Boot failure

vlad the impaler · External Since: Jun 14, 2007 Posts: 1

This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the message
I get states that this is not compatible.
I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com following advice
from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is incorrect.
Is there a chance of rescue?
thanks

Roger

Mart · External Since: Apr 09, 2005 Posts: 1115

Apart from anything else, you say that you :-

> downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com

Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy startup
disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an .exe file)

Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe OEM"
version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need download
the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an A:drive) and
then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.

Mart

"vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
> This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
> I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the
> message
> I get states that this is not compatible.
> I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com following
> advice
> from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is incorrect.
> Is there a chance of rescue?
> thanks
>
> Roger
>

vlad the impaler · External Since: Mar 30, 2006 Posts: 5

Hi Mart

thanks that did make the correct boot disc
Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit 0
then goes on to hang with A:\> like it is waiting for something else,
this doesn't allow system restore to be started or scanreg either.
I tried then using the supplied CD recovery disc with no response.

I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available

is there anything else I can do, I am happy to completely reinstall but am
at a loss as to haow to do this if possible?

thanks

Roger

"Mart" wrote:

> Apart from anything else, you say that you :-
>
> > downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
>
> Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy startup
> disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an .exe file)
>
> Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe OEM"
> version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need download
> the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an A:drive) and
> then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.
>
> Mart
>
>
>
> "vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
> > This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
> > I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the
> > message
> > I get states that this is not compatible.
> > I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com following
> > advice
> > from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is incorrect.
> > Is there a chance of rescue?
> > thanks
> >
> > Roger
> >
>
>
>

Mart · External Since: Apr 09, 2005 Posts: 1115

Roger wrote :-

> I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available

But you said that you couldn't start (or boot) at all in your first post.
However...

.... now you say :-

> Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit 0

Which drive? Are you now referring to booting from your newly made 'floppy'
boot disk in the A: drive?

If so - and ASS-U-ME-ing that you selected the CD-ROM support option - you
*should* have seen a screen report similar to :-

> Drive D:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
> Your CD-ROM Is Drive D

Eventually, as you appear to be correctly seeing, should be confronted with
the A:\ > prompt - (in DOS mode) awaiting YOU to give it a command.

Exactly what did you expect to happen at the A:\> prompt?

(Note: the CD-ROM drive letter would normally be high up the alphabet e.g D,
E, F etc., and certainly not anywhere near R and what "Tomato" has got to do
with it, I've no idea - other than a virus perhaps?)

(Also note that your main hard drive should be the C: drive!!)

>> > This may be a lost cause ...

Hopefully not, but I suggest that as you do not appear to have much
technical computer knowledge and therefore don't really seem to know how to
proceed, it might be worth taking your PC to your local computer techie for
further help. You could also help yourself by having a good read of the User
Manual which came with your computer. This *should* give instructions on how
to use the 'restore disk' and possibly how to 'completely reinstall'

In the meantime, you may find the following article useful :-
"Windows Millennium Edition Cleanhd.txt File Contents"
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;271673

But note that this refers to an MS Retail version of WinMe so you *may* have
to seek guidance for specific OEM (Non-MS) issues which may occur with your
OEM restoration disk.

Mart

"vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:4052581F-B415-4392-BF98-AC1AEC480B1B@microsoft.com...
> Hi Mart
>
> thanks that did make the correct boot disc
> Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit 0
> then goes on to hang with A:\> like it is waiting for something else,
> this doesn't allow system restore to be started or scanreg either.
> I tried then using the supplied CD recovery disc with no response.
>
> I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
>
> is there anything else I can do, I am happy to completely reinstall but am
> at a loss as to haow to do this if possible?
>
> thanks
>
> Roger
>
> "Mart" wrote:
>
>> Apart from anything else, you say that you :-
>>
>> > downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
>>
>> Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy
>> startup
>> disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an .exe
>> file)
>>
>> Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe OEM"
>> version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need download
>> the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an A:drive) and
>> then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>>
>> "vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
>> > This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
>> > I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the
>> > message
>> > I get states that this is not compatible.
>> > I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com following
>> > advice
>> > from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is
>> > incorrect.
>> > Is there a chance of rescue?
>> > thanks
>> >
>> > Roger
>> >
>>
>>
>>

vlad the impaler · External Since: Mar 30, 2006 Posts: 5

Hi Mart

Thanks for bearing with me
I can now boot from the floppy but cannot run windows ME
I have no idea what the TOMATO is it is part of the script during the boot
process it has never appeared before using the new floppy boot disc

at the A:\ prompt I have tried to run system restore and scan disc as per
Windows info on the newly created floppy to no avail, what instructions do I
need to input?

