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How can I startup Linux with Windows dead
My Windows XP PC crashed and died. I tried to restore it, but it asks for a system file I don't have. I thought I could start up with the Linux0S2007 CD, but it doesn't seem to recognize the CD drive either. Is there a code or keyboard entry I could use to run my PC off of the Linux CD without Windows working? I have not installed Linux on this PC.
Roz |
Have to set the boot priority to cd in bios
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Usually "ESC" or one of the "F-keys" will allow you to either select the item to be booted or allow you to get into the bios and change the order of the bootable devices. There could also be a problem with the cd. However, since you didn't post the type of PC and how old it is, it's really hard for anybody to give any useful information.
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The most likely problem is boot order in the BIOS, as already said. You don't need Windows working to boot into a live Linux CD, though whether or not you will be able to repair the Windows installation (assuming that is your goal) from the Linux side or not is a totally different question.
I would also suggest using a more appropriate and up to date live CD, like System Rescue CD. |
Thank you all for answering. The PC is a pre-HP Compac about 6-7 years old. I just wanted to retrieve some old files off of it before disposing of it. I can't find the System Repair CD, but I found the Linux CD and I though I might be able to boot from that to at least get my old files off of the PC. It doesn't look like that will work now, but thanks for answering.
Roz |
Hiren's boot cd has mini windows xp on it you also have networking and printer access and usb support.
http://www.hirensbootcd.org/download.html Is it a compaq 5000? |
Eddy1
It's a Presario S3000NX. I'm not able to get past the message windows root\system32\ha1.dll is missing. So I'm going to take it to be recycled tomorrow. Roz |
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Do you have a CDROM? you could perhaps boot from there (after you made the setup in the BIOS) No CDROM? no problem. Do you have a bootable USB? see if the BIOS can boot from USB. No bootable USB setup in the BIOS? no problem. You can certainly open the PC and have access to the IDE connectors? Please let me know what you have in your old box. Depending of the answer a) CDROM can boot? you could ask a friend or a computer shop to burn KNOPPIX ISO on a CD; take version 6.2 or before (or buy it; very cheap). Then you can boot from the CDROM b) USB can boot in your box? install KNOPPIX on an USB (for making it bootable) or buy an USB with KNOPPIX c) only an IDE connector? -> buy a compact flash card (>2GB) approx 10 Euros -> buy an USB-Compactflash adapter approx 5 Euros -> buy an IDE adapter for compact flash card aprox 20 Euros -> ask a friend or a shop to install KNOPPIX on USB+Compact Flash (easy on KNOPPIX 6.2) -> put your compactflash + IDE adapter into your PC and boot from there (BIOS setting must be correctly done; easy job) THATS IT! you can then scan your scratched HDD with programs. But here I must say I dont know which one. If you are in Stuttgart, come around here, we will do it quick together (maximum 2 hours) |
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Meanwhile, colorpurple21859 posted a link that contains instructions for changing the boot order. Once you have done that, the Linux CD probably will work. |
Too late. I took it to the recycling event this morning.
I couldn't get to the BIOS anyway. I looked at the instructions in the link, but the logo never appeared only the message about the missing dll. I pressed every F key on every start and still got the message about the missing DLL. The keyboard and mouse were not recognized. I suppose I could have pulled the hard drive out to see if I could recover anything from it, but there wasn't enough on it to make that worthwhile. So thank you everyone, but the PC was toast. I have my current PC backed up on an external hard drive with Rebit Saveme, so at least this won't happen again in the future. Roz |
Mark the thread as solved.
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