Windows Updates just broke a computer

My parents just ran windows update on their computer and it seems to have broken it in a non-recoverable way. They finished getting all the updates and restarted the computer but when the Windows loading screen disappeared the computer restarted and booted again. It keeps doing this over and over. I've tried restarting in safe mode but it just does the same thing. Same with using the "last known good configuration" option. Any ideas on how to fix this without erasing the disk?

 

I would repair Windows next - insert the Windows CD and boot from it, it is pretty straightforward from there.

Sorry to hear about their troubles. A similar thing happened to me before.

 

I dont get the lovely straight forward options, I get dumped to a command line I have an OEM XP install disk.

 

TwilightVampire,
Try this out: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

I ended up nuking the hard drive and reinstalling windows after I salvaged all the data with my linux flash drive.

 

At least you were able to get the data off. Reformatting the drive definitely works but is not the most ideal solution. I have not done a Windows repair in a long time, I should have posted a guide for you like jedisolo.

 

I know its not the most ideal solution, and I usually try to find that one first. But when the computer puts you in a situation where your only option seems to curl up in the fetal position and cry, theres not much you can do lol! Loop of doom ftl!