems starting from the existing boot sector.

by **tcwest10** » Thu May 27, 2004 11:09 pm

As soon as Tina tries the F8 approach ( and fails) I'll bring this into the equation. Thanks, everybody.

by **tcwest10** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 6:39 pm

Okay, kids. The quick "F8" got her into SafeMode, but she can't figure out what the problem is. She says there are just a bunch of letters there, and no place to really initiate the fix. Can't fix it if she can't tell what the problem is. What's next ?

by **1niksder** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 6:50 pm

there are a bunch of letter?? what letters? can she get to the start button?

by **BringThePain!** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 8:05 pm

yeah.... she needs to click on her start button then go to the "Run" option..... once there she needs to follow these steps:

* Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe). <--- She'll type this in the "run" option box....
* Delete the following keys in the Windows registry:
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providers
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providers

* Quit Registry Editor.
* Restart the computer.

by **BringThePain!** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 8:11 pm

if she can't get to her start button to display the "Run" command, tell her to try pressing the "windows button" on her keyboard + R at the same time... that should make the "run" Command window pop up....