I wonder if anyone can help me out here.
I was messing around with a Live CD of the latest puppylinux (2.12), and was using WINE to try emulating some programs. It was working great until WINE (0.9.9 IIRC) crashed and froze the PC.
I had to hard reset (ie: power off) to get out of it. Thinking that the problem was solved, I restarted the PC (taking the Live CD out), only that have the PC boot into DOS black screen and freeze, with the screen reading ‘PRESS ANY KEY TO REBOOT
Catastrophic disk failure – help! (SOLVED)
Catastrophic disk failure – help! (SOLVED)
Last edited by bobst on Sun 17 Dec 2006, 14:16, edited 1 time in total.
Depends on your knowledge and dedication. I never use WXP and refuse to work on other folks' PCs if they are using NTFS, so my knowledge is a bit limited in this area. What kind of important data is stored under Puppy? ditto XP? Is 'GoBack' or something similar available? Does fdisk/mbr (which is NOT an fdisk programme, of course!) run on XP? If it does, you will just lose access to your Puppy partition until you reload a new GRUB boot-up from a live-CD.
If the simple things aren't working for you, why not transfer your important data to a second machine, ( or, at least a second drive,) via eg the network using Puppy live-CD (or Knoppix for extremely complicated operations). Experts can rebuild an XP partition, but often the grief isn't worth it. Once you've got all you need - delete the entire edifice.
Next time don't use NTFS. Even better, don't use XP - it's only W9x with a few more pretty pictures and USB. Best of all, don't use Winanything!
If the simple things aren't working for you, why not transfer your important data to a second machine, ( or, at least a second drive,) via eg the network using Puppy live-CD (or Knoppix for extremely complicated operations). Experts can rebuild an XP partition, but often the grief isn't worth it. Once you've got all you need - delete the entire edifice.
Next time don't use NTFS. Even better, don't use XP - it's only W9x with a few more pretty pictures and USB. Best of all, don't use Winanything!
If you have a windows xp install disk, you can boot from it and at the first prompt choose F2 to boot to a command line interface, where you can run chkdsk to check your disk, you can also from there run fixboot and fixmbr to rebuild your boot.ini and your master boot record, if those don't help you can reboot with the install disk and do a repair install, and you shouldn't lose any data from your drive, hope this helps, I've had this happen to me several times and one of these solutions has always worked for me, good luck.
the only thing that is constant is change
Hi norsiwel
I do indeed have the XP install disk. However, when I tried using it, it didn't boot into anything, and still gave me the same PRESS ANY KEY TO REBOOT error.
I will attempt the steps you have outlined and report back! Does anyone have any other ideas?
Sage
I'd love to get rid of WinXp (thus the dabbling with Puppy), but I don't think I'm ready just yet for life without it. I use too much sofware / hard-ware that is XP reliant.
PS:
Is there anyway to easily burn 40gb of data over multiple DVD, using the default Puppy software? It's a pain in the ass doing it one by one, deciding which directory should go here and which there, so as to maximize DVD usage. I see 'overburn' as an option, but I'm not sure if thats what I want. I just want to select all the folders and let it tell me when to insert an new DVD.
I do indeed have the XP install disk. However, when I tried using it, it didn't boot into anything, and still gave me the same PRESS ANY KEY TO REBOOT error.
I will attempt the steps you have outlined and report back! Does anyone have any other ideas?
Sage
I'd love to get rid of WinXp (thus the dabbling with Puppy), but I don't think I'm ready just yet for life without it. I use too much sofware / hard-ware that is XP reliant.
PS:
Is there anyway to easily burn 40gb of data over multiple DVD, using the default Puppy software? It's a pain in the ass doing it one by one, deciding which directory should go here and which there, so as to maximize DVD usage. I see 'overburn' as an option, but I'm not sure if thats what I want. I just want to select all the folders and let it tell me when to insert an new DVD.
Sounds like they finally got around to renaming fdisk/mbr to fixmbr, since it always was a separate programme.
Why not connect a second HD and use a whole disk copier to, errrr, copy the whole lot? Then you can play all the tunes on the copy without risking losing anything. Knoppix live-CD is still one of the most comprehensive packages for fixing other OSes and some kind guy wrote a manual on the subject (look on their Forum). There are some additional specialist repair distros available: check on DistroWatch this last several months.
Why not connect a second HD and use a whole disk copier to, errrr, copy the whole lot? Then you can play all the tunes on the copy without risking losing anything. Knoppix live-CD is still one of the most comprehensive packages for fixing other OSes and some kind guy wrote a manual on the subject (look on their Forum). There are some additional specialist repair distros available: check on DistroWatch this last several months.
