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10770
August 31st, 2009 12:00
Windows XP and Recovery Console Difficulties
I have a Dell Vostro 1500 running Windows XP Home Edition.
A few days ago I started getting an "Unmountable Boot Volume" error message when I tried to start up my computer... though I tried to boot up again just to confirm that I was remembering the message right, and it's now different:
Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}
The registry cannot load the hive (file):
\SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE
Or its log file or alternate.
It is corrupt, absent, or not writable.
Other than an update for Firefox, I haven't installed anything new recently.
I have my operating system reinstallation CD, and I was going to run a repair through the Recovery Console. However, I've run into difficulties. It asks me to choose whether to log into the "C:" drive Windows or the "E:" drive Windows - I'm assuming I need the C: drive.
Once I choose the "C:" option, it asks me for my administrator password. I typed in the password I use to log into my Windows account, but that password isn't being accepted, and I can't think of when I would have set up any different password.
Any ideas where I can go from here? My warrantee has expired, so I can't use the chat assistance, and I can't really afford to call the help line unless I absolutely have to. I have most files backed up, but there are some I haven't been able to, including pictures I can't really replace, so I'm hoping for a solution that doesn't involve wiping the hard drive and starting over, unless of course there's no other option.
WayfarerHere
3 Posts
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August 31st, 2009 13:00
Update: I have managed to resolve the password issue, at least... I think. When I hit enter leaving the password blank, it brought me to a command prompt. Which I guess means it's working so far...
Now if I only knew what to do with it :emotion-43:.
Any suggestions there would still be welcome, though now I may be able to pull in help from other directions, too.
WayfarerHere
3 Posts
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August 31st, 2009 15:00
Another Update, and Further Information and Questions:
Boiling everything down, I have what I need in order to wipe everything clean and start over. Problem is, I *would* like to save some files if I can.
When starting the computer with a Boot Disk, DOS gives an "Access Denied" response when trying to get to my document files. Windows XP responds in the same way when the hard drive is hooked up to another computer as a non-bootable drive. If I could get around the "Access Denied" problem, I have a friend who could copy the files by accessing the drive through another computer.
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
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August 31st, 2009 21:00
WayfarerHere
Not sure if you ever ran hard disk drive (HDD) hardware diagnostics?
1. Quote “It asks me to choose… "C:" drive or the "E:" drive”
Strange, unless you’ve previously partitioned HDD or attempted a second install of Windows?
2. From the Windows Setup screen:
Using Recovery Console (R option) to run commands associated with repairing corrupt registry hive type errors on an OEM preinstalled system (e.g. Dell), can & normally does result in loss of access to accounts & associated account data
For System32\Config problems, better using (if available) Windows Repair Install (Enter option)
3. Quote “Windows XP responds… another computer as a non-bootable drive”
Assuming problem HDD isn’t too badly damaged & is hooked up as a secondary/slave drive?
(Alternatively installing it in a USB connected HDD enclosure unit)
Only then if suspect HDD shows up in explorer & you can see folders & files to be recovered?
Then if access is denied to folders, you will need to take ownership, click here
Otherwise, unfortunately the HDD may be beyond recovery/repair