Safe Mode Broken

mrm1 · 09-09-2004, 08:29

Dont know if anyone has come across this problem before.

My PC runs perfectly. XP SP1. I have tried SP2 but with a few problems, so it has been removed.

If I try to boot in to safe mode i get a BSOD and error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Ive tried a system restore, back to a point previous to my SP2 "testing" but after running a while and rebooting, restore says "Cannot restore to (whenever) nothing has changed"

I know some changes have been made so whats going on here ?

Ive strated reinstalling all my drivers one by one in case the problem is there, but so far no luck. I have read posts indicating it is an SP2 problem, but i have that removed.

any suggestions ?

Aragorn · 09-09-2004, 14:50

Doesn't sound good!

The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Stop message may indicate which driver is causing the stop - do you get a stack dump on screen?

Anyway, if this only happens in Safe mode, my guess would be the standard VGA driver - it's the obvious difference between Safe and standard mode.

Suggestions would be trying to reinstall SP1 (if you've still got it) or using the Recovery disk to reload the standard drivers (Info on MS KB website on how to do this). If these fail, you'll probably either have to hope you don't need safe mode or go for the dreaded reinstall

.

Sorry I can't be more hopeful.

Steve
MCSE (expired

)

mrm1 · 09-09-2004, 16:05

Just looked at it again and safe mode fails on AGPCPQ.SYS or there after.

I do indeed have an MS security CD dated Feb 04 which contains all updates including SP1 up to that date. I mught just give that a try.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Aragorn · 09-09-2004, 16:38

My laptop is running XP Pro SP1.

The attribs of C:/<Windows Dir>/system32/drivers/Agpcpq.sys are

17/08/2001 22:58 29,056 AGPCPQ.SYS

I've attached a zipped copy in case it helps. (if they are different you may need to boot into dos mode to copy this into place - its a loaded driver - but make sure you get a system recov point before trying this).

Note, even if this does fix this problem, it may not be the only inconsistent driver. May still be worth using the original CD to do an 'Install - Repair' recovery.

Good luck !

mrm1 · 09-09-2004, 21:30

OK, Ive done a None destructive restore. But i cant access my files from my previous profile. I keep getting access denied.

Any help ?

One plus though. SP2 is now working !!!!

MadGamer · 09-09-2004, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrm1

OK, Ive done a None destructive restore. But i cant access my files from my previous profile. I keep getting access denied.

Any help ?

One plus though. SP2 is now working !!!!

May be a currupt user account. Create another user account and then move your files into the new one.

nffc · 09-09-2004, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne A

May be a currupt user account. Create another user account and then move your files into the new one.

Can't see that working- try logging on as Admin. Otherwise I think ntfs kinda forbids it...

mrm1 · 10-09-2004, 07:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne A

May be a currupt user account. Create another user account and then move your files into the new one.

No that don't work but thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nffc

Can't see that working- try logging on as Admin. Otherwise I think ntfs kinda forbids it...

I think you right here.

I remember reading somewhere about using a boot floppy then copying the files to a fat32 partition, as this strips all the NTFS security, but cant find the article.

anyone else got any info on this ?

mrm1 · 10-09-2004, 08:15

Ok. Found THIS site.

Dounloaded a boot floppy image and a CD image.

I will give them a try tonight and let you know how I get on.

mrm1 · 10-09-2004, 20:48

Got every thing back. Didnt need any other software.

Just booted in to safe mode, changed ownership of my old profile to my new one and copied every thing across.

Thanks to evry one who tried to help.