windows/system32/config/system

Question

i get this error message when trying to start up my desktop Dimension 8400.   i have no Windows XP CD ROM to help fix this.   any suggestions are appreciated.  thank you

ejn63 · Answer

Power on, F12, Dell Diagnostics, extended test, hard drive.

sevilla1 · Answer

options on Boot Device Menu are:   Onboard SATA Hard Drive Onboard or USB CD-ROm Drive   System Setup Hard Drive Diagnostics Boot to Utility Partition   I chose Hard Drive Diagnostics and ran it, and then rebooted when finished and got same error

ejn63 · Answer

Choose Boot to Utility Partition Then run the extended test (surface scan) of the hard drive - will take about 2 hours.

ejn63 · Answer

Remove the drive and mount it in to a working system as a secondary (or into an external case by USB) and copy your data.

sevilla1 · Answer

ran this, but no luck.   looks like I will need to use the Windows XP CD-ROM.   any other thoughts to help or at least save my info?  tnx

sevilla1 · Answer

i dont know how to do that.   i have a laptop.  can i use that to help?

shesagordie · Answer

sevilla1

You can use an external power SATA USB enclosure, similar to this.

You can obtain the XP disks for reinstalling windows, by calling Dell.

It's best to call Dell and don't use "chat" or eMail.

Dell may try to talk you out of requiring them, but you should to be politely persistent about it.

Bev.

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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

Shindo · Answer

better call dell tech support, if you need the cd for your OS, they can send it to you free charge. I guess you still need to download the drivers for your system online.

Storage, Drives & Media

windows/system32/config/system

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