XP attempts to launch, but I get the "windows did not stat successfully" message. When I select "start Windows", it times out & starts to boot again, bringing me back to the same screen. I cannot enter safe mode, command prompt, or last known good configuration either. All of these do the same thing.

I have not updated anything in several months. The PC crashed while online.

I don't have the recovery CD, & I've asked everyone I know to no avail.

Is there anything I can do to recover the data without a CD or even access to a command prompt?

Hello and welcome to PCHelpForum.

I am afraid if this computer is out of warrantee you will have to buy an operating system disk if you cannot borrow an OEM version of windows disk.

Any way I have marked your thread as "Open" ready for you to receive further help.

JB.

Unplug any USB devices that might be plugged in, especially those that you plugged in recently.

Go to the Safe Mode screen and try Boot With VGA?

You should also try clearing the CMOS by taking out the CMOS battery for 10-20 minutes. The CMOS battery is the big round one that has a clip to pop it out.

If you are using a USB keybaord and mouse change them for a normaL ps/2 and see if you can enter safe mode etc?

OK, I located system restore CD.

The CD is for Dell PCs, which mine is not. And it's XP Professional Service Pack 2, I am running XP Home. Will this work?

Sorry No - on your PC you have an XP Home CD key. Installing XP Professional with that key will not work.

Keep asking but has to be XP Home...........

I got a Windows Ultimate Boot Disk & I am able to boot into that.

I have no idea what to do with it to restore my PC.

I messed around w/ some of the programs & it looks like my files are still there to move over, but is there a way to restore the PC to a functional state with this?

Can anyone help?