Abort Windows XP Setup

[Lakario]

I've encountered a bit of trouble with an attempt to reinstall Windows XP after some slight damage to my registry. Basically, the computer is convinced that I do not have working drivers for my CD-ROM drives and so I thought reinstalling Windows XP would be a decent idea. I booted from the setup CD and allowed it to copy all the setup files to my system (no problem), then the system rebooted and attempted to initialize the setup process, but failed to do so because as soon as the setup began it defaulted back to the broken registry settings and thus it could not read the data off the CD-ROM drives. Moreoever, the setup process hijacked my Windows XP boot sequence. I have since figured out how to repair this problem, but it requires access to the registry, which I cannot get without booting the system to my desktop. So that leads me to my question:

Is it possible to abort the Windows XP setup and boot the system to my desktop as I was able to before beginning the setup process.

If not I will have to format, which is not a pretty alternative. Any help would be appreciated.

[Dude]

When you started the second install did you format the drive during the install? When you say hijacked my Windows XP boot sequence, what do you mean? Need more info on this.

[Lakario]

No, I did not format. I meant that instead of booting to my desktop as it had it would boot into the setup screen everytime. I cleared the problem up by accessing registry editor during the install by pressing shift+f11 and then using the command line to get into regedit. Long story short: Problem solved.

[Whitecougar]

Did you try typing sfc/scannow at the command prompt

[MuSenX]

this is my exact problem I believe. With or without the disc when I boot I end up at that page described in the problem. How do I bypass this? I need to at least get to the desktop once so I can remove my files from the computer please help me someone.

[stlouis1]

im not sure im understanding you're post correctly....but is this you're problem

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060/en-us

[MuSenX]

OK so i finally got a round of XP reinstall to work but now my system is loading super slow like 25-30min just to get to the password prompt and it seems to hang once I type my password. i think it has to do with antivirus antispyware software I use but Im not sure how to shut down all but essentials so i can finally boot up someone? help me?

[yahooadam]

if you just re-installed how could anything be slowing it down ?

[MuSenX]

perhaps i am using the wrong terminology? I reinstalled but without formatting I installed win xp over the version which was on the laptop, in order to preserve the information I had on the laptop

[yahooadam]

It was a Repair Install ?

Otherwise you can re-install windows without wiping the data ...

[MuSenX]

correct a repair install just to get in: but now its telling me "netwk.exe - application error. X the isntruction at "0x0045c19f" referenced memory at "0x0000000" the memory could not be 'read' click ok to terminate the program click on cancel to debug the program"

but my cursor is frozen I cannot click on anything I would have to restart......this is maddness

should i re run chkdsk /r ? it hasnt been run since the re-install

[yahooadam]

your computer sounds pretty messed up

tbh, reinstalling is probably a good idea at this point ...
If you need to recover data, a Linux LiveCD can help you get at it

[stlouis1]

might i suggest knopix and an external drive.

or you can mail me the system and ill fix it for you. i need something to do after work anyway. 4:30pm - 1:00am and tuesday wednesday doesnt allow for having a life

[MuSenX]

OK IM IN! but only in safe mode.... so do you think its a driver, service or startup application issue? Im not sure how to turn off the problem programs...

[MuSenX]

I got into selective startup using the system config utility but I am clueless on how to get a clean boot. I can startup just fine this way but I have trouble accessing any program in the start menu and the wireless will not run. If anyone can talk me through this process its appreciated.