I killed a friend's computer!!

Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my problem, but
I don't know any more than what I'm about to write. Someone gave my friend
a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running slowly, so she asked me to
help. The computer had not been used in two or more years and needed an
antivirus program, firewall, etc. After I installed the Comodo firewall, I
checked the applications that were running in the memory. I was given the
choice of terminating or of terminating and blocking. I chose the
terminating option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That
did speed the computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked to
see that those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list. Since
terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided to
terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was clicking on one of
them, my friend came up from behind, and startled me. I guess my mouse hand
slipped and highlighted the wrong application, and I accidentally terminated
and blocked something that had to do with system32. A box popped up saying
that the computer was getting ready to terminate the application and restart
in 60 seconds. (I think that was how long) I tried to stop that termination
but could not find a way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without
shutting down WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen
followed by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that
moves back and forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that
disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the white mouse
pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it. I held down
the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I started it up again,
the same thing happened. The original owner of the computer doesn't have
the XP installation CD. Is there anything I can do to bring this thing back
to life? Any help will be appreciated.

On 9/9/2010 4:29 PM, Pam wrote:
Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my problem, but
I don't know any more than what I'm about to write. Someone gave my friend
a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running slowly, so she asked me to
help. The computer had not been used in two or more years and needed an
antivirus program, firewall, etc. After I installed the Comodo firewall, I
checked the applications that were running in the memory. I was given the
choice of terminating or of terminating and blocking. I chose the
terminating option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That
did speed the computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked to
see that those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list. Since
terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided to
terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was clicking on one of
them, my friend came up from behind, and startled me. I guess my mouse hand
slipped and highlighted the wrong application, and I accidentally terminated
and blocked something that had to do with system32. A box popped up saying
that the computer was getting ready to terminate the application and restart
in 60 seconds. (I think that was how long) I tried to stop that termination
but could not find a way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without
shutting down WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen
followed by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that
moves back and forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that
disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the white mouse
pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it. I held down
the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I started it up again,
the same thing happened. The original owner of the computer doesn't have
the XP installation CD. Is there anything I can do to bring this thing back
to life? Any help will be appreciated.

did you try using an XP CD to do a repair?

snip

did you try using an XP CD to do a repair?

I should have suggested this first:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852

How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration
feature in Windows XP

To start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration
feature, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer.
2. When you see the "Please select the operating system to start"
message, press the F8 key.
3. When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, use the ARROW keys
to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings
that worked), and then press ENTER.
4. If you are running other operating systems on your computer, use the
ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER.

Will that work?
----------------------

Then you might want to take a look at this:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb963902.aspx

Autoruns for Windows v10.02

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of
auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs
are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the
entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones
in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can
configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell
extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications,
auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the
MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

.....To disable an auto-start entry uncheck its check box. To delete an
auto-start configuration entry use the Delete menu item or toolbar button.

" Pam" wrote in message
...
I chose the terminating option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary
applications. That did speed the computer up, so I shut it down ,
restarted it, and checked to see that those same 10 items did in fact
reappear on that list. Since

Sounds like a normal behavior.

terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided to
terminate and block them permanently.

How? What was your plan to block those running processes?

When that disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the
white mouse pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it.
I held down the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I started
it up again, the same thing happened. The original owner of the computer
doesn't have the XP installation CD. Is there anything I can do to bring
this thing back to life? Any help will be appreciated.

Try pulling the power cord. Wait for 30 seconds. Plug it back in.

...Someone gave my friend
a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running slowly, so she asked me to
help.

Remember your mother saying, "Take that out of your mouth, you don't know
where it's been!"


