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    Windows could not start error..

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by AzN, Mar 21, 2008.

  1. AzN

    AzN Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I know there are a lot of topics like this but I lost my Windows XP CD so what other options do I have to fix my problem? I was just doing a system restore when my dumb computer decided to freeze and when I tried to restarted it, this error came up. Thanks for any advice.

    [ Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: system32\drivers\ntfs.sys ]
     
    AzN, Mar 21, 2008
    #1
  2. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    If you can't do a restore again, then I would suggest a repair install, or format.
    EDIT: Sorry I read that wrong. :eek: :( You don't have the install disk... then I'm sorry I don't know what else can help you. :(
     
    talin, Mar 21, 2008
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  3. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    Copy ntfs.sys from another (working) XP system, using a NTFS writing Linux live CD like Damn Small Linux

    EDIT: I can't attach my copy since it's bigger than 100KB.

    EDIT2: Nevermind. Apparently NTFS writing in Linux can destroy the whole file system. Using unofficial NTFS drivers to replace a critical system file now just sounds insane.

    EDIT3: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822800
     
    knightingmagic, Mar 21, 2008
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  4. LIVEFRMNYC

    LIVEFRMNYC Blah Blah Blah!!!

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    Very easy problem to fix, if you had a Windows XP CD. I would suggest you try and get your hands on one, even if you just need to borrow a friends for a moment. Then use the repair option.
     
    LIVEFRMNYC, Mar 22, 2008
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  5. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

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    Try here.

    I've never used any of these products, but the claims made for them are pretty bold; they might help you. Everything I looked at has an option to "Try it free."
     
    bmwrob, Mar 22, 2008
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  6. AzN

    AzN Notebook Consultant

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    If I use a friend's XP CD, will there be any consequences? Will the laptop recognize that it isn't my orginal XP CD?
     
    AzN, Mar 22, 2008
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  7. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can use any XP cd, as long as the versions match.

    Anyway, have you tried getting into safe mode (F8)?
     
    R4000, Mar 22, 2008
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  8. AzN

    AzN Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah, I tried going into safe mode and into the last good configuration (something like that). The error popped up still. Thanks for all your comments so far guys.
     
    AzN, Mar 22, 2008
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  9. AzN

    AzN Notebook Consultant

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    AzN, Mar 22, 2008
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  10. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    SP2B was an update just to include new product keys. XP has been selling so well, Microsoft had to make a whole new set of keys cause they ran out. :p
     
    talin, Mar 22, 2008
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  11. AzN

    AzN Notebook Consultant

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    so.. I can just get any Microsoft Windows XP Home SP2 disc and be fine, right? Also, can it be a copied disc? I am only 17 so $90 is a lot to me... especially since I am not currently working.
     
    AzN, Mar 22, 2008
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  12. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    You can borrow someone else's XP CD.
     
    knightingmagic, Mar 22, 2008
    #12