I have the article you indicated and so will refer to it and see if I can
find anything I have missed.

thanks again

Roger

"Mart" wrote:

> Roger wrote :-
>
> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
>
> But you said that you couldn't start (or boot) at all in your first post.
> However...
>
> .... now you say :-
>
> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit 0
>
> Which drive? Are you now referring to booting from your newly made 'floppy'
> boot disk in the A: drive?
>
> If so - and ASS-U-ME-ing that you selected the CD-ROM support option - you
> *should* have seen a screen report similar to :-
>
> > Drive D:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive D
>
> Eventually, as you appear to be correctly seeing, should be confronted with
> the A:\ > prompt - (in DOS mode) awaiting YOU to give it a command.
>
> Exactly what did you expect to happen at the A:\> prompt?
>
> (Note: the CD-ROM drive letter would normally be high up the alphabet e.g D,
> E, F etc., and certainly not anywhere near R and what "Tomato" has got to do
> with it, I've no idea - other than a virus perhaps?)
>
> (Also note that your main hard drive should be the C: drive!!)
>
> >> > This may be a lost cause ...
>
> Hopefully not, but I suggest that as you do not appear to have much
> technical computer knowledge and therefore don't really seem to know how to
> proceed, it might be worth taking your PC to your local computer techie for
> further help. You could also help yourself by having a good read of the User
> Manual which came with your computer. This *should* give instructions on how
> to use the 'restore disk' and possibly how to 'completely reinstall'
>
> In the meantime, you may find the following article useful :-
> "Windows Millennium Edition Cleanhd.txt File Contents"
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;271673
>
> But note that this refers to an MS Retail version of WinMe so you *may* have
> to seek guidance for specific OEM (Non-MS) issues which may occur with your
> OEM restoration disk.
>
> Mart
>
>
> "vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:4052581F-B415-4392-BF98-AC1AEC480B1B@microsoft.com...
> > Hi Mart
> >
> > thanks that did make the correct boot disc
> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit 0
> > then goes on to hang with A:\> like it is waiting for something else,
> > this doesn't allow system restore to be started or scanreg either.
> > I tried then using the supplied CD recovery disc with no response.
> >
> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
> >
> > is there anything else I can do, I am happy to completely reinstall but am
> > at a loss as to haow to do this if possible?
> >
> > thanks
> >
> > Roger
> >
> > "Mart" wrote:
> >
> >> Apart from anything else, you say that you :-
> >>
> >> > downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
> >>
> >> Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy
> >> startup
> >> disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an .exe
> >> file)
> >>
> >> Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe OEM"
> >> version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need download
> >> the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an A:drive) and
> >> then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.
> >>
> >> Mart
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
> >> > This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
> >> > I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the
> >> > message
> >> > I get states that this is not compatible.
> >> > I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com following
> >> > advice
> >> > from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is
> >> > incorrect.
> >> > Is there a chance of rescue?
> >> > thanks
> >> >
> >> > Roger
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Mart · External Since: Apr 09, 2005 Posts: 1115

Roger,

You can't (easily!) run System Restore from the boot floppy. You can run :-

scanreg /restore (note the space between g and /)

at the A:\> prompt, and then follow the screen prompts, selecting the last
known 'good' date to restore the last 'good' registry.

However, perhaps you ought to run scandisk first :-

scandisk c: (note the space and the colon after the c)

again, at the A:\> prompt. BUT initially, do NOT let it do a Surface Scan.
(This *could* further damage an already damaged HDD - assuming it may be
damaged in the first place.) Instead, make a note of any reported errors
(and back-up critical data) before attempting a surface scan - just a
precaution.

Exactly which drive (C:, D:, CD-ROM etc.,) is TOMATO?
This could be a cause of concern without any explanation.

