Windows XP will not start

Hi, I have a major problem and am wondering if anyone can help inform me
on any of these things. Thank you very much in advance!!

I have Windows XP the home version, on a Gateway desktop computer,
probably at least 6 or 7 years old. For a few weeks or more, it was
acting up and would start to shut down on me suddenly, then say that it
"recovered from a serious error."

Then Windows stopped starting up completely, and I started to get this
message instead when I turned on my computer:
winlogon.exe
"This application has failed to start because ODBC32.dll was not found.
Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
Then if you close that window, I eventually get another error message
saying:
"User Interface Failure - The logon user interface DLL msgina.dll
failed to load. Replace the DLL, or restore the original DLL."

I tried running repair installations of Windows XP, but it would say
that it couldn't copy many of the necessary files, including the
ODBC32.dll, so it was never successful, and I keep getting the same
error messages. I also have tried to get into the recovery console to
run a chkdisk or other commands, but it will not let me in, because I
cannot get any administrator password to work. I have tried to recover
the password, but no success. I even tried a trick of getting into a
security hole during repair and accessing NUSRMGR.CPL and trying to
change the password, but it did not work, probably because the Windows
XP repair installation didn't complete properly, due to not being able
to copy the needed files.

I am getting another desktop computer that has Windows XP on it in a
week, and it is only a few years old and in good condition. I will no
longer need this old computer, but I am in desperate need of the files
that are on it, for taxes/financial info etc. I am poor and can't
afford to hire someone to try to recover it for me, but I need the files
as soon as possible.

I read that I can disconnect the hard drive from the computer, and I
looked up in the manual that came with the computer, and though I have
never opened up a computer before, I think I could probably follow that
and do it.

My main question is, is there any way to then hook up that damaged/bad
hard drive to the new computer and access the files, even though windows
won't start on the old/damaged hard drive? Like would I be able to
access just the files, similar to the way you normally can, by accessing
"My Computer", then "C:" etc? I read on another site about something
called a "slave drive" or something like that? Is there a site that
would explain how to do that? My computer knowledge is very limited,
but I am somewhat intelligent, so am hoping that I can somehow find a
way to retrieve the files from this hard disk. I am not sure if this is
even possible. Thank you for any help or pointers!

purpleck wrote:

(snippage)

> My main question is, is there any way to then hook up that damaged/bad
> hard drive to the new computer and access the files, even though windows
> won't start on the old/damaged hard drive?

Yes. Assuming that the hard drive is physically sound (which is an
assumption that I wouldn't make based on your description of the issues but
it's certainly worth a try), you can get data off the drive.

1. Pull the drive and slave it in a computer running a working install of
XP/Vista. Depending on the target drive's characteristics, you may need a
drive adapter; i.e., laptop-to-IDE or a SATA controller card, etc. A
usb/firewire external drive enclosure works very well, too. Use the working
Windows Explorer to copy the data to the rescue system's hard drive and
then burn the data to cd or dvd.

2. Often XP/Vista will not boot with a slaved drive that has a damaged file
system. In that case, boot the target computer with either a Bart's PE or a
Linux live cd such as Knoppix and retrieve the data that way. Here is
general information on using Knoppix for this:

You will need a computer with two cd drives, one of which is a cd/dvd-rw OR
a usb thumb drive with enough capacity to hold your data OR an external
usb/firewire hard drive formatted FAT32 (not NTFS)*. To get Knoppix, you
need a computer with a fast Internet connection and third-party burning
software. Download the Knoppix .iso and create your bootable cd (burn as an
image, not as a data cd). Then boot with it and it will be able to see the
Windows files. If you are using the usb thumb drive or the external hard
drive, right-click on its icon (on the Desktop) to get its properties and
uncheck the box that says "Read Only". Then click on it to open it. Note
that the default mouse action in the window manager used by Knoppix (KDE)
is a single click to open instead of the traditional MS Windows'
double-click. If you want to burn CD/DVDs, use the K3b program.

*My understanding is that you can now write to an NTFS partition from Linux.
If you wish to do this, Google for instructions.

http://www.knoppix.net
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ - Bart's PE Builder

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share all of that good info.
I have printed it out. I am planning on possibly getting a USB hard
drive enclosure, and then try it. Someone from Gateway told me that I
would have to do a clean install of Windows XP on the damaged hard
drive, then try to use data recovery software on it after that. But it
sounds like you are saying that I may be able to get to the files on it
without doing that. If I am understanding properly, I may be able to
just access the files on the slaved drive right away, or if not, I can
try the Knoppix route instead, correct? That sounds better than trying
the data recovery software route. Especially if Knoppix is free. Thank
you so much; I appreciate it. Hopefully I can figure this all out.
When you say boot the target computer with Knoppix, you mean to book the
good hard drive with it, not the slaved drive, right? Thank you.

