Running Windows XP SP2 I have come across a continous boot loop that cannot access Windows. The hard disk is five years old and is beginning to make noise. However once I hooked an external Hitachi hard drive to it, the computer went blooey. Coincidence that the hard disk failed at that time? Anyone know who to extract the data and what computers are still being sold with XP, I hate Vista.

Hello KVY107,
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At what point exactly during the boot does your PC reboot? It may be possible that it's just blue screening and rebooting. BSOD's are almost always fixable.
Also, regarding computers with Vista - unfortunately most PCs are now coming with the bloatware. I know Dell has an option for loading XP with your PC, but the best way would probably be to either build a PC yourself or get one from the select few retailers that don't bundle an OS [or they just include a variant of Ubuntu]. You can always however format over Vista and install a copy of XP.

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When I start the PC it runs through the screens but right before it gets to launch Windows it bottoms out. It boots to "trouble booting Windows, start in safe mode, command prompt, last known configuration, etc." No matter what option I press it just goes into a continous loop. Would it have anything to do with attaching an external hard drive or is it just a coincidence. It will cost more to repair but I am sticking with the XP

Probably the best option in this case would be to plug your drive into another PC, and copy any important data off it. Hopefully you've kept backups - if not, now is the time to start.

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Thanks,
Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
Want to get in touch? Send me a PM | Do you want to continue receiving free help? Or do you want this site to close? Become a premium member.