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elerrina

3 Posts

117092

October 9th, 2007 12:00

windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt System32\Drivers\pci.sys

everytime i start my computer i get this message. i've read that you need to repair the computer with the windows xp disk, but i cant find my is there anyway i can fix this without the disk or anyway i could get another disk? thanks

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

October 9th, 2007 15:00

elerrina,
 
You will need your Windows XP CD to perform the needed repair.  See this link to request backup CD(s) for your system:  http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1
 
Once you have the Windows XP CD, insert it in the CD-ROM drive and restart your computer.  Press F12 while the Dell logo is on the screen.  Use the arrow keys to highlight the CD-ROM as the boot device.  Press Enter.
 
When the "Welcome to Setup" page appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
 
Select the Windows Installation by number, usually it's  "1". 
 
The password is usually blank, so just press Enter.
 
At the Recovery Console prompt, type map.  Press Enter.  Note the CD-ROM drive letter.
 
Type the following at the command prompt:
expand Drive:\i386\pci.sy_ c:\windows\system32\drivers /y 
 
  Drive is the drive letter of your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.  c is the drive on which Windows is installed.  windows is the folder in which Windows is installed.
 
NOTE: In the preceding command, there is a space between pci.sy_ and c:\windows
 
The following message is displayed:
 
     pci.sys      1 file(s) expanded.
 
Type exit.  Press Enter.
 
Restart Windows normally.
 
Hope this info helps.  Let us know if you need additional help.
 
Tony
 
 

elerrina

3 Posts

October 12th, 2007 22:00

i tried this, but when i typed in the command afterwards it said access denied. any thought? thanks

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

October 13th, 2007 04:00

Elerrina,
 
Try this:
 
Type the following at the Recovery Console command prompt:
expand Drive:\i386\pci.sy_ c:\windows\system32\drivers\pci.sys
 
Do you still get the "access denied" message?  The c:\windows\system32 subdirectory is supposed to be accessible from the Recovery Console.  
 
Also, you can type chkdsk /r at the Recovery Console prompt.  When chkdsk finishes, type  exit, press Enter  and see if your system boots OK.
 
Worst case scenario, you can run a repair install of XP to fix corrupt system files.  See this on how to do a repair install of XP:  http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm
 
Hope this info helps.
 
Tony
 
 

kenthansen

13 Posts

December 15th, 2007 08:00

I was having the same problem with the pci.sys file being corrupt or missing, following the suggestions in this forum and was able to expand the pci file, did the chkdsk and rebooted....however, it seems it just goes in a loop when trying to reboot - as it brings me back to the "safe" mode screens to reboot windows normally....any thoughts, as I get no errors....it just keeps trying to reboot!

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

December 15th, 2007 23:00

Kenthansen,
 
Can you boot into Safe mode or does it do the loop again when you choose Safe mode?
 
Tony

kenthansen

13 Posts

December 16th, 2007 08:00

When I reboot, it automatically takes me into safe mode where I can either start windows normally, last good config, safe mode etc.....it is like it starts to boot, and then stops and takes me right back to the same screen......

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

December 16th, 2007 09:00

Kenthansen,
 
My question is this.  If you choose Safe Mode at that screen, does the system allow you to log in as Administrator and get to the Windows Safe Mode Desktop.
 
Tony

kenthansen

13 Posts

December 16th, 2007 17:00

No, when I turn the computer on, it takes me to a black screen and says this:
 
We apologize for the invonenience, but windows did not start successfully....etc etc etc, then it gives me the following options to start my computer:
 
safe mode
safe mode with networkng
safe mode with command promopt
last known good config.....
start windows normally
 
the same result happens when I select any of the above....it has a status bar at the bottom of the screen and when it finishes the PC then attempts to restart - it takes me to the Dell BIOS screen, and then back to the We apologize for the inconvenience screen......
 
So, it looks like it is a loop and I can't figure out why....I am going t disconnect all devices, Camera, printer etc and see if that might be causing the issue......
 
Stumped....so am I... :)

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

December 17th, 2007 00:00

Kenthansen,
 
Let us know if disconnecting all peripherals except keyboard, mouse and monitor allows you into either Safe Mode or Normal mode.  I feel pretty sure that you're getting an error message; i.e., a bugcheck code, but the system is set to reboot on fatal error.
 
Quite often the offending device in such cases is the video display adapter's driver.  There are ways to work around this.
 
If you have an XP CD, insert the XP CD into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
While the Dell Logo is on the screen, Press F12.  Select the CD as the boot device.  Press Enter. 
When the Setup screen appears, press "R" to start the Recovery Console. 
Select the Windows installation that you want to access by number; i.e, "1". Press Enter. 
When you are prompted to type the Administrator password, do so.
If the administrator password is blank, just press Enter.
Type chkdsk -r.  Press Enter.
 