Mart

"vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:61149BB6-3BC1-42CD-9787-1FD4F961D00B@microsoft.com...
> Hi Mart
>
> Thanks for bearing with me
> I can now boot from the floppy but cannot run windows ME
> I have no idea what the TOMATO is it is part of the script during the boot
> process it has never appeared before using the new floppy boot disc
>
> at the A:\ prompt I have tried to run system restore and scan disc as per
> Windows info on the newly created floppy to no avail, what instructions do
> I
> need to input?
>
> I have the article you indicated and so will refer to it and see if I can
> find anything I have missed.
>
> thanks again
>
> Roger
>
>
> "Mart" wrote:
>
>> Roger wrote :-
>>
>> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
>>
>> But you said that you couldn't start (or boot) at all in your first post.
>> However...
>>
>> .... now you say :-
>>
>> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit
>> > 0
>>
>> Which drive? Are you now referring to booting from your newly made
>> 'floppy'
>> boot disk in the A: drive?
>>
>> If so - and ASS-U-ME-ing that you selected the CD-ROM support option -
>> you
>> *should* have seen a screen report similar to :-
>>
>> > Drive D:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
>> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive D
>>
>> Eventually, as you appear to be correctly seeing, should be confronted
>> with
>> the A:\ > prompt - (in DOS mode) awaiting YOU to give it a command.
>>
>> Exactly what did you expect to happen at the A:\> prompt?
>>
>> (Note: the CD-ROM drive letter would normally be high up the alphabet e.g
>> D,
>> E, F etc., and certainly not anywhere near R and what "Tomato" has got to
>> do
>> with it, I've no idea - other than a virus perhaps?)
>>
>> (Also note that your main hard drive should be the C: drive!!)
>>
>> >> > This may be a lost cause ...
>>
>> Hopefully not, but I suggest that as you do not appear to have much
>> technical computer knowledge and therefore don't really seem to know how
>> to
>> proceed, it might be worth taking your PC to your local computer techie
>> for
>> further help. You could also help yourself by having a good read of the
>> User
>> Manual which came with your computer. This *should* give instructions on
>> how
>> to use the 'restore disk' and possibly how to 'completely reinstall'
>>
>> In the meantime, you may find the following article useful :-
>> "Windows Millennium Edition Cleanhd.txt File Contents"
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;271673
>>
>> But note that this refers to an MS Retail version of WinMe so you *may*
>> have
>> to seek guidance for specific OEM (Non-MS) issues which may occur with
>> your
>> OEM restoration disk.
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>> "vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message news:4052581F-B415-4392-BF98-AC1AEC480B1B@microsoft.com...
>> > Hi Mart
>> >
>> > thanks that did make the correct boot disc
>> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit
>> > 0
>> > then goes on to hang with A:\> like it is waiting for something else,
>> > this doesn't allow system restore to be started or scanreg either.
>> > I tried then using the supplied CD recovery disc with no response.
>> >
>> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
>> >
>> > is there anything else I can do, I am happy to completely reinstall but
>> > am
>> > at a loss as to haow to do this if possible?
>> >
>> > thanks
>> >
>> > Roger
>> >
>> > "Mart" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Apart from anything else, you say that you :-
>> >>
>> >> > downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
>> >>
>> >> Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy
>> >> startup
>> >> disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an .exe
>> >> file)
>> >>
>> >> Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe
>> >> OEM"
>> >> version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need
>> >> download
>> >> the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an A:drive)
>> >> and
>> >> then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.
>> >>
>> >> Mart
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> in
>> >> message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
>> >> > This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
>> >> > I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the
>> >> > message
>> >> > I get states that this is not compatible.
>> >> > I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
>> >> > following
>> >> > advice
>> >> > from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is
>> >> > incorrect.
>> >> > Is there a chance of rescue?
>> >> > thanks
>> >> >
>> >> > Roger
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

vlad the impaler · External Since: Mar 30, 2006 Posts: 5

Hi Mart

I cannot restore either as there are no restore points

Ihave tried scandisk and I cannot scan C: it comes back as incorrect drive
and doesn't respond, I am unsure which drive is which as I attempted to scan
and restore by trying all the alphabet and drive R appears to work as C:
I have tried FIX which states that I need to delete files to create space
I cannot access the CD drive by command prompt, but the supplied recovery CD
autoplays to the 1st steps of recovery but states that it is incompatible
with the application.
Is there a way of copying (via another PC) and loading the windows ME
install elements from the recovery CD through command prompt?

