Resolved Boot Problem

I decided to do attempt a Genie Timeline Recovery yesterday and everything was restored to the latest update successfully. Timeline then said that it would re-boot the computer. When it restarted it failed to boot into Windows and a message was displayed: 'An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data'. Now I can't get into my computer to do anything whatsoever. My Windows Boot Manager seems to be damaged in some way.

Any suggestions as to what I can do to resolve this issue?

Thank you.

 

Is this related in anyway to http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/100116-files-hiding.html? If so, please don't start a new thread.

 

I have a problem with hidden files and now have a problem with the windows boot manager. I didn't want to be going into another issue while discussing the hidden file matter, so thought I should open a new thread to deal with it elsewhere instead. If you think they ARE related I've no problem in keeping the matter within the hidden file discussion. Though if someone is looking for posts later on dealing with the WBM subject they may not find it in 'hiding files'. I'm easy either way.

 

Thanks.

I have the oem disk which came with the computer, but when I go into the recovery console I'm asked for the Administrator password which I don't have. I've tried Administrator, administrator, admin, but all were rejected.

 

Yes. It says 'password invalid'.

 

Using an emergency boot disk I was able to go into my computer and find out the administrator password. Rebooting with the XP installation disk and going into the recovery console I entered the password exactly as seen and it was still rejected. I also used a utility to rebuild the MBR and it said that the operation was successful. Unfortunately Windows would still not boot.

Would a fresh installation of Windows solve the problem or would even a fresh installation fail because of the boot manager problem?

By the way, this installation is six years old. Might my computer have had its day?

 

Did Genie give you the option to create a boot or restore disk? Do you have a boot or restore disk? If no to these, I'd contact Genie for a PlanB.

 

Yes, I restored my system successfully on the second attempt using the Genie Disaster Recovery disk. Unfortunately the computer still wouldn't boot into Windows because there's something messed up with thr windows boot manager or whatever.

 

I have come across OEM installations which use non standard boot records & partitions. I believe you are in such a situation.

Best to backup whatever you can, test the hard disk, repartition/reformat & reinstall with normal XP cd using your Windows key.

 

I totally agree-best advice and resolution...now, about the 'files issues' post...? I don't feel it has anything to do with your boot problems, although taken in this new order (or boot problem and now files problems; sure...but not in reverse.

 

Thank you.

I'll follow the process (disk diagnosis) suggested by Pete above and see what the result is first.

 

Well, folks, I decided to re-install Windows after all. The reinstall ran without a hitch and, joy of joys, REBOOTED successfully. Many thanks for all the kind advice and for your patience. It was much appreciated and I found it a great learning experience.

By the way, I just have one little issue which I'll post in a new thread.

 

Good news! After some initial trouble getting connected to the internet due to missing network drivers I managed to get myself online thanks to the excellent help from you guys in this forum.

Many thanks!