Pam wrote:
Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my problem,
but
I don't know any more than what I'm about to write. Someone gave my
friend
a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running slowly, so she asked me to
help. The computer had not been used in two or more years and needed an
antivirus program, firewall, etc. After I installed the Comodo firewall,
I
checked the applications that were running in the memory. I was given the
choice of terminating or of terminating and blocking. I chose the
terminating option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That
did speed the computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked
to
see that those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list. Since
terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided to
terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was clicking on one of
them, my friend came up from behind, and startled me. I guess my mouse
hand
slipped and highlighted the wrong application, and I accidentally
terminated
and blocked something that had to do with system32. A box popped up
saying
that the computer was getting ready to terminate the application and
restart
in 60 seconds. (I think that was how long) I tried to stop that
termination
but could not find a way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without
shutting down WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen
followed by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that
moves back and forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that
disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the white mouse
pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it. I held
down
the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I started it up
again,
the same thing happened. The original owner of the computer doesn't have
the XP installation CD. Is there anything I can do to bring this thing
back
to life? Any help will be appreciated.

Pam wrote:
Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my
problem, but I don't know any more than what I'm about to write.
Someone gave my friend a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running
slowly, so she asked me to help. The computer had not been used in
two or more years and needed an antivirus program, firewall, etc.
After I installed the Comodo firewall, I checked the applications
that were running in the memory. I was given the choice of
terminating or of terminating and blocking. I chose the terminating
option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That did
speed the computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked
to see that those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list.
Since terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I
decided to terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was
clicking on one of them, my friend came up from behind, and startled
me. I guess my mouse hand slipped and highlighted the wrong
application, and I accidentally terminated and blocked something that
had to do with system32. A box popped up saying that the computer
was getting ready to terminate the application and restart in 60
seconds. (I think that was how long) I tried to stop that
termination but could not find a way to do it. Suddenly the computer
shut off without shutting down WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put
up the HP logo screen followed by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one
with the little bar that moves back and forth) that comes up before
the computer starts. When that disappeared, the only thing left was
a black screen with the white mouse pointer. I could move the
pointer with the mouse. That's it. I held down the power button on
the CPU to turn it off, but when I started it up again, the same
thing happened. The original owner of the computer doesn't have the
XP installation CD. Is there anything I can do to bring this thing
back to life? Any help will be appreciated.

Try this first:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449

The owner doesn't have the original XP CD that was used to install XP on
that computer. Is it possible to use the XP CD that came with my own
computer to try to do a repair? I've always thought that Microsoft put
something on those CDs to prevent people from using a CD on more than one
computer. Also - if I were to try the Last Known Good Configuration, all I'd
see after starting the computer would be a black screen and a mouse pointer.
Nowhere is there a message about selecting an operating system.
"Mike S" wrote in message
...
snip

did you try using an XP CD to do a repair?

I should have suggested this first:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852

How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration
feature in Windows XP

To start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature,
follow these steps:

1. Start your computer.
2. When you see the "Please select the operating system to start"
message, press the F8 key.
3. When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, use the ARROW keys
to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings
that worked), and then press ENTER.
4. If you are running other operating systems on your computer, use the
ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER.

Will that work?
----------------------

Then you might want to take a look at this:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb963902.aspx

Autoruns for Windows v10.02

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting
locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured
to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the
order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup
folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns
to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars,
browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and
much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with
Windows Me and XP.

....To disable an auto-start entry uncheck its check box. To delete an
auto-start configuration entry use the Delete menu item or toolbar button.

Shutting down those processes was not the problem. I had already shut them
down one time, and doing that allowed the computer to speed up and runa
whole lot better. It was the second time, when I was using the "terminate
and block" option that my hand slipped and I highlighted the wrong process.
Whatever that system32 process was that I accidentally terminated caused the
computer to turn off and not come up on restart. I tried pulling the power
cord off the back of the CPU. That didn't work.
"John" a wrote in message ...

" Pam" wrote in message
...
I chose the terminating option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary
applications. That did speed the computer up, so I shut it down ,
restarted it, and checked to see that those same 10 items did in fact
reappear on that list. Since

Sounds like a normal behavior.

terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided to
terminate and block them permanently.

How? What was your plan to block those running processes?