The Boot disc I created has microsoft details at launch but states that
Drive R is TOMATO this may mean nothing

I have also gone through the step by step boot process either stating Y or N
to Drive R = Tomato to no avail.

regards

Roger

"Mart" wrote:

> Roger,
>
> You can't (easily!) run System Restore from the boot floppy. You can run :-
>
> scanreg /restore (note the space between g and /)
>
> at the A:\> prompt, and then follow the screen prompts, selecting the last
> known 'good' date to restore the last 'good' registry.
>
> However, perhaps you ought to run scandisk first :-
>
> scandisk c: (note the space and the colon after the c)
>
> again, at the A:\> prompt. BUT initially, do NOT let it do a Surface Scan.
> (This *could* further damage an already damaged HDD - assuming it may be
> damaged in the first place.) Instead, make a note of any reported errors
> (and back-up critical data) before attempting a surface scan - just a
> precaution.
>
> Exactly which drive (C:, D:, CD-ROM etc.,) is TOMATO?
> This could be a cause of concern without any explanation.
>
> Mart
>
>
>
>
> "vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:61149BB6-3BC1-42CD-9787-1FD4F961D00B@microsoft.com...
> > Hi Mart
> >
> > Thanks for bearing with me
> > I can now boot from the floppy but cannot run windows ME
> > I have no idea what the TOMATO is it is part of the script during the boot
> > process it has never appeared before using the new floppy boot disc
> >
> > at the A:\ prompt I have tried to run system restore and scan disc as per
> > Windows info on the newly created floppy to no avail, what instructions do
> > I
> > need to input?
> >
> > I have the article you indicated and so will refer to it and see if I can
> > find anything I have missed.
> >
> > thanks again
> >
> > Roger
> >
> >
> > "Mart" wrote:
> >
> >> Roger wrote :-
> >>
> >> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
> >>
> >> But you said that you couldn't start (or boot) at all in your first post.
> >> However...
> >>
> >> .... now you say :-
> >>
> >> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit
> >> > 0
> >>
> >> Which drive? Are you now referring to booting from your newly made
> >> 'floppy'
> >> boot disk in the A: drive?
> >>
> >> If so - and ASS-U-ME-ing that you selected the CD-ROM support option -
> >> you
> >> *should* have seen a screen report similar to :-
> >>
> >> > Drive D:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
> >> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive D
> >>
> >> Eventually, as you appear to be correctly seeing, should be confronted
> >> with
> >> the A:\ > prompt - (in DOS mode) awaiting YOU to give it a command.
> >>
> >> Exactly what did you expect to happen at the A:\> prompt?
> >>
> >> (Note: the CD-ROM drive letter would normally be high up the alphabet e.g
> >> D,
> >> E, F etc., and certainly not anywhere near R and what "Tomato" has got to
> >> do
> >> with it, I've no idea - other than a virus perhaps?)
> >>
> >> (Also note that your main hard drive should be the C: drive!!)
> >>
> >> >> > This may be a lost cause ...
> >>
> >> Hopefully not, but I suggest that as you do not appear to have much
> >> technical computer knowledge and therefore don't really seem to know how
> >> to
> >> proceed, it might be worth taking your PC to your local computer techie
> >> for
> >> further help. You could also help yourself by having a good read of the
> >> User
> >> Manual which came with your computer. This *should* give instructions on
> >> how
> >> to use the 'restore disk' and possibly how to 'completely reinstall'
> >>
> >> In the meantime, you may find the following article useful :-
> >> "Windows Millennium Edition Cleanhd.txt File Contents"
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;271673
> >>
> >> But note that this refers to an MS Retail version of WinMe so you *may*
> >> have
> >> to seek guidance for specific OEM (Non-MS) issues which may occur with
> >> your
> >> OEM restoration disk.
> >>
> >> Mart
> >>
> >>
> >> "vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message news:4052581F-B415-4392-BF98-AC1AEC480B1B@microsoft.com...
> >> > Hi Mart
> >> >
> >> > thanks that did make the correct boot disc
> >> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato unit
> >> > 0
> >> > then goes on to hang with A:\> like it is waiting for something else,
> >> > this doesn't allow system restore to be started or scanreg either.
> >> > I tried then using the supplied CD recovery disc with no response.
> >> >
> >> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
> >> >
> >> > is there anything else I can do, I am happy to completely reinstall but
> >> > am
> >> > at a loss as to haow to do this if possible?
> >> >
> >> > thanks
> >> >
> >> > Roger
> >> >
> >> > "Mart" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Apart from anything else, you say that you :-
> >> >>
> >> >> > downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
> >> >>
> >> >> Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy
> >> >> startup
> >> >> disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an .exe
> >> >> file)
> >> >>
> >> >> Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe
> >> >> OEM"
> >> >> version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need
> >> >> download
> >> >> the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an A:drive)
> >> >> and
> >> >> then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.
> >> >>
> >> >> Mart
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
> >> >> in
> >> >> message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my PC.
> >> >> > I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but the
> >> >> > message
> >> >> > I get states that this is not compatible.
> >> >> > I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
> >> >> > following
> >> >> > advice
> >> >> > from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is
> >> >> > incorrect.
> >> >> > Is there a chance of rescue?
> >> >> > thanks
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Roger
> >> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Mart · External Since: Apr 09, 2005 Posts: 1115

