My Daughters laptop won't start in any of the prompt screen methods ie safe mode, etc. [Running Windows XP]. I've tried starting it with a Windows XP disc but I.m not getting the repair option & it just wants to start a new installation. I've also tried using a XP start up floppy disc but computer does't read it & just get an error message.
Boot up your XP CD, go through the options, then when it asks where you want to install XP it should detect an existing installation and ask if you want to repair.
If that doesn't work, have you tried "Last Known Good Configuration" instead of "Safe Mode"?
And failing that, use your Windows XP CD to boot to a command prompt and do the SFC /SCANNOW tool.