 This will check your HD for any errors and attempt to fix them.

You can also check the windows system files for correct version and integrity with the sfc /scannow command.
 
Let us know what you find.
 
Tony

kenthansen

13 Posts

December 17th, 2007 08:00

Thanks Tony -
 
Ok, unplugged the printer and the Camera and no change in how it reacts.....still goes into that loop. I've done the chkdsk /r and it takes a few hours, and says it fixes a file etc - but when I reboot, still goes into that loop.....
 
Next i'll try the scan option you mentioned........
 
Any other ideas, rather than throw it out the window and get a new one?
 
Kent

kenthansen

13 Posts

December 17th, 2007 15:00

Thanks Tony --
 
I have attempted to do the repair install of XP, however after I hit F8 to agree to the license, it takes me into the setup and gives me the following options:
 
To set up windows XP on the selected item, press Enter - the selected items are;  partition1 (FAT), C: Partition2 (NTFS) and F: Partition3 (FAT32).
 
I don't see where I can do a repair install......as I have three options after selecting one of the "selected items" mentioned above - Install, Delete partition, or Quit.
 
I assume if I install over the C: Partition2, that will be a fresh install and I will eliminate all files and data.....correct.....
 
Dang, now what?
 
Kent

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

December 17th, 2007 15:00

Kent,
 
Lots of ways to fix the problem without throwing it out the Window.  In your case, a Repair Install of XP is probably going to be the easiest.
 
To do a Repair Install of XP:
 
Insert your Dell Reinstallation CD for Windows XP in the CD-ROM drive.
Restart the computer.
While the Dell Logo is on the screen, press F12 to bring up the Boot Menu.
Select the CD ROM as your boot device.  Press Enter.
When the Windows Setup Screen appears, press Enter.
At the Windows XP Licensing Agreement Screen, press F8.
The next screen gives you the option to do a Clean Install of XP or a Repair Install.  Press "R".
CAUTION:  If you do not see the option to repair the selected Windows installation, DO NOT proceed further.  Doing so will overwrite your existing software and data files.
 
Windows XP will then copy files to your hard drive and begin the Repair installation.
When it reboots, you may see a message that informs you to "Press any key to boot the CD".
DO NOT press any keys.  After a few seconds, Windows Setup will begin.  Let it run to completion.
When finished, Windows will need to download and apply XP updates. 
 
Your existing programs and data will be intact.  Some programs that require specific updates may not run.  Most of these; i.e., AVG AntiVirus, Windows Defender, etc., will work just fine after needed XP updates are downloaded and installed.
 
Dell Windows XP disks are preactivated.  You shouldn't be asked for a Product Key.  If you are asked, then enter the Product Key found on the Microsoft XP label attached to your computer case.  Note:  On laptops, this label is on the bottom of the case.
 
Let us know how you fare.
 
Tony
 

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

December 17th, 2007 18:00

Kent,
 
Dang!  OK.  Are you using the Dell Reinstallation CD for Windows XP?   Is the Reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional?  Also, is the CD for Windows XP, Windows XP SP1 or Windows XP SP2?  What model Dell are you using?  The CD must be for the same version and SP for the Windows currently installed on your system.
 
Also, did you select the C:\ Partition 2 (NTFS), for the install?  If so, it should let you know that Windows XP is currently installed, and offer you the option to choose Enter to set up Windows, "R" to Repair the current windows, or F3 to abort Windows Setup.
 
Tony

kenthansen

13 Posts

December 17th, 2007 18:00

Hey Tony - thanks a bunch for all of your time and help!!
 
Yes, I am using the Dell reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home edition- it is the CD that came with the Dell Dimension 3000 about three years ago....So everything should be the same, as I have not upgraded the Operating system since I purchased the desktop.
 
Once I got to the set up screen, I just did an F3 exit out of it, as I didn't see an option to repair. Would I need to select the C:\Partition2 (NTFS) and then select Install for it to tell me that it was already installed and that I needed to do a repair on it? If so, I did not go that far, as I was "afraid" that if I did it would re-install it and I would eliminate all the files/data etc.
 
So....it sounds like I need to go back and select partition 2 and it will give me the option to repair that partition, correct?
 
ahhhhhhhh. ........
 
Kent

tgsmith

2.9K Posts

December 17th, 2007 19:00

Kent,
 
If you select C:\ Partition 2 (NTFS), it should show you the Windows XP installation on that partition, and offer the choice(s) I mentionned.  If not, let us know.
 
Tony

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