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nicotinefree

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23 years ago

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nicotinefree

17 Posts

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26410

December 18th, 2003 12:00

Missing or Corrupt File: System32\DRIVERS\pci.sys

The computer I am having a problem with is a Dimension XPS-B 8001 with a Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition.

On startup after the blue Dell logo it stops at a black screen with white letters with this error message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:  System32\DRIVERS\pci.sys.  You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.  Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

I have tried the disk that came with the computer called "Resource CD"  which has the Drivers on it, but there was none called "Setup CD-ROM.  I have also used F8 function to go into Safe Mode and choose options there.  Everything I try comes back to the same error screen.

Any help will be much appreciated.  Thanks, Sharon

  • F

    fireberd

    11 Legend

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    33398 Posts

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    112846 Points

    5990

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    Posted December 18th, 2003 12:00

    That file is probably on the Windows XP CD.  Run a "Repair" on Windows XP and see if that fixes it.  You will have to boot with the Windows XP CD so you may have to temporarily set the CD drive as this first boot drive in the BIOS, so you can boot from the Windows XP CD.
    Inspiron 16 5630 Laptop and WD22TB4 Docking Station
    Self-built desktop for recording studio application
  • F

    fredha

    1078 Posts

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    Posted December 18th, 2003 12:00

    This could be a corrupted file or a Ram problem. The memory diagnostics are on the Dell resource CD or you can get a floppy version fron Dell downloads. If your Ram checks out OK, you can find directions to repair the file Here:

    http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBK/tip5400/rh5410.htm

  • N

    nicotinefree

    17 Posts

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    Posted December 18th, 2003 14:00

    Thanks to both of you.

    I set the CD-ROM to be the first start up, inserted the XP CD, and everything looked like it was doing a restore, then it stopped and asked the administrator password.  I have never set one.  Is there a way to get around this?

  • J

    JRosenfeld

    2 Intern

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    4383 Posts

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    Posted December 18th, 2003 18:00

    As it probably was never set, leave blank, click OK.
  • N

    nicotinefree

    17 Posts

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    Posted December 18th, 2003 19:00

    I left blank, hit enter and it just asked for it again.  I tried 6 and 8 0's and that didn't work either. 

    All suggestions are sure welcome!

  • K

    kmacp

    1 Message

    5990

    0

    Posted July 20th, 2004 21:00

    instead of getting this message "1 file(s) expanded." i get "access is denied" is there anything else i can try before just reinstalling XP?
  • B

    bboyd1956

    2 Posts

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    Posted February 1st, 2005 10:00

    I do not know what is meant by the following in JSI tip 5410:
     
    1. select the installation you wish to access
     
    2. enter the administrator password
     
    As a previous poster said, I get an "access is denied" message
     
    Your help wopuld be appreciated. As I try to work with the Dell Support they do not seem to be responding to my direct questions.
     
    bboyd1956
     
     
     
     

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