"No bootable partition in table"__

Try and unplugg all the USB devices from the system like Thumg drive, flash drive, card reader or anything with connected with USB port (Even keyboard or mouse), then restart the system.

I (we) bought 2 identical Dell DX 2300 Microtower desktops...

I assume that was a typo & you meant HP DX 2300.

[You may want to print this post for offline reference.]

First the (possibly) bad news: Your hard-drive (HDD) may be failing or has failed. If such is the case, you'll need a new HDD ($$)...but without the HP disks, you won't be able to reinstall Windows & you'll lose all of your data (unless you've got a back-up).

Otherwise, you can try restoring the computer to OOBE (as it left the factory) state using the hidden Recovery partition.

1. Using the "good computer," right-click on the following link and SAVE the PDF file to your desktop:http://h50146.www5.hp.com/lib/doc/manual/workstation/xw8400/HP_Backup_and_Recovery_Manager_User_Guide.pdf

2.  Follow the instructions under "Recovery to Factory Specifications" on page 12. Paraphrasing:

   • As you start the "bad computer," keep tapping the F11 key to enter Emergency Recovery/PC Recovery.

   • Select "Recover PC’s factory installed operating system, drivers, utilities and

applications."  Click Next to continue.

   • Follow the wizard to recover the PC to the factory specifications.

NOTE: All your data (e.g., email; IE Favorites; contents of My Documents folder) will be deleted so I hope you've got a recent back up somewhere.

NOTE: You will have to reinstall all third-party applications (e.g., MS Office) that weren't preinstalled on the computer when you bought it.

MORE in the footnote below. [1]

Alternately, HP may sell you a Recovery CD for c. $10 USD. I believe the toll-free number in the USA is 1-800-952-7689.

You can post in this HP Community forum for further assistance (free):  http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Operating-systems-and-software/bd-p/OSandSW 

=====================================

[1] After restoring the computer to OOBE state, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" so take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers) and before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been freshly formatted:

     4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

     http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

Other helpful references include:

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched (after a clean install)

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a clean install)

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029 manually before using a flash drive or other external drive:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the computer when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial AND download/run the appropriate removal tool BEFORE installing any updates, Windows Service Packs or IE upgrades AND BEFORE installing your new anti-virus application (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

     Norton Removal Tool

     ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

     McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

     http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

If you need additional assistance, please begin a new thread in this forum:

   • http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/xprepair/threads

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

Good luck!

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

PA Bear MS MVP,

THANK you for responding!  Thank goodness I did NOT download the MS updates here!

I (we) bought 2 identical Dell DX 2300 Microtower desktops.  The ONLY difference between the two will be data i.e. pictures, e-mail, etc.  So I'd like to 'think' ha ha, dealing with this computer's 'twin' would be easier.   NOT (apparently)

Both computers use the free version of AVG and were current (granted I didn't check, AVG had been working [current]).  As far as I know / remember Windows Firewall was ON.  Yes, the prompt for download ? install ? the updates did NOT say shut down all applications so both FireFox and Thunderbird were 'running'.

As far as I know, neither Norton nor McAfee had ever been installed on either, but if I knew how, I could check this one.

Since I cannot boot nor access C: how can / would I access D: which on this computer is labeled HP_RECOVERY?

Needless to say HP says they need MONEY to help.  I might feel the $ charge was reasonable if HP doesn't farm support out to other countries.  MS wants even MORE money irrespective their updates (granted I may have used them 'improperly', though I followed ALL On Screen prompts!)

If you (anyone else can, is willing - able to try helping) PLEASE e-mail *** Email address is removed for privacy ***.  I'll be glad to share my chat info and/or phone number.

AGAIN, THANKS for your input!

Be WELL 'n be SAFE!

Mrs. R A-W

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your subscription current?  What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?  What third-party firewall (if any)?  Were any of these applications running in the background when you installed WinXP SP3 (I assume)?

Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?

===================================

The manufacturer was required to provide a way to reinstall Windows. If the computer didn't come with a set of disks, there will be a hidden Recovery partition (not to be confused with System Restore!) you would use to do a clean install of WinXP. (A Repair Install is not going to fix this.)

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft