I decided to re-install Windows XP x86 on my wife's computer. The install had proceeded to the point of me deleting the previous partitions and creating a new partition. Then, of all times, the computer shuts down due to a high operating temperature. So, I try to re-boot, and the computer displays a "error loading operating system." I can't do anything. It's a complete paperweight. Is there anything I can do without buying a new hard drive? And, will buying a new hard drive even work?
Note: I don't believe the inability to boot from the HD has anything to do with the operating temperature message. This computer has shutdown from high temps many times. Also, we must recognize that the computer will shutdown from a high temp at least a while before the temp gets high enough to damage anything. It's a failsafe. If Windows allowed the temp to go high enough to damage something, and only then shutdown, well, it would be a pointless mechanism.
Anyway, I know for a fact that the inability to boot is caused by an interrupted install. Right after one deletes the partition, Windows gives a message saying that the computer will not be able to boot until the disc has finished the install. Obviously, this is because the boot files are deleted from the previous partition and must be installed from the disc in order for the computer to boot. But, it just so happened that the install was interrupted just after I deleted that partition. So, I'm screwed, or so I think.
The temperature message is really inconsequential. More like smoke. The real problem is the interrupted install prevented Windows from installing the boot files. Am I wrong?