[aechain]

I think this is a spyware or virus issue. Friend installed a program (powerISO I think) on her laptop, and the next day an error message began popping up saying "syntax error". We tried to reboot the computer because I was going to start it in safe mode and try to run antivirus/spyware software but now I can't even get Windows to boot. When I try to, it says something about a disk error.

It's an older IBM thinkpad running Windows XP. When it starts up it says "press the blue Access IBM button to interrupt normal startup", pressing f8 has no effect. So I press the Access IBM button. I have run several diagnostics tests and nothing comes up.

What should I do, boot from a disk? I can't even startup in Safemode.

[evilfantasy]

Yes you may be looking at a reinstall if you can not even boot into safe mode.

You can try to boot from a disk, but depending on what all is damaged it may not help.

Do you have the XP CD to try a Repair Install?

[aechain]

Is there any way that I can save any data from the hardrive before reinstalling?

This computer has important contracts, tax information, family photos, etc. There has got to be some way to salvage this hasn't there?

[evilfantasy]

Make a new post here asking how to access a damaged drive here. Be sure to give error details and all of that.

You will get a better answer in there then I can give. If it can be done they will get you there in that forum.

Good luck.

[aechain]

Alright, thank you much.

[Dave8282uk]

Before you decide to format, try using the xp cd on boot up and run the xp recovery console, and in command prompt try the following:

1 chkdsk /r
2 fixmbr (I dont think its the boot record, but worth a try)
3 fix boot
4 bootcfg /rebuild

Restart without the cd, see if it boots up.

If unsuccessful try a repair installation, fingers crossed that may work, its worked for me over the years, when ive had simular problems. good luck