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Dennis: I thought that evertything worked out so kool, that I would try the recovery disk in another computer that had similar issues but the owner (another dghtr) went and bought another computer instead. I do't remember just what the issue was; just could not get on but not sure how far got on. Anyways, the computer takes the disc but then when the screen comes up to choose C:/WINDOWS or (none), I cannot move the the cursor to click on anything. Mouse does not work and it seems the keyboard does not either. Does this mean give it up? When the computer/laptop powers on, the scroll light flashes and so a light next to caps lock key (which is also above the expansion port 2). Probably out of luck but it was exciting to think, as the disk was loading, that I may have gotten a computer out of the deal! Monkey: I have passed on the 90% of problems from deleting when tired to a bunch of people. Nice info.

Yeah.....A success!!!!!!!!!!!! I did the recovery disc. Took a couple of tries to get installed to burn. But once I had the cd made, I inserted it into the problem computer. First I tried to get the files back. They were all listed but couldn't get any. So I clicked on start button and clicked tools button. Looked at my options and chose the most basic first. . . System Restore. And it worked like a charm. I was able to get everyting I needed. Tried to burn all the files to cd but couldn't do so got the flash drive and they transferred beautifully. And now we are ready to switch to the new harddrive hp sent. I can't thank you enough; as well as those others that responded. Just addressing the plea for help, calms one down as they realize it may not really be a big deal; after all you made it seem like no biggie. THANK YOU.

Wow! Thanks. That I will do. Only thing is I did not know what the your message box was and x-ed out of it....then went and read your message. I am going to log out and sign back in in a bit and see if you have placed that back up for me.

Befor I start, does any of this help me? I can get onto a page: Windows Advanced Options Menu Please select an option: Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Loggin Enable VGA Mode Last Known Good Configuration Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only) Debugging Mode Disable automatic restart on system failure Start Windows Narmally Reboot Return to OS Choices Menu Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice I TRIED the Safe Mode and got back to the infamous screen telling me can't open windows. I do ot know enough to press any of these new options ALSO CAN GET TO THIS SCREEN: PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility with tabs for Main, Security, System Configuration, Diagnostics, Exit (Have not tried any of these tabs. So, will this put me in a better or easier spot? Myy biggest goal is to safe files and stuff since HP sending new hard drive. My daughter requested someone that speaks American English and they just bypassed all diognostics. Last time they helped her on a diognostic problem she lost everything and it looked, in hindsight, that she did not need to. Anyways. Thanks.

Great. Looked at the list.....which for Windows XP? (I did try to to press the key for reboot when came up but no success. Just got back to the wonderful "unsuccessful windows start up verbage) Thanks.

And I know their is the "C" on my computer and then there is the "HP Backup" Does this have any bearing on what steps I take?

Does this apply to me? How do I know if OEM? Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on OEM installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not exist previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this article, you may not be able to log back into the recovery console to restore the original registry hives.

OK, Step by step. First get back in then system restore then find the ccleaner registry backup Do I have that right?

I went and previewed the link while waiting for the disk. It is a bit overwhelming in the warning department. I am not sure where exactly to start but will keep reading/digesting. Will keep you posted. Thank you.

Pretty sure my daughter has discs. Will try when she comes home and hope she stays calm. All her college work is on it and I don't think she flash drived any of her work this week. I will do what you say and get back. Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Can't even get into safe mode! Can't get anywhere with safe mode with command prompt either. No options work. Really have done it, huh?

I have used CCleaner on quite a few com0puters and probably have picked up bad habits because it always works so well. Until Now. And it is someone else's computer! I ran the registry icon and automatically pressed fix 169 problems. And it fixed them alright. I did do a backup file but don't know how to even use. I restarted the computer and get the wonderful windows screen saying failed to start up and to pick last known good config or start normal (you know the screen). I tried last known good config. got same screen. tried safe mode. got same screen. I am panicking. What did I do????? Help!!!! Thank you so much. Signed: A computer illiterate who should know more about what she is doing!