Hmm.. I just wonder .... that as you have been supplied with a 'Recovery
CD' then it suggests that you must have an OEM version of WinMe.

Certain OEM's installed Norton/Symantec/Roxio's GoBack and/or other disk
management utilities which prevented the 'standard' WinMe Startup floppy
Disk (and other DOS utilities) from recognising/seeing the C:drive. Also
your OEM may have 'defined' the (CD) drive letter - and designated odd names
(tomato?) to your drive(s).

*If* this is the case - and, as I've always only ever lived with the MS
retail version of WinMe - it's unlikely that I can help further, other than
point you towards a couple of 'GoBack' articles and links :-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoBack

"How to remove changes that GoBack makes to the boot sector and partition
tables of a computer"
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/goback.nsf/8655ac7556510eca88256d...0687f49

and your User Manual, of course!

Hope these help

Mart

"vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:CF9A9651-BF81-4705-B03B-C82604D17D24@microsoft.com...
> Hi Mart
>
> I cannot restore either as there are no restore points
>
> Ihave tried scandisk and I cannot scan C: it comes back as incorrect drive
> and doesn't respond, I am unsure which drive is which as I attempted to
> scan
> and restore by trying all the alphabet and drive R appears to work as C:
> I have tried FIX which states that I need to delete files to create space
> I cannot access the CD drive by command prompt, but the supplied recovery
> CD
> autoplays to the 1st steps of recovery but states that it is incompatible
> with the application.
> Is there a way of copying (via another PC) and loading the windows ME
> install elements from the recovery CD through command prompt?
>
> The Boot disc I created has microsoft details at launch but states that
> Drive R is TOMATO this may mean nothing
>
> I have also gone through the step by step boot process either stating Y or
> N
> to Drive R = Tomato to no avail.
>
> regards
>
> Roger
>
>
>
> "Mart" wrote:
>
>> Roger,
>>
>> You can't (easily!) run System Restore from the boot floppy. You can run
>> :-
>>
>> scanreg /restore (note the space between g and /)
>>
>> at the A:\> prompt, and then follow the screen prompts, selecting the
>> last
>> known 'good' date to restore the last 'good' registry.
>>
>> However, perhaps you ought to run scandisk first :-
>>
>> scandisk c: (note the space and the colon after the c)
>>
>> again, at the A:\> prompt. BUT initially, do NOT let it do a Surface
>> Scan.
>> (This *could* further damage an already damaged HDD - assuming it may be
>> damaged in the first place.) Instead, make a note of any reported errors
>> (and back-up critical data) before attempting a surface scan - just a
>> precaution.
>>
>> Exactly which drive (C:, D:, CD-ROM etc.,) is TOMATO?
>> This could be a cause of concern without any explanation.
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message news:61149BB6-3BC1-42CD-9787-1FD4F961D00B@microsoft.com...
>> > Hi Mart
>> >
>> > Thanks for bearing with me
>> > I can now boot from the floppy but cannot run windows ME
>> > I have no idea what the TOMATO is it is part of the script during the
>> > boot
>> > process it has never appeared before using the new floppy boot disc
>> >
>> > at the A:\ prompt I have tried to run system restore and scan disc as
>> > per
>> > Windows info on the newly created floppy to no avail, what instructions
>> > do
>> > I
>> > need to input?
>> >
>> > I have the article you indicated and so will refer to it and see if I
>> > can
>> > find anything I have missed.
>> >
>> > thanks again
>> >
>> > Roger
>> >
>> >
>> > "Mart" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Roger wrote :-
>> >>
>> >> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
>> >>
>> >> But you said that you couldn't start (or boot) at all in your first
>> >> post.
>> >> However...
>> >>
>> >> .... now you say :-
>> >>
>> >> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato
>> >> > unit
>> >> > 0
>> >>
>> >> Which drive? Are you now referring to booting from your newly made
>> >> 'floppy'
>> >> boot disk in the A: drive?
>> >>
>> >> If so - and ASS-U-ME-ing that you selected the CD-ROM support option -
>> >> you
>> >> *should* have seen a screen report similar to :-
>> >>
>> >> > Drive D:= Driver MSCD001 UNIT 0