When that disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the
white mouse pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's
it. I held down the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I
started it up again, the same thing happened. The original owner of the
computer doesn't have the XP installation CD. Is there anything I can do
to bring this thing back to life? Any help will be appreciated.

Try pulling the power cord. Wait for 30 seconds. Plug it back in.

Thanks so much, guys, for all the help. I think I'll bring that computer to
my house so that I can try some of these suggestions on the Microsoft web
site without having to print everything. I'll post back with my results
ASAP.
" Pam" wrote in message
...
Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my problem,
but I don't know any more than what I'm about to write. Someone gave my
friend a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running slowly, so she asked
me to help. The computer had not been used in two or more years and
needed an antivirus program, firewall, etc. After I installed the Comodo
firewall, I checked the applications that were running in the memory. I
was given the choice of terminating or of terminating and blocking. I
chose the terminating option and eliminated about 10 unnecessary
applications. That did speed the computer up, so I shut it down ,
restarted it, and checked to see that those same 10 items did in fact
reappear on that list. Since terminating them had not affected the
computer in any way, I decided to terminate and block them permanently.
Just as I was clicking on one of them, my friend came up from behind, and
startled me. I guess my mouse hand slipped and highlighted the wrong
application, and I accidentally terminated and blocked something that had
to do with system32. A box popped up saying that the computer was getting
ready to terminate the application and restart in 60 seconds. (I think
that was how long) I tried to stop that termination but could not find a
way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without shutting down
WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen followed by
the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that moves back and
forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that disappeared,
the only thing left was a black screen with the white mouse pointer. I
could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it. I held down the power
button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I started it up again, the same
thing happened. The original owner of the computer doesn't have the XP
installation CD. Is there anything I can do to bring this thing back to
life? Any help will be appreciated.

You have to constantly tap the F8 Key as the computer is first booting up to get the "last Known
Good Configuration" option.
You will not be able to use your Windows CD is your disk is a different version that what was used
in the computer (and I bet dollars to donuts it is a different version.)

In that same screen that give you the "last known good configuration" option you will also have the
option to go to the "SAFE MODE".
In the Safe Mode, the desktop look crappie, but you can then use the "System Restore" feature in the
All Programs-Accessories- System Tools folder to set the computer system file back to before you
killed your friend PC.

" Pam" wrote in message ...
The owner doesn't have the original XP CD that was used to install XP on that computer. Is it
possible to use the XP CD that came with my own computer to try to do a repair? I've always
thought that Microsoft put something on those CDs to prevent people from using a CD on more than
one computer. Also - if I were to try the Last Known Good Configuration, all I'd see after
starting the computer would be a black screen and a mouse pointer. Nowhere is there a message
about selecting an operating system.
"Mike S" wrote in message ...
snip

did you try using an XP CD to do a repair?

I should have suggested this first:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852

How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature in Windows XP

To start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer.
2. When you see the "Please select the operating system to start"
message, press the F8 key.
3. When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, use the ARROW keys
to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings
that worked), and then press ENTER.
4. If you are running other operating systems on your computer, use the
ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER.

Will that work?
----------------------

Then you might want to take a look at this:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb963902.aspx

Autoruns for Windows v10.02

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any
startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and
shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your
startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other
locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon
notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility
bundled with Windows Me and XP.

....To disable an auto-start entry uncheck its check box. To delete an auto-start configuration
entry use the Delete menu item or toolbar button.

Thanks a million, Richard. I'm going to give all this a try as soon as I
can get my hands on that computer again. I feel horribly guilty, because I
know that my actions caused the damage.
"Richard in AZ" wrote in message
...
You have to constantly tap the F8 Key as the computer is first booting up
to get the "last Known Good Configuration" option.
You will not be able to use your Windows CD is your disk is a different
version that what was used in the computer (and I bet dollars to donuts it
is a different version.)

In that same screen that give you the "last known good configuration"
option you will also have the option to go to the "SAFE MODE".
In the Safe Mode, the desktop look crappie, but you can then use the
"System Restore" feature in the All Programs-Accessories- System Tools
folder to set the computer system file back to before you killed your
friend PC.