purpleck;704122 Wrote:
> Hi, I have a major problem and am wondering if anyone can help inform me
> on any of these things. Thank you very much in advance!!
>
> I have Windows XP the home version, on a Gateway desktop computer,
> probably at least 6 or 7 years old. For a few weeks or more, it was
> acting up and would start to shut down on me suddenly, then say that it
> "recovered from a serious error."
>
> Then Windows stopped starting up completely, and I started to get this
> message instead when I turned on my computer:
> winlogon.exe
> "This application has failed to start because ODBC32.dll was not found.
> Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
> Then if you close that window, I eventually get another error message
> saying:
> "User Interface Failure - The logon user interface DLL msgina.dll
> failed to load. Replace the DLL, or restore the original DLL."
>
> I tried running repair installations of Windows XP, but it would say
> that it couldn't copy many of the necessary files, including the
> ODBC32.dll, so it was never successful, and I keep getting the same
> error messages. I also have tried to get into the recovery console to
> run a chkdisk or other commands, but it will not let me in, because I
> cannot get any administrator password to work. I have tried to recover
> the password, but no success. I even tried a trick of getting into a
> security hole during repair and accessing NUSRMGR.CPL and trying to
> change the password, but it did not work, probably because the Windows
> XP repair installation didn't complete properly, due to not being able
> to copy the needed files.
>
> I am getting another desktop computer that has Windows XP on it in a
> week, and it is only a few years old and in good condition. I will no
> longer need this old computer, but I am in desperate need of the files
> that are on it, for taxes/financial info etc. I am poor and can't
> afford to hire someone to try to recover it for me, but I need the files
> as soon as possible.
>
> I read that I can disconnect the hard drive from the computer, and I
> looked up in the manual that came with the computer, and though I have
> never opened up a computer before, I think I could probably follow that
> and do it.
>
> My main question is, is there any way to then hook up that damaged/bad
> hard drive to the new computer and access the files, even though windows
> won't start on the old/damaged hard drive? Like would I be able to
> access just the files, similar to the way you normally can, by accessing
> "My Computer", then "C:" etc? I read on another site about something
> called a "slave drive" or something like that? Is there a site that
> would explain how to do that? My computer knowledge is very limited,
> but I am somewhat intelligent, so am hoping that I can somehow find a
> way to retrieve the files from this hard disk. I am not sure if this is
> even possible. Thank you for any help or pointers!
If you still having trouble and still not getting your files out of
that old pc. I would be please to offer my assistance to you. I can
directly assist you on how to transfer the old files to your new pc with
voice chat or simple chat. You can reach through my email at
james_skywalker74@yahoo.com or jamcez@gmail.com. You can also visit this
site for more info. 'DriverNeeds - Powered by CO.CC'
(http://www.driverneeds.co.cc)

purpleck wrote:

>
> Thank you very much for taking the time to share all of that good info.
> I have printed it out. I am planning on possibly getting a USB hard
> drive enclosure, and then try it. Someone from Gateway told me that I
> would have to do a clean install of Windows XP on the damaged hard
> drive, then try to use data recovery software on it after that. But it
> sounds like you are saying that I may be able to get to the files on it
> without doing that. If I am understanding properly, I may be able to
> just access the files on the slaved drive right away, or if not, I can
> try the Knoppix route instead, correct? That sounds better than trying
> the data recovery software route. Especially if Knoppix is free. Thank
> you so much; I appreciate it. Hopefully I can figure this all out.
> When you say boot the target computer with Knoppix, you mean to book the
> good hard drive with it, not the slaved drive, right? Thank you.

The information that you got from the "someone from Gateway" is dead wrong
and almost guaranteed to completely destroy your data.

Yes, you may be able to directly access the files from a working computer by
attaching the target hard drive to it, either from a USB drive enclosure or
by internally attaching it temporarily. An easy way to internally attach it
in the working computer is to put it where the master optical drive is
(assuming you have a SATA/PATA match). Then you don't need to mess about
with jumpers (PATA only of course).

If Windows will not boot when the target drive is connected internally, you
can try:

1. Connect the target drive in a USB drive enclosure instead.
2. Boot the good computer with Knoppix with the target drive attached or
connected.

If none of the above works - the system freezes or the drive isn't seen, the
drive has probably died. Which is what I suspect may have happened anyway,
but it can't hurt to try.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

Dear Malke,

Thank you; you have been so helpful. I was beginning to suspect that
the Gateway guy didn't know what he was talking about when he said that
there was no way to use an enclosure for an internal drive and couldn't
tell me whether I needed 3.5 or 2.5 size.

I bought a USB drive enclosure (3.5 for desktop) and, this weekend, I
will try removing the hard drive and plugging it into the new computer
at the USB port. Since I have never opened up a computer before, I was
afraid to go the "slave drive" route, and possibly damage the new
computer.

I have one more question. You said:

-If none of the above works - the system freezes or the drive isn't
seen, the
drive has probably died. Which is what I suspect may have happened
anyway,
but it can't hurt to try.-

If that is the case, that the hard drive has died, is there any other
way to retrieve any files from it, with data recovery software or
anything, or am I out of luck? Thank you for your help; it has made a
big difference.

