windows xp won't load

All of the sudden, my desktop won't start, first I get options to start in safe mode last know good config start windows normally etc. whichever one I choose, I get to see window xp screen for a second looking like it's going to start, then the "going to sleep" message, then back to all the options of safe mode etc. again. I need to get the data on the hard drive before trying to reformat or repair. Error message on blue screen after hitting F8: UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME Technical info: *** STOP: 0x000000ED (0x89729900, 0xC0000006, 0x00000000, 0x00000000) Any suggestion/advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hi decipherfreak, sounds like s file system problem.

Try this, see if it resolves the problem for you: How to run chkdsk from the Recovery Console

Thanks so much! It worked!

Glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know.