[RESOLVED] XP will not boot: Invalid Partition Table

[skb1012]

Hello

My daughter had a HP Media Center running XP Professional.

She had to reboot yesterday and the splash screen (Windows logo) just staid up forever. She looked online which told her to do a mbrfix command in the recovery screen. Further the internet site told her to ignore the warnings....yikes.

Well, she ignored and now when she boots up (or tries to) she gets a quick HP logo and then it goes to black screen with a single message "Invalid Partition Table".

When I try cntrl-alt-delte it goes right back there. Note: I have a split second and can get into BIOS...but I cannot get back to recovery console.

I do have Kapersky and Reatogo on disk and they will both load. Cant see if they give me anything but I tried (although REATOGO has a mbrfix icon????)

Also she does not have the Boot CD.

I do have access with this computer to download for her.....

Thanks in adavnce

Sandy

[Shinma]

... running XP Professional... message "Invalid Partition Table"...

Before continuing further, you may want to run the hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility to see if it is failing.

[skb1012]

OK...

I am a tech novice. How do I do that please.... can I access that from REATOGO?? It loads fine

[skb1012]

Disk seems fine.....just cant boot.

[Shinma]

... How do I do that please...

You can read/copy the part number displayed on the hard drive.
Conduct a corresponding web search. If unfamiliar with process, post the number here. Someone should be able to identify it for you.

Hard drive diagnostic utility should be available from the hard drive manufacturer's website.

... can I access that from REATOGO?? ...

I do not use that software, so unable to assist.

[Shinma]

Another alternative,

Frequently mentioned diagnostic utility,

• Ultimate Boot CD

[skb1012]

Disk checked out fine. Thanks

[SpywareDr]

She looked online which told her to do a mbrfix command in the recovery screen. Further the internet site told her to ignore the warnings....yikes.

Support.Microsoft.com > "Operating System Not Found" or "Missing operating system" error message when you start your Windows XP-based computer

fixmbr

Warning This command can damage your partition table if a virus is present or if a hardware problem exists. If you use this command, you may create inaccessible partitions. We recommend that you run antivirus software before you use this command. We also recommend that you backup your data before you use this command. If the fixmbr command detects an invalid or non-standard partition table signature, the fixmbr command prompts you for permission before rewriting the MBR. The fixmbr command is supported only on x86-based computers.

[skb1012]

Ok, Disk checked out...anyone have a next idea how to proceed? Thanks

[SpywareDr]

TestDisk, Data Recovery

[skb1012]

Thanks

I am playing with the TestDisk, but I am a tech novice so hope doing it correctly. I will let u know how it goes

[skb1012]

Ok..

I follwed step by step (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Step_By_Step). I got as far as the "NFTS Boot Sector Recovery " section. It let me go as far as the write and then told me I needed to reboot. I tried to reboot normally and now get a loop of new splash screens, HP setting up recovery screen, then a blue screen, then it loops and loops.... I finally reinserted the REATOGO disk and got that to load.... "Invalid Partition Table" error message gone but now this infinate loop of splash screens, etc....

[SpywareDr]

Langa Letter: XP's No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option

[skb1012]

Thanks again for the help

1) As I mentioned in my first post...we do not have the cd boot disk.....bummmer. The article you pointed me to assumes I do. Is there a way to do without that
2) FYI - when I did the TestDisk...the boot file has two red color entrees....those are deleted files I guess...do they need recovered?

[SpywareDr]

1. Borrow one from family, friend, neighbor, . . . ?
   
   
2. Yes, TestDisk displays deleted files and directories in red.
   • TestDisk: undelete file for NTFS
   • TestDisk: undelete file for FAT
   • TestDisk: undelete file for ext2