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May 18th, 2009 11:00
win xp boot problem: SystemRoot\System32\Config\SAM
My laptop, an Inspiron 6000, has died, apparently a hard drive failure. (This is a replacement drive, about a year and a half old.)
Upon startup, the blue screen of death says:
"The registry cannot load the hive (file): SystemRoot\System32\Config\SAM or its log or alternate."
I've run all the builtin diagnostics (from F12 at startup) and they say it's fine.
I've tried to boot from the
Dell Windows XP disk that came with the laptop by pressing F2 and eliminating all boot drives except "CD" but no luck. It won't read the CD. (I noted the same result when I tried it on my Dell desktop, though . . . am I missing something?)
Dell Windows XP disk that came with the laptop by pressing F2 and eliminating all boot drives except "CD" but no luck. It won't read the CD. (I noted the same result when I tried it on my Dell desktop, though . . . am I missing something?)
I have a backup on a firelite drive and if all else fails, would like to try just reformatting and reinstalling Windows then restoring, but I can't get past that error message. . .
Is it new hard drive time?
I'm tempted to buy a new laptop, but I'm worried that I won't be able to restore my backup (XP) to the new system, which I assume will be Vista.
All help greatly appreciated!
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BELL BOY
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May 19th, 2009 10:00
Hi Atlyatl
In most cases, Windows\system32\config\ type error problems usually mean:
Hardware failure e.g. HDD (hard disk drive) problems, either bad sectors or HDD heading south &/or Windows OS corrupt registry hive(s), in your case the SAM hive is being reported
Bad cable &/or connection(s) between mobo & HDD can cause the same symptoms
Interesting that you can run diagnostics from HDD, implies HDD sectors may not be damaged & it may just be a corrupt SAM hive?
Not being able to boot from Dell OEM XP SP2 CD supplied with Inspiron 6000 is a big problem :emotion-60:
When in System Setup, under Boot Sequence you only need to select CD-ROM drive & then use the UP arrow to move it to first (1) device in the boot list, then save settings when exiting System Setup
Can you confirm that you did receive the screen prompt to press any key after booting from the CD & that you (immediately) pressed any key?
If not, system will just boot to Windows partition & report the same error & you will then need to reboot again from CD
It’s very unusual for OEM XP SP2 CD to be damaged, unless accidentally scratched?
You could try using another OEM XP SP2 CD, if available & it’s same version (e.g. Home or Pro)
Or you could try booting from the Dell OEM Resources (Drivers & Utilities) CD to test:
If there’s a problem with your CD-ROM drive & double-check diagnostics results
Reply if you need further clarification/help