I have a Dell Dimension PC with Windows XP Sp1.  Due to Hurricane
Frances (I live in Florida) I had lots of electric breaks bringing
down my computer repeatedly.  At one point all what I got is a blank
screen with the message "Error loading Operating System".  It has been
the same ever since.

After experimenting I found that I can start the computer with the
original OS CD by pressing F12 while the Dell logo is displayed.  So
now it works fine but it is an unsatisfactory solution.  I tried using
Recovery Console and FIXMBR command also Repair under Windwos Setup. 
All to no avail.

Using Disk Management I noticed that I dont have an Active partition. 
Could this be a problem?  I also dont have a Boot.ini file.  Is this a problem?


Yakov

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Clarification of Question by yakov-ga on 27 Sep 2004 18:25 PDT

Thank you all for your comments.  I have solved the problem without
necessarily understanding what happened.  I got a new hard disk and
using the original Windows CD-ROM and using Setup recreated the
Operating System from scratch (just as recommended by Gintas).

I did back up all the data on CD-ROMS but backing up dozens of
programs is well nigh impossible.  Luckily I had an image of the
original C drive (with all the programs and settings) using Acronis
True Image.  Restoring the image using their startup CD-ROM put my
system back where it was before all the troubles started.  I can
highly recommend it and I dont have shares in the company or even
related to them in any way.

Yakov

back up your important files, then use the system recovery cds

Back up only important documents. Then use your dell windows disk to
boot from. When it gets to the screen that asks if you want to repair
or fresh install? Take the fresh install. Then delete the partition.
and install a fresh new op.It will tell you what to do. Follow the
directions.
Its Easy
Good luck

Thank you for the advice to restore the original OS from the original
CD.  I tried it and it did not help.  Besides I would loose all my
updates to Windows which I am loath to do.

Hi yakov,
I would like to know if the File system that you are using FAT32 or NTFS
If you are using NTFS then the best way to get this is as suggested by
deltor07 and 4baby
If you are using Fat 32 we can make the partition active. Try to get a
win 98 boot floppy you can create that by going to the website
http://bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm  and creating a windows 98 SE Boot
disk. After Booting you will get
A:\>
Type in the A;\>
Fdisk
This will get you the Fdisk Utility (simulation available at
http://www.computerhope.com/sfdisk1.htm)
It will ask you if you want to enable large disk support and [Y] is selected
Push Enter
http://www.computerhope.com/sfdisk1.htm
The menu screen will come
http://www.computerhope.com/sfdisk3.htm
Select option 4 for the partition info check if any partition is set to active
http://www.computerhope.com/sfdisk6.htm
Select push Esc to come to the previous screen.
Select option 2 to make the partition active
Boot using the XP CD and Get to the recovery console.(
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314058 )
And use the command bootcfg /scan
We can rebuild the Boot sector If the Hard drive has not crashed Entirely

I wish you the very best of luck


jksp

hey Sorry the command to type in the recovery console is bootcfg /rebuild

Jksp

What I would do is BACKUP all your important files.  Also make sure
you have the drivers diskette available - i should have come with the
system.

Next, Format the Hard-Drive and Install a Fresh copy of Windows XP on it.

Steps:
1.  Place Windowx XP disk in Drive
2.  Restart Computer
3.  Strike F12 for the Boot Menu
4.  Select CD-Rom 
5.  Strike ANY Key to continue setup when its displayed
6.  Press ENTER or F8 to continue, whatever it wants
7.  Setup will search for previous versions of Windows
8.  It will Press ESC
9.  Select C drive and hit "D" to Delete the Partition
10. Accept all warning dialogs
11. It will bring you back to the previous screen
12. Select the Unpartitions space
13. Press "C" to create a partitions
14. Press ENTER throught the next page to set drive size (leave defaults)
15. Format Drive using NTFS
16. Setup will install windows, once that is finished install Drivers from Dell CD.

Visit dell.com for updated drivers, also make sure to install windows
updates, expecially Service Pack 2.

Good luck,
Gintas