Symantec Dell System Restore Won't Work - Now What?

Question

On Saturday, my computer suddenly froze (I was just typing in wordpad) and I reset it and it came up saying that windows/system32/config/system file was corrupt or missing and wouldn't boot windows.  I followed the directions on the microsoft website to try to fix it and that didn't work.  I do not have a repair or installation disk for Windows (I have XP Home) so I decided to do a full Symantec Dell System Restore.  Well, it gets about half way through and then it stops and says an image file is corrupt and won't finish the restoration.  When I boot the computer back up, it says Loading PBR 2...Done and that's it...just stays like that.  Any ideas where I can go next? Thanks!  I'm desperate!  And I don't mind losing everything I have saved on the computer and starting over because at this point I just need the computer to work.

ejn63 · Answer

It sounds like the hard drive is faulty. Assuming you cannot get into a boot menu (F12), and don't have the Dell diagnostics CDs, open the case or check the Setup and identify the make of the drive.

Then go to the website of the drive manufacturer, and download the disc image of their test utility and make the boot floppy or CD (you'll need another system to do this). Then boot it and test the drive.

If you don't have another CD, call Dell and explain the problem the best you can. Chances are they'll send you a replacement drive - ask for the CDs that you'll need, and ask that they ship a pre-imaged drive so you don't have to use the CDs. That will save you a few hours of work.

SarahA47 · Answer

I can do the F12 menu, but I do not have the CDs...they were never sent to me.  I tried calling Dell for help but since my warranty expried in October, they wouldn't help me unless I paid them $100 and I can't do that.  Will being able to get into the F12 boot menu change what I should do?  And as for the other stuff you suggested, I'm not 100% sure where to start to do that.  Thanks for your help!

SarahA47 · Answer

ok, i got to diagnostics and tests just started running...should I do anything else or wait until it completes? thanks

ejn63 · Answer

If you can get the F12 menu, choose the Dell Diagnostics and run an extended test of the hard drive (it'll be an option once that loads).

ejn63 · Answer

Wait until it finishes. If it produces an error, report it to Dell and request a replacement drive.

SarahA47 · Answer

Ok, I ran a full diagnostic test and everything passed but this:    Error Code 0F00:021B Msg.  Block 873: Flaw in Medium or an error in the recorded data.  If this is a removable media device, try different media.      Is there anywhere I can from here? Thanks

SarahA47 · Answer

I don't know for sure but I think it was the CD/DVD Drive....and I was listening to a CD when all of my problems started if that helps anything.

SarahA47 · Answer

thanks, if it passes does this mean I just need to reinstall windows?

ejn63 · Answer

Was that on the hard drive, or the CD/DVD drive?

ejn63 · Answer

I would go back and re-run the drive test - this time, test ONLY the hard drive, and do the extended (not standard) diagnostics.

If it passes. you'll need to call Dell and have them ship you the XP CD.

ejn63 · Answer

Yes, though I would do a thorough format of the drive first.

SarahA47 · Answer

How would I go about doing these - sorry if you haven't noticed I'm not to computer savy? And if Dell sends me one, they will send me home (right? that's what I had when I got it), but I'll be using pro since that's what is working now.

Install service pack 2
Enable the firewall
Then install the chipset, notebook system software, video, audio, network, modem and touchpad drivers.

Reboot and do all Windows critical updates.

I would also call Dell and get the XP CD sent to you - they won't charge for it and at least that way you'll have it.

SarahA47 · Answer

ok, I just did that (hard drive seemed fine) and my aunt gave me a copy of XP Pro that she didn't use (I had home installed when I got it), I tried to install it and it reformatted everything and deleted everything I had on there before and seems to be working fine now.  Do you think it's ok now or should I do something else?  Thanks for all of your help!

ejn63 · Answer

Keep backups, as always - all drives fail eventually.

After you install XP, make sure you:

Install service pack 2
Enable the firewall
Then install the chipset, notebook system software, video, audio, network, modem and touchpad drivers.

Reboot and do all Windows critical updates.

I would also call Dell and get the XP CD sent to you - they won't charge for it and at least that way you'll have it.

ejn63 · Answer

The best way to do this is to download SP2 from Microsoft, and the other drivers from Dell, write them to a CD using another system, and then install them.

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