Help with re-installing windows xp -- my daughter's laptop (compaq) won't

[Emillereid]

start windows - gets to the blue window screen and stays there. I ran a hard disk check and it reported a #2-07 error when about 60% done.

I checked a bit on the internet and others have had this problem. One solved via chkdsk in dos - but I don't know how to get to dos.

Several solved it by repairing windows but when I tried this - the stupid machine doesn't recognize the password - keeps saying it's wrong when I know it's right.

So I thought I'd re-install windows - but I get to a place where it wants me to select the partition and when I select the partition that the old windows is on it warns me about having duplicate windows installed. How does one install windows over the old one??? HELP!!!

[MyNameGoesHere]

1. When you do a repair it looks for the

local Administrator password. Not the user password. Also by pressing f8 right after bios sequence and before OS loader you get boot options. Select Command prompt one and do a chkdsk /f /r /x

here is a list of the chkdsk switches
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/prork/pref_tts_ffgh.mspx?mfr=true

[hobbit709]

2. HP/Compaq can be restored by hitting F10 on bootup.

For more instructions go to Hp website.

[MyNameGoesHere]

5. or f11 in newer models

[Gore1FL]

3. If you tell it OK when it warns you about duplicate windows

th next screen allows you to replace the old (and even repait the old -- which as I recollect doesn't require a password when done from that screen).

[paparush]

4. If you are planning to keep this computer, I'd go to GRC.com and buy a copy of SpinRite

It sounds like your hard drive is already having issues.

[Gore1FL]

6. The way you get to do is

Start->run and then type cmd in the "open" box.

If you can't get to windows, you can tap the f8 key as it is coming up and boot into a command prompt.