How to Fix the C Drive on an XP Computer

Windows XP relies on a lot of files for successful operation, so when even one of these files becomes corrupted or damaged in any way, the operating system stops working altogether. If you've recently noticed that your computer will not boot up into XP, most likely the C drive, specifically the boot sector, is damaged. Both the C drive and boot sector can be fixed using the Windows XP boot disk and the Recovery Console.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP boot disk

Instructions

1. Insert your Windows XP boot disk into your computer's CD-ROM drive.

2. Reboot your computer by selecting "Shutdown" from the "Start" menu and then choosing "Restart." Press any key on the keyboard when prompted by the boot disk after restarting the PC. A blue screen will then appear.

3. Press the "R" key and then "Enter" to open the Recovery Console within the boot disk. Press "1" and then "Enter" to select the installation of XP you wish to modify.

4. Enter your password for the computer. If you do not have a password, just press "Enter."

5. Type "FIXBOOT" minus the quotes. Then press "Y" to create the new boot sector.

6. Type "EXIT" minus the quotes to restart the computer once the boot sector has been repaired.

Tips & Warnings

• Get rid of temporary files to increase your system's performance after fixing the boot sector. Doing so is as easy as selecting "Run" from the "Start" menu and typing "cleanmgr" minus the quotes. Click "OK," and all unneeded temporary files will be deleted.

References

• Description of the XP Recovery Console
• FIXBOOT Description
• Repairing the Boot Sector