Windows XP forum: BSoD stop error

I'll check out BARTPE. btw - I've been told by others to check certain registry values, which I cannot do. I'm sure I don't know all the tricks.... that's why I lean on you guys. : )

I can download memtest86 on another machine, but how can I run it on a laptop that won't boot up? I did run a HDD test from the Bios, and it passed all 3 tests.
I downloaded several things, including Ubuntu and BartPe, but they won't load using the laptops dvd rom drive. I even tried a USB stick with no luck. I don't mind losing the files/data on the laptop, but I don't have another OS disk to reload. I will try to obtain an XP disk, and hopefully the Rom drive will load it. Otherwise... I will have to decide if this 8 yr. old laptop is worth taking to a repair shop.

Finally found a ISO disk that will boot into my HP laptop. But.... now the repair process is asking for an Administrator Password. I tried just hitting ENTER but no luck. tried "Owner", " HP_ owner", and "Compaq_owner". Don't know how I can access C: Windows, without the Admin. password.

The default for the administrator password in Windows XP is blank (=enter), indeed. So probably that was changed.

Find ntpasswd (free iso also) and use that to reset the password.

Kees

I downloaded the free ISO for password reset, but I can't open it. I have reinstalled windows xp pro 3 times, and each time after it's done with the lengthy process, it hangs at a screen that says "please wait", with an hourglass. Waiting for hours. I have tried both the install, and the repair process with the same results. I'm entering the correct product key, and following all of the directions exactly. HDD and Memory test good. It will boot to the desktop, but without a start menu or any icons. Does not boot in Safe Mode or any other Mode. (debugging mode hangs) I've tried 2 different copies of Win XP Pro, and both seemed to install correctly. Don't know what else to try.

It's used along with software such as ISOBURNER to create a bootable CD. You never "open" it.

Are these XP CDs the ones from HP? If not, what you wrote is normal.
Bob

I got both XP CDs from a tech at a local computer repair shop. Both say: Non Dell - XP Pro - SP3. Both CDs appear to install all the necessary files, and the whole process seems to work fine until the Windows XP page appears, with an hourglass and "Please Wait....". ...and I'm still waiting.

Again, installing XP today is never a sure thing as the hardware has advanced so far.

And then you have machines that must use the maker's CDs (which you don't have.)

Since the CDs you have are not the right ones, all bets are off. Let's hope they are not pirate copies as those come with, how to say it? "Extras".
Bob

I finally just decided to format and reinstall windows from the copy that I have on disk. It's quite a chore. I had to use another computer to download and install an ethernet adapter, just to get online. I then downloaded 116 windows update components, as well as a bunch of driver updates. I'm still working on it, but I'm making good progress. So far - the OS seems stable. Thanks for all of the advice and info. on this issue.

It was north of 176 updates.

The poor machine was updating for 2 days.
Bob