BootSkin on Vista: RED ALERT! ( vidstub.sys)

Vidstub.sys a.k.a Bootskin Screws up Vista... But u can Fix it without losing any of your Data.

Hi guys,

I was a victim so just wanted to alert u all that never even try to install Bootskin on Vista.

When u install ...it ll easily get installed and change your bootskin easily.

But when u reboot or start your comp...the Entire OS will not work and u ll be forced to Format.
Now most people will panic and Format their comp and lose ALL DATA!.

I can help you here....

First of all..when your Vista Doesnt boot.
This message will come up:

\Windows\System32\Drivers\vidstub.sys is corrupt or missing. Error code 0x0000229

Most of u will swear at Vista & use Recovery Disc.

But u can Bypass the OS and DELETE THE VIDSTUB.sys file, thereby, fixing the issue.

Deleting this file and uninstalling Bootskin can FIX your OS without needing to use Recovery Disc.

So if u r a Problem solver like me ..this is what u can do ..

What You need:
1. SATA to USB 2.0 Cable ... available for $20-25 in any store. And also a Power Adapter to Power up your Harddisk.

2. Secondary laptop.. Preferrably an XP based comp.

3. Screwdrivers and some Patience.



What can you do:

1.Since Vidstub.sys is actually a Stardock: Bootskins file... Deleting it from your Drivers folder can fix the problem WITHOUT having to Format or Use Recovery disc and Lose your Data.

2. Take out your laptops harddisk carefully and connect it to your USB 2.0 to SATA adapter.

3. Connect it to any other laptop...and wait for Drivers to install. will take 20 seconds.

4. Now Open up your Harddisks Root directory. This is the path where Vidstub.sys file is located. File Path: Windows> System32>Drivers> Vidstub.sys

5. After Deleting that file...go to Program files of YOUR computer, locate Stardock>WinCustomize>Bootkins and UnWise the Bootskin.



6. Now safely disconnect your Harddisk. Put it back in your laptop... Wait for 2-3 minutes. Yes it will take some time to Boot as the HD was used on another comp.

Hooray! u fixed the problem without Losing any data.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I thought about installing it but nevermind.

 

thats the problem.... it doesnt even say No...it goes ahead with installation and then Vista OS will not Boot next time.

The above method is the best and tested by me.


Someone mentioen an Alternate open-Source bootskin program compatible for Vista.

U mite wanna check that out.

 

Sounds like alot of trouble, could you not just use a usb flash drive and nothing use and have XP or a linux type OS installed on it?

This is of course assuming you can boot from a usb port on your laptop, but there is also a thing called linux live a bootable dvd. From there you can delete the files without any of the extra work.

Also I believe you can navigate thru and delete any file in DOS via a boot disk as well, I have not done that in years but I am sure google can help explain how to do it.

For my boot screen mine was changed easy with LogonStudioVista. http://www.topshareware.com/LogonStudioVista-download-55124.htm I thought it was a stardock product but apparently its shareware when I went to go look it up.

Edit: It is a Stardock product but I have the full version.

 

Yeah, I just hacked a book skin manually.

 

Yes Vicious now that u mention it i think the Linux/Knoppix Live CD that i have myself coulda have let me log onto the comp. then i coulda find the file and delete it...

 

I'm not a big fan of spending money or taking apart anything worth more than a weeks wages. This worked for me. I booted from the installation disk, and clicked the repair my computer option, after my computer restarted and my installation disk still couldn't fix the problem it gave me a list of alternative options. One of which is like load drivers with command prompt. I opened up the command prompt, which was currently open to I think X:\Drivers>

Instead of trying to load drivers, I typed
X:\Drivers>C:

Which changed my active drive. Then I changed directories by entering
C:>CD Windows\system32\drivers

Finally, I deleted the perpetrating vidstub.sys file with the command
C:\windows\system32\drivers> DEL vidstub.sys

Worked for me, and it's worth a try before taking your laptop apart or spending twenty bucks. Both of which can make a bad day worse

 

I thought LogonStudio Vista only changes the logon screen but not the boot screen?

Yeah, boot into safe mode with command prompt will fix the problem