Honesty - because I'm not computer savvy enough to crack open the case, figure out which cable goes where, rip out a hard drive (which may or may not be compatable) from an old PC, copy contents across etc.
In any case, the 'next best' pc in the house has a hard-drive that is only just 10gb, so it would have a hard time containing all the files, whilst I formated then other one, the reinstalled XP and copied them back.
I'd like to have a workaround given the limitation of where I'm at, without having to buy new hard-ware or software if possible
From what I understand, this is the linux way
PS: Before you ask - posting from a friend's / work pc
In any case, the 'next best' pc in the house has a hard-drive that is only just 10gb, so it would have a hard time containing all the files, whilst I formated then other one, the reinstalled XP and copied them back.
I'd like to have a workaround given the limitation of where I'm at, without having to buy new hard-ware or software if possible
From what I understand, this is the linux way PS: Before you ask - posting from a friend's / work pc
Last edited by bobst on Sat 16 Dec 2006, 17:30, edited 1 time in total.
Do not jump to unproven presumptions -
First try ANY bootable media - floppy AND cd disc !
Check your BIOS - try removing the CMOS battery, leave out for Approx 10 mins --reinstall then check BIOS again.
That resets to factory defaults.
From your report - it is not the hard drive causing the no boot.
(You stated the Win-xx install cd would not boot)
Older Winxx versions used the Win utility {fdisk /mbr} parameter to reinstall file tables to MBR.
Newer uses {fixmember}
Parted can copy O/Systems.
Google for all info.
First try ANY bootable media - floppy AND cd disc !
Check your BIOS - try removing the CMOS battery, leave out for Approx 10 mins --reinstall then check BIOS again.
That resets to factory defaults.
From your report - it is not the hard drive causing the no boot.
(You stated the Win-xx install cd would not boot)
Older Winxx versions used the Win utility {fdisk /mbr} parameter to reinstall file tables to MBR.
Newer uses {fixmember}
Parted can copy O/Systems.
Google for all info.
All other bootable media work fine.
I can boot from DVD (as per Live CD of puppy) and from USB pen drive. No idea why the WinXP install disk refuses to boot. Perhaps it needs access to the hard drive to create temporary files, which it can't find? Just guessing: XP came pre-installed on the machine
Floppy drive is working fine too. Tried to use a windows 98 recovery disk (LOL). It seemed to create a RAM drive in memory, but didn't give me access to the C: drive
I will indeed try you suggestion re: reseting CMOS to factory defaults.
I don't understand what you mean by your last sentance
"Parted can copy O/Systems".
Is "Parted" some kind of program I can download that can restore my file system?
Sorry - damn dirty newb.
I can boot from DVD (as per Live CD of puppy) and from USB pen drive. No idea why the WinXP install disk refuses to boot. Perhaps it needs access to the hard drive to create temporary files, which it can't find? Just guessing: XP came pre-installed on the machine
Floppy drive is working fine too. Tried to use a windows 98 recovery disk (LOL). It seemed to create a RAM drive in memory, but didn't give me access to the C: drive
I will indeed try you suggestion re: reseting CMOS to factory defaults.
I don't understand what you mean by your last sentance
"Parted can copy O/Systems".
Is "Parted" some kind of program I can download that can restore my file system?
Sorry - damn dirty newb.
Sorry, yes (Parted) is a Linux utility - there are many such types for Winxx or Linux
PS - Try carefully cleaning the XP install disc - Esp the innermost section
If your Computer does boot another CD - don't bother resetting the CMOS by Re & RE the battery .
(Good idea to re-check your BIOS settings anyway.)
And for loose cabling etc. (just in case).
Best luck
PS - Try carefully cleaning the XP install disc - Esp the innermost section
If your Computer does boot another CD - don't bother resetting the CMOS by Re & RE the battery .
(Good idea to re-check your BIOS settings anyway.)
And for loose cabling etc. (just in case).
Best luck
We can send around one of those proverbial six-year olds if you wish?!!
Don't believe there's any magic in opening a PC; best idea is to build your own, then you know what everything is, where it is and don't get ripped off at your local computer store.
Removing one side panel is a job requiring removal of two (or one on all machines I build one!) screws and sliding it open.