Catherine (purpleck)

purpleck wrote:


> Thank you; you have been so helpful. I was beginning to suspect that
> the Gateway guy didn't know what he was talking about when he said that
> there was no way to use an enclosure for an internal drive and couldn't
> tell me whether I needed 3.5 or 2.5 size.
>
> I bought a USB drive enclosure (3.5 for desktop) and, this weekend, I
> will try removing the hard drive and plugging it into the new computer
> at the USB port. Since I have never opened up a computer before, I was
> afraid to go the "slave drive" route, and possibly damage the new
> computer.
>
> I have one more question. You said:
>
> -If none of the above works - the system freezes or the drive isn't
> seen, the
> drive has probably died. Which is what I suspect may have happened
> anyway,
> but it can't hurt to try.-
>
> If that is the case, that the hard drive has died, is there any other
> way to retrieve any files from it, with data recovery software or
> anything, or am I out of luck? Thank you for your help; it has made a
> big difference.

Hi, Catherine - Wow, that Gateway guy was certainly an idiot. I'm glad you
didn't listen to him. I think the USB drive enclosure is the way to go and
will be useful to you in any case. Just take your time and you'll figure it
out. It isn't hard. Then if the old drive is actually OK, after you get
your data off it you can format it and use it for back up or extra storage.

If the hard drive is physically damaged, there is nothing you can do
locally. Here is my standard data recovery information about that:
*****
If there is any question that the drive is at fault - it's making noises for
instance - and the data is crucial DO NOTHING FURTHER ON THE DRIVE. Every
time you spin that drive up you may be destroying data. If this is the
case, send the drive to a professional data recovery company like Drive
Savers (my preference) or Seagate Data Recovery. General prices run from
$500USD on up. Drive Savers recovered all the data on a failed laptop drive
for one of my clients and it cost $2,700. He thought it was worth the
money; only you know what your data is worth. I understand that some
insurance companies are now covering data recovery charges so check with
yours.

Drive Savers - http://www.drivesavers.com
Seagate Data Recovery Services - https://www.seagatedatarecovery.com/
*****

Certainly do post back if you need more help. Good luck,

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

Hi, I got the old hard drive into the enclosure, and have it connected
to a new computer at the USB port. But now, when I click on the "owner"
folder to access the files on the old hard drive, I get this message:
"G:\Documents and Settings\Owner is not accessible. Access is denied."
I am pleased though that I can see all of the folders and everything, so
hopefully I will eventually be able to get these files. I just don't
know how to get it to open up. Thank you for any help! I am very glad
that it seems not to be a lost cause! :-)

purpleck wrote:

>
> Hi, I got the old hard drive into the enclosure, and have it connected
> to a new computer at the USB port. But now, when I click on the "owner"
> folder to access the files on the old hard drive, I get this message:
> "G:\Documents and Settings\Owner is not accessible. Access is denied."
> I am pleased though that I can see all of the folders and everything, so
> hopefully I will eventually be able to get these files. I just don't
> know how to get it to open up. Thank you for any help! I am very glad
> that it seems not to be a lost cause! :-)

It is not a lost cause at all. I'm also pleased for you that you can see the
files. Now all you need to do is take ownership of them.

Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421] -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

How Do I Get the Security tab in Folder Properties? -
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_security_tab.htm

You've really done a great job with this. I applaud your perseverance!

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

Hi Malke,

You have been a lifesaver and you provide such perfect, clear
information and links; I am so grateful.

I downloaded the program that is supposed to help me see the security
tab in the XP home version without having to start in safe mode. I
could see the security tab fine then, and I followed instructions to
take ownership, but at first it wasn't working -- I would still get
"access denied". I ended up checking tons of other things in the
security tab, and it seemed like I had to do it on each inner folder,
even though I chose to extend it to the children folders etc. So then I
went back to the beginning "higher up" folders again (like the "owner"
folder) and tried checking/changing everything again, allowing myself to
take control, then taking control of everything listed, and then I
managed to get in to find my old outlook express address book and import
that to the new computer. I haven't tried it yet with the more crucial
files, like taxes and quickbook files.

Yesterday, my new(er) computer would not start windows either, and I
finally figured out that it was because I had the USB hard drive
enclosure turned on when I started up the computer! If I pressed
"escape" and then picked a different boot option, it started fine. So
now I just turn it on after booting up, not before. I hope that when I
get back to trying to retrieve these files on the hard drive enclosure,
that I don't have to change all of the security permissions again. But
I should be very glad that it seems to be working out so far and is
hopefully doable!

Once I feel I am done with the old hard disk, I will look up how to
reformat it and use it for backup. The enclosure came with software,
but I have not installed it yet or completely read the directions yet.

Please excuse if this is a bit garbled -- my brain is a little jumbled
from trying to figure out and reinstall everything.

Thank you again for your stellar help and information, and for your
time. You are a lifesaver! I appreciate it very much.

Catherine (purpleck)