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fherman · May 4, 2008, 06:25 AM

C:/windows/system32/drivers/etc/ hosts not found. I am running XP, SP2. Computer will not stqy UP. It boots and then logs off immediately. Thanks for your help

Faye

seahwk83 · May 4, 2008, 06:04 PM

What registry app did you use? Do you get any specific error or file message?

Have you considered a system restore to a time when there was no error coming up? Not a system recovery but return to a system restore point?

A lot of registry app will make a backup of the registry before making changes in case something happens and you may have to go back. And some will make a system resotre point for the same reason.

fherman · May 4, 2008, 08:21 PM

How can I run a system restore when the computer won't boot up?

Originally Posted by seahwk83

what registry app did you use? do you get any specific error or file message?

Have you considered a system restore to a time when there was no error coming up? Not a system recovery but return to a system restore point?

alot of registry app will make a backup of the registry before making changes in case something happens and you may have to go back. And some will make a system resotre point for the same reason.

seahwk83 · May 5, 2008, 01:47 PM

Have you tried to get into safe mode by tapping f8 on system startup?
"It boots and then logs off immediately" - how far does it boot to

See if you cvan get into safe mode

fherman · May 6, 2008, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by seahwk83

have you tried to get into safe mode by tapping f8 on system startup?
"It boots and then logs off immediately" - how far does it boot to

see if you cvan get into safe mode

It goes to the flash screen and immediately logs off.. . If you are not a techie, please don't waste my time. I am a retired techie

seahwk83 · May 6, 2008, 04:09 PM

No problem

donf · May 7, 2008, 03:30 PM

Fherman,

I'm glad you are a retired techie. So am I. My pedigree is 26 years with IBM, 15 years in IBM Field Service for GSD and OPD products. 5 years in IBM Printer Tech Support and then 15 years in Lexmark Technical and labs.

Other than the cheap shot you took at Seahawk, who is a very capable responder in this forum, you did not answer the question.

When you hold "F8" down during boot up, can you then start in safe mode, without the Network? Yes or No, please.

If you are maintaining that that your system dies during the boot process then You may have to buy a system board or at the very least new BIOS chips.

However if you can get to safe mode, then you have a reasonable chance of getting to All Programs > Accessories > System > System Restore.

Once you set the restore date (I would suggest the closest date prior to your failure starting) the PC will re-start itself. System restore will not damage your data so that's a real plus.

If that fails, then you can try "F2" during boot-up and change the start-up drive to the CD and have a repair disc handy to at least start the operating system from the cd. Then do a system restore on your c:drive.

If all that fails, it's time to call a repair tech that is not retired or the vendor of your PC to help you.