An 80Gb HD can be had for <£30 and will act as your backup. To use this in your case you only need to set one jumper to 'Slave' using the picture on the top (failing that, the manufacturer's website); on some disks, you just remove the single jumper. You connect the HD to the spare connector on the ribbon cable that begins on the motherboard and ends with your present HD (if it's already in use, ask me again). You connect a spare 4pin Molex power connector that's hanging about in there. No need to screw the drive into a spare bay - I leave them hanging in mid air temporarily.
Get an HD copying utility from the Web - there are hundreds available gratis. Most run from a FD. I use HDCopy if I can't find PQMagic or can't be bothered to run GPartEd from inside Puppy.
This sort of thing is an utter doddle - centenarian grannies do it in their sleep with one hand behind their back!
If you don't learn this sort of elementary stuff it will haunt you and forever conspire to empty your wallet.
We (OK , I) can talk you through anything like this anytime. Where are you?
Don't believe there's any magic in opening a PC; best idea is to build your own, then you know what everything is, where it is and don't get ripped off at your local computer store.
Removing one side panel is a job requiring removal of two (or one on all machines I build one!) screws and sliding it open.
An 80Gb HD can be had for <£30 and will act as your backup. To use this in your case you only need to set one jumper to 'Slave' using the picture on the top (failing that, the manufacturer's website); on some disks, you just remove the single jumper. You connect the HD to the spare connector on the ribbon cable that begins on the motherboard and ends with your present HD (if it's already in use, ask me again). You connect a spare 4pin Molex power connector that's hanging about in there. No need to screw the drive into a spare bay - I leave them hanging in mid air temporarily.
Get an HD copying utility from the Web - there are hundreds available gratis. Most run from a FD. I use HDCopy if I can't find PQMagic or can't be bothered to run GPartEd from inside Puppy.
This sort of thing is an utter doddle - centenarian grannies do it in their sleep with one hand behind their back!
If you don't learn this sort of elementary stuff it will haunt you and forever conspire to empty your wallet.
We (OK , I) can talk you through anything like this anytime. Where are you?
Well, maybe there is an easier way. The best time for learning this stuff is not when all his data is at risk, and I'm sure the snide remarks are not helping him either.
He can buy one of those USB-based external drives (they are handy for off-site backup in any case), boot Puppy, and copy all his stuff to the external drive.
I once had a computer that torqued the BIOS every time I had to power off in a rude manner. I got to where I had the BIOS settings on a piece of paper taped to the side of the box, and just went in and re-entered the BIOS settings whenever that happened to me. Maybe there is something wrong with his BIOS. He should go in and at least look around.
Wouldn't a bad MBR cause these symptoms? Maybe he just needs to repair that.
He can buy one of those USB-based external drives (they are handy for off-site backup in any case), boot Puppy, and copy all his stuff to the external drive.
I once had a computer that torqued the BIOS every time I had to power off in a rude manner. I got to where I had the BIOS settings on a piece of paper taped to the side of the box, and just went in and re-entered the BIOS settings whenever that happened to me. Maybe there is something wrong with his BIOS. He should go in and at least look around.
Wouldn't a bad MBR cause these symptoms? Maybe he just needs to repair that.
Yes, a bad mbr will cause his problems. Less sure about the BIOS, though, since he can boot other stuff successfully. If the mains cable remains connected on an ATX system, the BIOS is retained, even without a battery, unless it is broken - try it!!!
Not sure about that accusation of 'snide remarks'. Is yours another case of US humourectomy?!
Not sure about that accusation of 'snide remarks'. Is yours another case of US humourectomy?!
The focus should be on most likely logical cause first.
Which is to restore the XP MBR tables.
If that fails - no alternative, he must try to copy over anything wanted to save.
(I would think that might just be anything that is not part of the install supplied O/system )?
Yes, the Bios will retain settings - but only IF the computer is still powered up !
The reason a CMOS battery is even Req'd.
However, it is bad idea to have line voltage to the computer power supply while poking around.
ESP not powered on !
Even w/no power - don't be careless around the power supply (if that unit was ever opened )
The high voltage windings filled the capacitors - which then can hold a lethal charge for a LONG time - and discharging them is NOT advised !
(BTW as an inveterate long_time_ tinker Sage ..... where is the first tip that should be noted) ?
= Touch a bare metal part of case with fingers to discharge any possible static built up - in Winter it's bad - just from moving around.
This is very noticeable in some climates, with carpets/footwear building up pretty respectable potentials - very fast !
Do this every time you leave the project, then return.
Motherboards contain min-ciruitry that is very sensitive to DC over-voltages
Not to discourage - just use sense ~ Plastic shielded tools and most of all CAUTION is highly recommended.
