Computer Sales and Support

XP Repair Problem

Posted on 28. Nov, 2009 by admin in Uncategorized

Despite the appearance of new Windows operating systems, XP still has plenty of power and is widely deployed. Many people have invested much into these systems and if a serious problems occurs, they urgently need a repair that will not leave them with a bare system. I wrote this article for EzineArticles and I present it again here with some significant additions. It is called Repair Problem – Powerful Solutions For Your XP Repair Problem

Background

An all too common repair problem that Windows users face is a situation where the system is damaged and needs to be repaired. The user may experience an inability to boot, disruptive BSODs (blue screen of death), a crippling virus attack or horrible performance accompanied by frequent and strange errors.

Most users want relief and fast. However, they don’t want to lose all the programs and data that they worked so long and hard to put into place.

Repair Options

Before any repair can proceed, any hardware problems that may be causing the problem need to be corrected. It should be determined that the hard disk and motherboard at a minimum are working properly.

Once hardware has been checked out, 4 options exist for XP systems to resolve the problem

1. Performing an XP repair install to achieve XP automatic recovery
2. Installing a clean version of XP and recovering from a backup
3. Direct bare metal restore from a backup such as Acronis
4. Reimage automated XP repair

Windows system XP Repair Through a Repair Install

XP has provided for automated system recovery by allowing a user to do a repair install. The user goes through the motions of installing the operating system but instead of doing a fresh install selects an option to repair an existing installation.

This option can be technically challenging, requires careful preparation, needs special care for a number of situations and can be very time consuming.

The best source for information on how to do this is provided by Michael Stevens Tech.

Preparation for this process requires that data be backed up before starting. Optimally, all existing data should be backed up but certain crucial data absolutely must be saved. Certain files which would initiate a wipe out of the system must be removed. XP Files And Settings Transfer should be invoked. If the XP cd that is being used for the repair install is not at the highest service pack upgrade level, the current service packs on the system need to be undone. Alternatively, a slipstreamed version of XP which includes XP and the service packs can be created before starting. Michael Stevens Tech offers some methods for doing this.

The user has to be careful not to use the recovery console which is not the same thing as a repair install. If the repair install doesn’t find the existing operating system, some emergency measures are needed. One option is to get a new hard drive and install a fresh copy of XP on it and put the old drive in as a 2nd drive which can be accessed for it’s programs and data. If the user has not retained the progam installation software or cd, it may be impossible to restore some applications. It may be possible to get the repair to recognize the old operating system by reconfiguring boot.ini.

If everything else goes, well and service packs have to be reapplied, the system should not be connected to the Internet until the packs are in and a firewall is active in order to avoid being infected by the Sasser worm.

All in all, this is a complex and error prone process.

New OS and restore

A user can do a fresh install and a restore from a backup if they kept one but it can be tricky knowing what shouldn’t be overwritten on the new system

Direct bare metal restore from a backup such as Acronis

Acronis can restore a system with no programs or operating system installed from a recovery cd. The recovery can also be initiated from the damaged system if it can get the restore started.

Get 10% off on Acronis True Image Home 2010 with Coupon Code NDJATIH2010

Reimage Automated XP repair

Reimage can repair a  damaged XP system automatically with very little user intervention. If the system can boot and get to the Internet, the Reimage program can be started. A scan of the system is done and all errors are found. The Reimage system uses a database which contains information and software to repair any problems in the XP system. All missing or damaged components are repaired. All harmful or questionable items are removed. The process takes around 35 minutes. This repair is modestly priced and is much cheaper that getting professional repair. It’s certainly worth it compared to the time that would have to be spent by doing it yourself. If the user is not satisfied, the repair can be reversed and there is no charge.

Reimage also provides for creating a repair boot disk so that the repair can be done even if you can’t boot your system

Advantages for a Repair Depot

Repair processing can be optimized by splitting off hardware and software problems.

Most software issues can be handled by Reimage This frees up repair personnel to work on hardware. More gets done with less resources.

Multiple repairs can be run simultaneously using Reimage. The repair process is simple, quick and requires no backup. An undo option is preinstalled if necessary. You have no worry about data and applications being preserved.

The diagram below illustrates workflow enhancement using Reimage

• The number of repairs that can take place at the same time via the web is basically unlimited. It is only bounded by bandwidth limits which are generally not a factor.
• You can greatly reduce software repair training costs as Reimage will take care of most software problems
• Reimage provides full auditing for its operation. Reports are created which report on repair quality, computer performance and improvement recommendations.

Summary

XP repair problems can be severe but there are a number of repair options. There are a number of free options. Automated repair is not free but it will certainly save a lot of time and aggravation.