" Pam" wrote in message
...
The owner doesn't have the original XP CD that was used to install XP on
that computer. Is it possible to use the XP CD that came with my own
computer to try to do a repair? I've always thought that Microsoft put
something on those CDs to prevent people from using a CD on more than one
computer. Also - if I were to try the Last Known Good Configuration, all
I'd see after starting the computer would be a black screen and a mouse
pointer. Nowhere is there a message about selecting an operating system.
"Mike S" wrote in message
...
snip

did you try using an XP CD to do a repair?

I should have suggested this first:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852

How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration
feature in Windows XP

To start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration
feature, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer.
2. When you see the "Please select the operating system to start"
message, press the F8 key.
3. When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, use the ARROW keys
to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings
that worked), and then press ENTER.
4. If you are running other operating systems on your computer, use the
ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER.

Will that work?
----------------------

Then you might want to take a look at this:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb963902.aspx

Autoruns for Windows v10.02

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of
auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs
are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the
entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones
in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can
configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell
extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications,
auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the
MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

....To disable an auto-start entry uncheck its check box. To delete an
auto-start configuration entry use the Delete menu item or toolbar
button.

" Pam" wrote in
:

Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my
problem, but I don't know any more than what I'm about to write.
Someone gave my friend a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running
slowly, so she asked me to help. The computer had not been used in
two or more years and needed an antivirus program, firewall, etc.
After I installed the Comodo firewall, I checked the applications that
were running in the memory. I was given the choice of terminating or
of terminating and blocking. I chose the terminating option and
eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That did speed the
computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked to see that
those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list. Since
terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided
to terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was clicking on
one of them, my friend came up from behind, and startled me. I guess
my mouse hand slipped and highlighted the wrong application, and I
accidentally terminated and blocked something that had to do with
system32. A box popped up saying that the computer was getting ready
to terminate the application and restart in 60 seconds. (I think that
was how long) I tried to stop that termination but could not find a
way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without shutting down
WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen followed
by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that moves
back and forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that
disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the white
mouse pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it.
I held down the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I
started it up again, the same thing happened. The original owner of
the computer doesn't have the XP installation CD. Is there anything I
can do to bring this thing back to life? Any help will be
appreciated.

Having read the other replies, no one has yet come up with what I would
probably do, considering the symptoms. Use your own XP CD to boot up. It
has to be in the drive when you turn the computer on. Hopefully your
friend's computer is set up so that booting from the CD drive is at the
top of the boot priority list. If not, that can be fixed too, but I won't
get into that unless it turns out to be necessary. You will fdirst get a
message that says "Press any key to boot from CD". Make sure to do so
before the message goes away. When the computer finally gets booted up to
a blue screen, one of the options you'll have is "R" for the recovery
console. Pick that option. The screen will go black for a bit and
eventually you'll come to a prompt that will look something like this:
(1) C:\WINDOWS
(2) - There probably won't be a second option
Then it'll tell you to choose which system you want to access.
If option 1 is C:\WINDOWS, the type in the number 1 and press enter. If
C:\WINDOWS is NOT #1, then type in whatever number IS and press enter. At
this point you may come to a prompt asking for a password. If you do,
don't enter anything, just push ENTER. You will then come to a prompt
that says "C:\WINDOWS". At this prompt type in "CHKDSK /P" (without the
quotes). This process can take quite a while. It will hang at 50% and
again at 75% but it'll eventually end. You'll get a summary message will
will most likely include "CHKDSK found one or more errors on this drive.
Regardless of what it says, then type "FIXBOOT" and then "Y" at the next
prompt. When that one is done then type "EXIT" abd push the ENTER key.
This will reboot your computer. Take the CD out whiole it is rebooting.
Cross your fingers. There's a pretty good chance you've got it fixed. If
not, you haven't hurt it any... :-)
I'm sure the people who understand what I'm talking about are probably
amused at my efforts, but I tried. I'm better at understanding it than I
am at explaining it!