(static discharge wrist bands non-withstanding)
When in doubt about memory - use something like a felt marking pen to indicate where parts came from, which end or side of cables attach where.
Today it is taken apart - two days later,
memory can get shaky ?
You may know a bit of hands on computer inners -
I know how backyard mechanics think & their (ahem) .... work habits.
Which is to restore the XP MBR tables.
If that fails - no alternative, he must try to copy over anything wanted to save.
(I would think that might just be anything that is not part of the install supplied O/system )?
Yes, the Bios will retain settings - but only IF the computer is still powered up !
The reason a CMOS battery is even Req'd.
However, it is bad idea to have line voltage to the computer power supply while poking around.
ESP not powered on !
Even w/no power - don't be careless around the power supply (if that unit was ever opened )
The high voltage windings filled the capacitors - which then can hold a lethal charge for a LONG time - and discharging them is NOT advised !
(BTW as an inveterate long_time_ tinker Sage ..... where is the first tip that should be noted) ?
= Touch a bare metal part of case with fingers to discharge any possible static built up - in Winter it's bad - just from moving around.
This is very noticeable in some climates, with carpets/footwear building up pretty respectable potentials - very fast !
Do this every time you leave the project, then return.
Motherboards contain min-ciruitry that is very sensitive to DC over-voltages
Not to discourage - just use sense ~ Plastic shielded tools and most of all CAUTION is highly recommended.
(static discharge wrist bands non-withstanding)
When in doubt about memory - use something like a felt marking pen to indicate where parts came from, which end or side of cables attach where.
Today it is taken apart - two days later,
memory can get shaky ?You may know a bit of hands on computer inners -
I know how backyard mechanics think & their (ahem) .... work habits.
Solved!
Hi guys, just an update
Booting from WinXp disc, pressing F2, choosing repair (R), then running fixmbr 100% solved the problem! Thanks to norsiwel who suggested that and thanks to everyone else.
Sage - you're quite right. It probably is best to build your own: at least that way you know what goes where. I was right into that kinda stuff 10-15yrs ago, then I walked away from it, and am somewhat trepadatious in 'relapsing'. Plus...the innards...look different these days?
Booting from WinXp disc, pressing F2, choosing repair (R), then running fixmbr 100% solved the problem! Thanks to norsiwel who suggested that and thanks to everyone else.
Sage - you're quite right. It probably is best to build your own: at least that way you know what goes where. I was right into that kinda stuff 10-15yrs ago, then I walked away from it, and am somewhat trepadatious in 'relapsing'. Plus...the innards...look different these days?
Wunderbar! Now you can extract all your critical data before bidding farewell to Billy's bent boxes forever.
Gn2 is correct - fortunately, nylon carpets met their Waterloo some time back. Although I get away with appalling travesties and have never damaged any components myself, I usually recommend removal of shoes AND socks to neophyte fiddlers.
I never mention PSU repairs without including the same warning as clearly printed on all their cases. One only makes the mistake of grasping the innards across the big reservoir capacitors once (either way!). Luckily, the last time I did that was on a fairly heavy unit which I was able to shake off my hand - the muscles were locked tight! Otherwise, if I'm in a hurry, I do what most repairmen do - flash all the underside joints with a large insulated screwdriver. I have several with melted notches......
Gn2 is correct - fortunately, nylon carpets met their Waterloo some time back. Although I get away with appalling travesties and have never damaged any components myself, I usually recommend removal of shoes AND socks to neophyte fiddlers.
I never mention PSU repairs without including the same warning as clearly printed on all their cases. One only makes the mistake of grasping the innards across the big reservoir capacitors once (either way!). Luckily, the last time I did that was on a fairly heavy unit which I was able to shake off my hand - the muscles were locked tight! Otherwise, if I'm in a hurry, I do what most repairmen do - flash all the underside joints with a large insulated screwdriver. I have several with melted notches......
Re: Catastrophic disk failure – help!
Are you saying you were runing an IRC Network Client under WINE?bobst wrote:until WINE (0.9.9 IIRC)
I might be wrong, but I think this might be where the problem came from, not from Windows.
Doesn't running as root on one of those networks cause big issues? I seem to recall losing my MBR a couple times doing that.
~ removal of shoes AND socks
~ flash all the underside joints with a large insulated screwdriver. I have several with melted notches......
Save yourself, poor pets &/or neighbours from overload burnout:(ahem) .... work habits.
^ Olfactory or outre-wise.Make up a 10 Guage or heavier jumper cable, insulated HD alligator jaws ..... wire in a 20 amp toggle switch !