problems after installing XP SP2 on laptop

I am pretty sure that my problem is caused by the update because it didn't
happen before the update. After I installed the update, it was OK untikl I
tried to reboot. I get an error message "media test failed. Check cables"
Then I get a choice of a boot up menu but none of them work. When I use the
F2 option, my hard drive is not recognized. I can't even get into safe mode.
I don't have a floppy disk but I did boot up with a Norton start up CD and
there are no viruses.
I really need the info on my hard drive so I don't want to use a recovery
disk. Any suggestions will be appreciated. My next step is purchasing a
floppy drive and making a start up disk.

How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if
the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed
successfully:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875355

Reboot tapping F8 each second.
Select "Last known good configuration" at the menu.
If that fails, reboot tapping F8 again this time choosing Safe Mode.
Then System Restore to Date/Time before issue started:
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore

Otherwise perform a Repair Installation:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm

When you are ready for SP-2, follow the Service Pack Installation
Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


""
<@discussions.microsoft. com> wrote in
message news:2112526E-55E5-4421-9328-...
>I am pretty sure that my problem is caused by the update because it
>didn't
> happen before the update. After I installed the update, it was OK
> untikl I
> tried to reboot. I get an error message "media test failed. Check
> cables"
> Then I get a choice of a boot up menu but none of them work. When I
> use the
> F2 option, my hard drive is not recognized. I can't even get into
> safe mode.
> I don't have a floppy disk but I did boot up with a Norton start up
> CD and
> there are no viruses.
> I really need the info on my hard drive so I don't want to use a
> recovery
> disk. Any suggestions will be appreciated. My next step is
> purchasing a
> floppy drive and making a start up disk.

Well, it was working but unfortunately, I forgot to shut off my power options
and the computer went into hibernation and wouldn't come back on. I shut it
off and rebooted. Now I am unable once again to get into the safe mode. Now
what??

"" wrote:

> I am pretty sure that my problem is caused by the update because it didn't
> happen before the update. After I installed the update, it was OK untikl I
> tried to reboot. I get an error message "media test failed. Check cables"
> Then I get a choice of a boot up menu but none of them work. When I use the
> F2 option, my hard drive is not recognized. I can't even get into safe mode.
> I don't have a floppy disk but I did boot up with a Norton start up CD and
> there are no viruses.
> I really need the info on my hard drive so I don't want to use a recovery
> disk. Any suggestions will be appreciated. My next step is purchasing a
> floppy drive and making a start up disk.

Please Please tell me what to do now!!!

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:

> How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if
> the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed
> successfully:
> http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875355
>
> Reboot tapping F8 each second.
> Select "Last known good configuration" at the menu.
> If that fails, reboot tapping F8 again this time choosing Safe Mode.
> Then System Restore to Date/Time before issue started:
> Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore
>
> Otherwise perform a Repair Installation:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm
>
> When you are ready for SP-2, follow the Service Pack Installation
> Checklist:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/
>
>
> ""
> <@discussions.microsoft. com> wrote in
> message news:2112526E-55E5-4421-9328-...
> >I am pretty sure that my problem is caused by the update because it
> >didn't
> > happen before the update. After I installed the update, it was OK
> > untikl I
> > tried to reboot. I get an error message "media test failed. Check
> > cables"
> > Then I get a choice of a boot up menu but none of them work. When I
> > use the
> > F2 option, my hard drive is not recognized. I can't even get into
> > safe mode.
> > I don't have a floppy disk but I did boot up with a Norton start up
> > CD and
> > there are no viruses.
> > I really need the info on my hard drive so I don't want to use a
> > recovery
> > disk. Any suggestions will be appreciated. My next step is
> > purchasing a
> > floppy drive and making a start up disk.
>
>
>