Xp Pro - meltdown after installing updates

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marmel

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#30338 4-Feb-2009 23:48

I updated via Microsoft Update including an update for the onboard graphics chip.

When it rebooted the screen just flashes as though the graphics chip is turning on and off rapidly, the screen remains black. I can access the Bios menu using F2 and this displays fine. If I try to access the safe mode startup using F12 it does not display.

The desktop was an ex corporate machine and did not come with original discs although has the COA sticker on the side. As far as I can tell there is no recovery partition either.

I have tried rebooting pushing F8 as well, does not work.

Does anyone have any suggestions to get me back to the desktop to reinstall the video drivers?

freitasm

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#194168 5-Feb-2009 07:22

You can press F8 during boot to access a menu and then select Last Known Good configuration to boot?

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marmel

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#194175 5-Feb-2009 07:46

Doesn't work. The onboard graphics chip must kick in just before this option. I have downloaded a copy of xp pro so I will try and repair my install first. If not I have purchased a new graphics card which should be here today. Hopefully if I plug it in and disable the onboard chip it may work.

marmel

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#194317 5-Feb-2009 16:33

Trying an install CD didn't work either. Within about 10 seconds of starting the boot process the screen starts flashing, even with the install CD in. The boot process is set correctly in the bios to try and boot from the CD first.

I'm sure that the operating system is loading as normal because if I let it run for a while and push enter I hear the windows welcome tune.

Not sure what else I can do, I seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place here.

marmel

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#194329 5-Feb-2009 18:19

Does anyone have any other suggestions to try and get up and running.

I do not need any of the data on the hard drive so I can do a fresh install if required (and able to).

There aren't any jumpers on the m/board or anything that I can use to "crash start" things?

DrGr33n

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#194402 6-Feb-2009 00:25

Try resetting the cmos. I'm not to sure how it would be done on your pc, but removing the little battery usually does the trick. Then restart with "safe settings" (or similar) from bios.

Cheers ;-)

Only dead fish go with the flow...

marmel

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#194417 6-Feb-2009 07:19

I managed to get it running using a plug in graphics card. The card doesn't really fit as the PCI-e slot is low profile and the card isn't so the desktop is running ajar a bit like a car with the bonnet up but it's going.

I will get it sorted Monday when my new HTPC case arrives.