I am having the exact same problem. But, I don't have the windows xp
disc at my service.  HP is sending me a recovery disc to help in the
matter.  But, does this mean everything on my computer will be lost.
Is there anyway to back it up to my external hard drive? Or is there
anything I can do to not lose all the information on my computer. Will
the recovery cd work?  And if it does can I do a system restore to an
early date and have all the information there. Are there any other
options? PLEASE HELP!!!!! DESPERATE TO KNOW ASAP

Bootstat.dat is related with this issue , can anyone tell me what it contains and  what exactly it does .................
   
    ----- Michael Solomon (MS-MVP Windows Shell/Us wrote: ----
   
    Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive and you have a
    actual XP CD as opposed to a recovery CD, boot with the X
    CD in the drive and perform a repair install as outlined below.  If th
    system isn't set to boot from the CD or you are not sure, you need to ente
    the system's BIOS.  When you boot the system, the first screen usually ha
    instructions that if you wish to enter set press a specific key, when yo
    see that, do so.  Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, i
    the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence.  Sav
    your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive.  The system will reboot
   
    NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, i
    something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to star
    over and do a clean install of XP.  If you don't have your data backed up
    you would lose your data should that eventuality occur
   
    Boot from the CD.  If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, i
    should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if yo
    wish to boot from the CD press any key
   
    Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin.  You will see a referenc
    asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if yo
    wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2.  Just le
    setup run past all of that.  It will continue to load files and drivers
   
    Then it will bring you to a screen.  Eventually, you will come to a scree
    with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installatio
    using the Recovery console
   
    The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you t
    press enter.  When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement.  Setu
    will then search for previous versions of Windows.  Upon finding you
    version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation o
    install fresh.  Press R, that will run a repair installation.  From ther
    on, follow the screens
   
    If you only have a recovery CD, your options are quite limited.  You ca
    either purchase a retail version of XP will allow you to perform the abov
    among other tools and options it has or you can run your system recover
    routine with the Recovery CD which will likely wipe your drive, deleting al
    files but will restore your setup to factory fresh condition
   
   
    --
    Michael Solomon MS-MV
    Windows Shell/Use
    Backup is a PC User's Best Frien
    DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org
   
    "Matthew" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    news:6cae01c405f4$1851f540$a601280a@phx.gbl..
    > When I start my computer it says "We apologize for th
    > inconvenience but windows did not start successfully
    > then list the following options
    >> Safe Mod
    > Safe Mode with Networkin
    > Safe mode with command promp
    > Last Know Good Command Promp
    > Start Windows Normall
    >> Whichever option I choose it just restarts the system an
    > goes back to the above message. Does anyone know how t
    > resolve this problem?