Startup Looping in all Modes

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Run an Upgrade setup. If you run an XP "Upgrade"setup, from the original, or "Gold" version of the setup CD, and you have SP2
installed, it might go into a setup loop, and you could lose your install. Uninstall SP2, BEFORE you Upgrade setup from CD (that
lacks sp2 on it.)
875350 - How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875350 How to
Perform a Windows XP Repair Install: http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
--

Mark L. Ferguson (NOT an MS-MVP)
FAQ for MS Antispyware version 1.0.509
http://www.geocities.com/marfer_mvp/FAQ_MSantispy.htm
marfers notes for windows xp http://www.geocities.com/marfer_mvp/chatNotes.htm
..
"Eddy" <eddy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:C16C316F-03A5-4DC0-A360-902C84FEBD4C@microsoft.com...
> Hi
> Restating the PC displays the "Start Up Recovery Menu" with message "Windows
> did not start succesfully ..." and 5 options are displayed:
> Safe Mode
> Safe Mode with Network
> Safe Mode with Command Prompt
> Last Know Configuration
> Start Windows normally
>
> Tried each of the above options and PC reboot and every time displays the
> Start up Recovery Menu described above. So it is looping.
>
> I can re-boot from a bootable disk, so can access the hard disk but not sure
> what's next.
>
> Any ideas how to break the loop?
>
> Thanks
>
> NB - Previous to the above problem, I had a request to Activate Windows XP
> Home but this was activated sometime ago. Activation failed with message
> "Unable to establish a connection with activation server ..." After many
> (lots) attempts to connect via moderm and ISDN gave up & switched PC off,
> following morning got into the loop described above.
> --
> Eddy