--
--- Hurry before this group goes away! ---

I just talked to the lady who owns the computer, and I'm going to get it
from her this afternoon. I'll work on it then and will post back. I'll try
everyone's suggestions until I've exhausted them all. At that point I'll
probably just pay someone to fix it. Thank you so much for your help.
"Menno Hershberger" wrote in message
news:Xns9DEF123B377C7butter@wefb973cbe498...
" Pam" wrote in
:

Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my
problem, but I don't know any more than what I'm about to write.
Someone gave my friend a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running
slowly, so she asked me to help. The computer had not been used in
two or more years and needed an antivirus program, firewall, etc.
After I installed the Comodo firewall, I checked the applications that
were running in the memory. I was given the choice of terminating or
of terminating and blocking. I chose the terminating option and
eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That did speed the
computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked to see that
those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list. Since
terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided
to terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was clicking on
one of them, my friend came up from behind, and startled me. I guess
my mouse hand slipped and highlighted the wrong application, and I
accidentally terminated and blocked something that had to do with
system32. A box popped up saying that the computer was getting ready
to terminate the application and restart in 60 seconds. (I think that
was how long) I tried to stop that termination but could not find a
way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without shutting down
WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen followed
by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that moves
back and forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that
disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the white
mouse pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it.
I held down the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I
started it up again, the same thing happened. The original owner of
the computer doesn't have the XP installation CD. Is there anything I
can do to bring this thing back to life? Any help will be
appreciated.

Having read the other replies, no one has yet come up with what I would
probably do, considering the symptoms. Use your own XP CD to boot up. It
has to be in the drive when you turn the computer on. Hopefully your
friend's computer is set up so that booting from the CD drive is at the
top of the boot priority list. If not, that can be fixed too, but I won't
get into that unless it turns out to be necessary. You will fdirst get a
message that says "Press any key to boot from CD". Make sure to do so
before the message goes away. When the computer finally gets booted up to
a blue screen, one of the options you'll have is "R" for the recovery
console. Pick that option. The screen will go black for a bit and
eventually you'll come to a prompt that will look something like this:
(1) C:\WINDOWS
(2) - There probably won't be a second option
Then it'll tell you to choose which system you want to access.
If option 1 is C:\WINDOWS, the type in the number 1 and press enter. If
C:\WINDOWS is NOT #1, then type in whatever number IS and press enter. At
this point you may come to a prompt asking for a password. If you do,
don't enter anything, just push ENTER. You will then come to a prompt
that says "C:\WINDOWS". At this prompt type in "CHKDSK /P" (without the
quotes). This process can take quite a while. It will hang at 50% and
again at 75% but it'll eventually end. You'll get a summary message will
will most likely include "CHKDSK found one or more errors on this drive.
Regardless of what it says, then type "FIXBOOT" and then "Y" at the next
prompt. When that one is done then type "EXIT" abd push the ENTER key.
This will reboot your computer. Take the CD out whiole it is rebooting.
Cross your fingers. There's a pretty good chance you've got it fixed. If
not, you haven't hurt it any... :-)
I'm sure the people who understand what I'm talking about are probably
amused at my efforts, but I tried. I'm better at understanding it than I
am at explaining it!

--
--- Hurry before this group goes away! ---

" Pam" wrote in message
...
Shutting down those processes was not the problem. I had already shut
them down one time, and doing that allowed the computer to speed up and
runa whole lot better. It was the second time, when I was using the
"terminate and block" option that my hand slipped and I highlighted the
wrong process.

How exactly did you do this? Are you talking about stopping/disabling
services in the Services console (C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.msc)?

Whatever that system32 process was that I accidentally terminated caused
the computer to turn off and not come up on restart. I tried pulling the
power cord off the back of the CPU. That didn't work.

No, of course not if you blocked a critical (part of the operating system)
service/process from running. Someone already mentioned the F8 trick to get
to either Safe Mode or Last Known Good configuration. Follow that and let us
know. Good luck.

