Sysprep :(

[Matrix0978]

Ok i found sysprep in 'My Documents' and so i opened it and ran it because i didnt know what it did but now i do. And it completely screweed up my windows xp.(home). So im going to reinstall windows xp home. Can i just put the CD in and reinstall it? Or do i have to delete the partition first?

[doddsy]

if ypu have xp, can't you choose a restore point before the sysprep unpleasant ness...........??


or even a repair installation.........??


if you are reinstalling, you will be asked to format the partition on which you are installing, that will remove the stuff thats there, no need to delete the partition.

[Matrix0978]

Ill try restore point and repair installation

I stuck the CD in and booted it but nothing happens. It doesnt go to the boot screen. Just goes straight to the desktop.???

[John Prophet]

its not set to boot from the cd first....you need to go into the bios and set it to boot from the cd first


but you should be able to just restore it without doing a repair install


what did sysprep mess up? I was under the impression that it wont mess anything up...it will just ask for your product key when you boot up etc...but maybe it depends on the options that were clicked when you ran it

[Matrix0978]

Yeah, How would i restore it?

[doddsy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrix0978

Yeah, How would i restore it?

if you are asking how to select and activate a restore point..........


start--programs--accessories--system tools--system restore--restore my comp. to an earlier date.............pick a date (before the problem began)...........and restore.

if sys restore is turned on of course............

[Matrix0978]

damn it, it was turned off. so now i have to reinstall windows which i cant load the boot screen for it. And i dont know the funtion key to get to my BIOs

[John Prophet]

its usually either "del" or "f2"

if it is a compaq it might be f10

----

here is the way to do a repair install


boot to the cd
on the first screen hit "enter" (DONT hit (R) on the first screen..wait till the third screen)
on the second screen hit f8 for license agreement
on the THIRD screen it should have found your current windows install then it will give the option to "repair" it by selecting (R)


afterward you will have to redo all the updates etc etc

JP

[doddsy]

hold down the delete key as your pc is booting. that should take you into your bios.

if you can find the boot device priority settings, set the cd rom as the first device (or at least set it to boot before the hard drive). if you can get to a recovery or repair option from the cd then you may get away with a repair installation, and you shouldn't lose any stuff on the drive.

does pressing f8 or f10 repeatedly at boot, bring up a list of options, one of whicjh is last known good config...........

f10 is supposed to do it on this rig...but f8 actually brings up the list. that might work if you can get to it.........

[Matrix0978]

Yeah im doing that right now. I did the last known config and it didnt work. So im going to repair install windows. Im not at home right now but ill tell you it turns out when i get home.