A few weeks back my laptop just packed in. After much deliberation and help it got sent off to my IT man, who diagnosed a faulty hard drive, fitted a new one and rescued all my data. It's worked OK since then, until now!

Was working away on the laptop this afternoon, quite happily.

As I switched it off it said "Shut Down and Install Updates", which I didn't really pay much attention too. Then it started installing 1 of 12 updates. I guess it carried on as I was out.

When I've come back to it this evening, it won't boot up. It comes up with a black screen, with text in it.

Windows couldn't start as the following file was missing or corrupted:-

windows/system32/config/system

I've tried rebooting in safe mode, last known settings but they just bring me back to the same screen.

I have an XP disc, which works fine in the other computers in the office, but won't work in the laptop.

What can I do?

(Rob, if you are reading this, I've tried your disc too! I can tell you the error message I get when trying to boot from that!)

Mike

if you can, start up the repair console and run a chkdsk /f

Cheers

Scott

quote:

---

Originally posted by phoenix70
if you can, start up the repair console and run a chkdsk /f

Cheers

Scott

---

you need a XP disc, stick it in and boot off of it, one of the option is to repair.

quote:

---

Originally posted by phoenix70
you need a XP disc, stick it in and boot off of it, one of the option is to repair.

---

Have you set the bios to boot off the cd first?

I'm here Mike
Just spotted the thread

What's the error from my disk?
(not that I claim I had to do much to 'make' it LOL)

Might be worth checking a stick of memory hasn't come adrift (usually in a compartment underneath on most lappys)
Take anti static precuations and rub the gold contacts of the memory modules- both sides with a soft pencil rubber as they can get a bit naff (done this trick a few times to revive a few lappys)

Also worth getting hold of memtestx86 bootable cd and booting from it (download and burn at home on a working PC)

Not been using it with it sat on a duvet have you?

Regards
Rob

[Edited on 14/10/09 by robocog]

I have had similar problems on two laptops it is something to do with the updates Ive seen this on both XP and Vista. As said in previous threads use the disc and repair. Just make sure that you use a genuine XP disc otherwise your next problem will be the genuine windows validation

quote:

---

Originally posted by robocog
I'm here Mike
Just spotted the thread

What's the error from my disk?
(not that I claim I had to do much to 'make' it LOL)

---

sounds like memory stick gone bad
(or CD rom)

Ok open the hatch where your memory is
if theres 2 sticks ...remove the topmost one (as you look at it)
re try the boot (or even better run memtest)
repeat after swapping to the other stick (assuming a pair)

Try the rubber to clean the contacts trick on the stick that gives errors and repeat to see if you have it sussed
If not chuck that stick away and live with half the memory :-)

Regards
Rob