I'm thrilled! Thanks to you guys, I have the computer back up and running
beautifully. That trick about tapping the F-8 key did the trick. I was
able to start the computer in safe mode, go to System Restore, and restore
the computer to the time just before I killed it. I wish I could give each
of you a big hug! Thanks again! .....Pam
" Pam" wrote in message
...
I just talked to the lady who owns the computer, and I'm going to get it
from her this afternoon. I'll work on it then and will post back. I'll try
everyone's suggestions until I've exhausted them all. At that point I'll
probably just pay someone to fix it. Thank you so much for your help.
"Menno Hershberger" wrote in message
news:Xns9DEF123B377C7butter@wefb973cbe498...
" Pam" wrote in
:

Please forgive the vagueness of the following description of my
problem, but I don't know any more than what I'm about to write.
Someone gave my friend a used HP Pavilion computer. It was running
slowly, so she asked me to help. The computer had not been used in
two or more years and needed an antivirus program, firewall, etc.
After I installed the Comodo firewall, I checked the applications that
were running in the memory. I was given the choice of terminating or
of terminating and blocking. I chose the terminating option and
eliminated about 10 unnecessary applications. That did speed the
computer up, so I shut it down , restarted it, and checked to see that
those same 10 items did in fact reappear on that list. Since
terminating them had not affected the computer in any way, I decided
to terminate and block them permanently. Just as I was clicking on
one of them, my friend came up from behind, and startled me. I guess
my mouse hand slipped and highlighted the wrong application, and I
accidentally terminated and blocked something that had to do with
system32. A box popped up saying that the computer was getting ready
to terminate the application and restart in 60 seconds. (I think that
was how long) I tried to stop that termination but could not find a
way to do it. Suddenly the computer shut off without shutting down
WindowsXP. When it restarted, it put up the HP logo screen followed
by the WindowsXP logo screen (the one with the little bar that moves
back and forth) that comes up before the computer starts. When that
disappeared, the only thing left was a black screen with the white
mouse pointer. I could move the pointer with the mouse. That's it.
I held down the power button on the CPU to turn it off, but when I
started it up again, the same thing happened. The original owner of
the computer doesn't have the XP installation CD. Is there anything I
can do to bring this thing back to life? Any help will be
appreciated.

Having read the other replies, no one has yet come up with what I would
probably do, considering the symptoms. Use your own XP CD to boot up. It
has to be in the drive when you turn the computer on. Hopefully your
friend's computer is set up so that booting from the CD drive is at the
top of the boot priority list. If not, that can be fixed too, but I won't
get into that unless it turns out to be necessary. You will fdirst get a
message that says "Press any key to boot from CD". Make sure to do so
before the message goes away. When the computer finally gets booted up to
a blue screen, one of the options you'll have is "R" for the recovery
console. Pick that option. The screen will go black for a bit and
eventually you'll come to a prompt that will look something like this:
(1) C:\WINDOWS
(2) - There probably won't be a second option
Then it'll tell you to choose which system you want to access.
If option 1 is C:\WINDOWS, the type in the number 1 and press enter. If
C:\WINDOWS is NOT #1, then type in whatever number IS and press enter. At
this point you may come to a prompt asking for a password. If you do,
don't enter anything, just push ENTER. You will then come to a prompt
that says "C:\WINDOWS". At this prompt type in "CHKDSK /P" (without the
quotes). This process can take quite a while. It will hang at 50% and
again at 75% but it'll eventually end. You'll get a summary message will
will most likely include "CHKDSK found one or more errors on this drive.
Regardless of what it says, then type "FIXBOOT" and then "Y" at the next
prompt. When that one is done then type "EXIT" abd push the ENTER key.
This will reboot your computer. Take the CD out whiole it is rebooting.
Cross your fingers. There's a pretty good chance you've got it fixed. If
not, you haven't hurt it any... :-)
I'm sure the people who understand what I'm talking about are probably
amused at my efforts, but I tried. I'm better at understanding it than I
am at explaining it!

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