Ugh, Windows won't boot...options?

[Jeff AMN]

When setting up my MAME I had to go through several headaches to get the thing set up and tuned perfectly, so when Windows started having issues over the weekend I'm about in a panic. I can't get Windows to boot, and I think I'm going to need to re-install it.

Can I do this without losing all my MAME settings, ROMs, front-end settings, etc.? I'm not computer illiterate, but my Windows knowledge is a bit limited in this regard. I do have the original install disc, and I've only installed it once (the first install on the cab). I can't even get it to boot up in safe mode.

Help?

Also, should I maybe consider switching out the hard drive as a precaution? Could it be a drive failure? My cab is kept on stable flooring, in a cool environment, and isn't left powered on, so a drive failure seems unlikely, but hey, you never know, right? Any way to test the drive?

[MKChamp]

You can do a restore or a repair with the windows cd....depending on the operating system. What operating system are  you using? Regardless, even if you have to reinstall, you shouldn't lose your settings unless you reformat the drive (which you will not need to do). The only thing you will need to reinstall if you do a new windows install is any system files for the MAME related programs (like the system files for MAMEWAH if you are using that)...but MAME doesn't install any, so speaking strickly about MAME, you will be 100% ok there.

[massive88]

You could download and burn an Ubuntu Live CD, and if your hardware is in line with the included drivers, you can access your hard drive and dump everything off on a networked computer.

You can also reinstall windows, and as long as you dont reformat while doing so, you wont lose your old files, however reinstalling may not fix your stuff if you dont reformat...

[Jeff AMN]

Ah, the Ubuntu idea is a good one. I have no idea why I didn't think of that... Anyway, it is XP that I'm using, and I'll see if I can repair it first. If not, Ubuntu to the rescue.

Thanks, fellas.

[lcddream]

If it was me, I would take the hard drive out and stick it in another computer as a slave drive...or if it is sata then make sure the computer isn't booting off it.

Then copy all the files you need over to a safe place...like mame etc.

Then just reinstall.

[BASS!]

If it was me, I would take the hard drive out and stick it in another computer as a slave drive...or if it is sata then make sure the computer isn't booting off it.

Then copy all the files you need over to a safe place...like mame etc.

Then just reinstall.

Bingo, I was looking to see if someone posted this. Lcd is right, just plug that hard drive into a different machine, copy it over, and reinstall XP