>> >> > Your CD-ROM Is Drive D
>> >>
>> >> Eventually, as you appear to be correctly seeing, should be confronted
>> >> with
>> >> the A:\ > prompt - (in DOS mode) awaiting YOU to give it a command.
>> >>
>> >> Exactly what did you expect to happen at the A:\> prompt?
>> >>
>> >> (Note: the CD-ROM drive letter would normally be high up the alphabet
>> >> e.g
>> >> D,
>> >> E, F etc., and certainly not anywhere near R and what "Tomato" has got
>> >> to
>> >> do
>> >> with it, I've no idea - other than a virus perhaps?)
>> >>
>> >> (Also note that your main hard drive should be the C: drive!!)
>> >>
>> >> >> > This may be a lost cause ...
>> >>
>> >> Hopefully not, but I suggest that as you do not appear to have much
>> >> technical computer knowledge and therefore don't really seem to know
>> >> how
>> >> to
>> >> proceed, it might be worth taking your PC to your local computer
>> >> techie
>> >> for
>> >> further help. You could also help yourself by having a good read of
>> >> the
>> >> User
>> >> Manual which came with your computer. This *should* give instructions
>> >> on
>> >> how
>> >> to use the 'restore disk' and possibly how to 'completely reinstall'
>> >>
>> >> In the meantime, you may find the following article useful :-
>> >> "Windows Millennium Edition Cleanhd.txt File Contents"
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;271673
>> >>
>> >> But note that this refers to an MS Retail version of WinMe so you
>> >> *may*
>> >> have
>> >> to seek guidance for specific OEM (Non-MS) issues which may occur with
>> >> your
>> >> OEM restoration disk.
>> >>
>> >> Mart
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "vlad the impaler" <vladtheimpaler RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> >> message news:4052581F-B415-4392-BF98-AC1AEC480B1B@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Hi Mart
>> >> >
>> >> > thanks that did make the correct boot disc
>> >> > Unfortunately the boot process starts naming the drive R as Tomato
>> >> > unit
>> >> > 0
>> >> > then goes on to hang with A:\> like it is waiting for something
>> >> > else,
>> >> > this doesn't allow system restore to be started or scanreg either.
>> >> > I tried then using the supplied CD recovery disc with no response.
>> >> >
>> >> > I can start in safe mode with only option 1 available
>> >> >
>> >> > is there anything else I can do, I am happy to completely reinstall
>> >> > but
>> >> > am
>> >> > at a loss as to haow to do this if possible?
>> >> >
>> >> > thanks
>> >> >
>> >> > Roger
>> >> >
>> >> > "Mart" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> Apart from anything else, you say that you :-
>> >> >>
>> >> >> > downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Did you follow their instructions on how to make a bootable floppy
>> >> >> startup
>> >> >> disk from the downloaded zipped file (although it is normally an
>> >> >> .exe
>> >> >> file)
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Try http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm and select the "WindowsMe
>> >> >> OEM"
>> >> >> version. Don't just copy the download to a floppy disk, you need
>> >> >> download
>> >> >> the bootme.exe file to your computer (any computer, with an
>> >> >> A:drive)
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> then Run it to actually create the Startup (floppy) disk.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Mart
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "vlad the impaler" <vlad the impaler RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com>
>> >> >> wrote
>> >> >> in
>> >> >> message news:36944BD4-1AA3-494E-92F2-53881E51B176@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> > This may be a lost cause but I am currently unable to boot up my
>> >> >> > PC.
>> >> >> > I have tried the restore disc that was supplied with the PC but
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > message
>> >> >> > I get states that this is not compatible.
>> >> >> > I have also downloaded a zipped boot file from Bootdisc.com
>> >> >> > following
>> >> >> > advice
>> >> >> > from other threads but the message returned is that the disc is
>> >> >> > incorrect.
>> >> >> > Is there a chance of rescue?
>> >> >> > thanks
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Roger
>> >> >> >
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>