Windows failed to start - won't boot up at all

Question

My son's laptop has at least two corrupted system files: ndis.sys and another which I am not sure of the name - maybe pvol.sys? (can't remember the name and now the ndis.sys file comes up instead as the problem)    When trying to boot the computer, we get the 'Windows failed to start' message, and the instructions to insert the Windows installation disc and use the 'repair your computer' button. However our laptop was purchased about a year ago with Windows XP and a coupon for free upgrade to Vista. We eventually received the upgrade disc in the mail, but that apparently leaves us without a Windows installation disc. Thus we seem to be stuck with no way to turn the thing on in any kind of mode to attempt a repair or replacement of the files.   Any suggestions?

dunedin · Answer

You can still use that disk to repair Vista   http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html

papatine · Answer

I should have mentioned that I have tried, but the computer doesn't boot from that disc. It just gives the same error message.

dunedin · Answer

Did you go into the BIOS and set the boot order to floppy CDROM Hard disk   Put the DVD in the drive and reboot.   It shouid boot to the DVD then

Micah_Lin · Answer

hi papatine     suggest you take a look at this http://support.microsoft.com/kb/818326/en      hope can help you anyway

Windows General

Windows failed to start - won't boot up at all

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