Windows XP "Missing or Corrupt File"

Good Day,
I have another computer with Windows XP and now when I try to start up I am getting an error message that file System 32\Drivers\pci.sys is missing or corrupt. I do not have a Windows CD as this computer has an OEM version and I do not have a restore CD available either. The computer seems to be stuck at this error message and when any key is pressed it reboots. What are my options for fixing and getting this machine running?
Thanks for any help or input.

 

Copy that same file from another PC to a floppy. Boot a win98 startup disk and COPY that file to the directory. Voilla!

 

Does the system have a hidden backup partition? Most OEM systems in recent years come with a hidden partition containing a backup that can be used to repair or reinstall the OS.

Also, if/when you get it up and running again, you should run some diagnostics on your hdd immediately, I've had problems like that before (i.e., where I start getting a crash with an error saying one of the system files is missing or corrupt), and each time (twice, so far, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed ) it ended up being a faulty hdd that was developing a lot of bad sectors in the areas used for the system files.

 

I've attached the pci.sys from a Windows XP Home edition SP3 installation. However, that missing file error for pci.sys could be just one of many. If you get more errors after copying pci.sys, then you will have to find a CD.

 

Hey everybody,
Thanks for the ideas. Shyster1, do you have some directions for checking/using the potential hidden info? As you can probably tell I am not very knowlegable with this type of stuff (yet) and any direction would be appreciated.

 

First thing I'd do is check on your manufacturer's support website, find the manual and the specs, and (a) make sure it actually has a hidden recovery partition, and (b) how it's supposed to be used, and whether it can be used to repair an existing installation without wiping it out and reinstalling.

Oh, but zero-th thing I'd do (that is, before doing the first thing) is back up every single last little file that you do not want to lose - when you have to mess around with fixing or reinstalling the system, the best operating assumption is that you're going to lose the file unless you know for sure that you just made a fresh backup of it.