XP Restore issues

[Twistedb01]

I am having a problem that was once fixed by running a complete system restore, or reformatting of the HD. I am using a HP zd8000 notebook with Windows XP. I remember having this problem on a similar computer and pressing one of the F keys during start up. Can't remember which one though. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[ErnieK]

Twistedb01
Could you please be more explicit as to the problem you have. This way you will get whatever help is available.

[Twistedb01]

The exact problem I am having, is windows will load up to a certain point and stop. I can then move my mouse, but no icons on the desktop will work, and basically you can't start any program. All unnecessary startup programs have been removed from system config. I can start it up in safe mode, thats how i got to sysconfig, and ran scandisk with no problems. Thats all I can think of right now.

[Whyzman]

Just to remove a possible variable, I would suggest running the harddrive diagnostics. These can be downloaded from the harddrive manufacturer's website.

You can also try eliminating startups by halving to isolate...

[Sylvander]

At Startup, as Windows is about to begin loading, repeatedly press/release the F8 key.
If/when the WindowsXP startup menu appears, choose "Last known good configuration".
That needs to match your presently connected hardware, so no hardware should have been changed since that backup was made.
You will lose all [B]program/OS/configuration changes made since then.

An image backup of your system/boot partition [C:] would have been better, but I'll guess you don't have such a thing.

[Twistedb01]

All the replies have been great, however, none have worked. I am kinda a newb at explaining this though. I need to restore this to the original factory settings. I know I will lose everything but the basic windows stuff it came from factory with, but that is actually what I am aiming for. I want a complete restore. I just can't seem to remember exactly how to do it. The last post was pretty close, but I didnt go to "last known good" i did something else and then it like reloaded windows kinda. took about 2 hours. Hope somebody can think of it.Thanks

[Puter Padowan]

HP usually sends out factory restore disks with their systems. Do you have those handy?

[jlreich]

During the initial startup of the system look for something on the screen that says "hit F10 to enter system restore utility" or similar when you see the blue HP splash screen. You will need the restore disk/s. You did make them when you first bought the computer didn't you? I assume so since you did a restore before.

Or you may/should be able to boot from the first CD you made.

[Twistedb01]

WOW, I am a newb. I don't have the option to run system restore from the system setup after hitting F10. I finally figured it out though after you said that. I had to insert my OS Recovery CD, then boot comp from disk. Then it gave me the option to completely wipe my HD and reinstall XP. Thanks for the help guys.

[jlreich]

Cool glad you got it figured out. :)