Windows 2000 crashing - think I'm in a pickle.

[ILLRobinson]

I started getting an error message during Win2k startup:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \winnt\system32\config\SYSTEMced

It then recommends booting off of the Win2k CD. From there, Win2k asks for the ERD or to go to the recovery console.

To that extent, I'm not having any luck locating my ERD from months ago (damn, where are those floppies when ya need them?). I followed the suggestions of the MS site which recommend entering the recovery console, renaming the "system" and "system.alt" files, and copying the "system" file from the Winnt/Repair folder. After following these instructions, I tried rebooting but I get a flash of a Stop Error just as Win2k boots up and then the whole machine resets itself again.

I tried booting up into safe & last known config modes, but neither has been helpful.

As I'm suspect of this system (and mostly the HDD) I'm looking to get my most important files off this drive and onto a new one. I'm hoping I can get the machine up again without the ERD, but I'm starting to feel less optimistic.

To fill out the specs:

Win2k (SP3)
PIII-1ghz
40gb Maxtor
NVIDIA Ti4600
HP DVD Writer 200i
Canon CanonScan LiDE 30

Anyone with thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Toejam31]

I'm assuming that this is the MS article you are referring to: <A HREF="http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q269075" target="_new">here</A>.

In addition, look at this articles:

<A HREF="http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;238359" target="_new">Differences Between Manual and Fast Repair in Windows</A>

<A HREF="http://www.cybercomsys.com/win2k.htm" target="_new">Using the RC to Solve Common Problems</A>

This page may also prove to be helpful for troubleshooting this particular issue:

<A HREF="http://www.labmice.net/troubleshooting/ERD.htm" target="_new">Emergency Repair Disks</A>,

especially this one:

<A HREF="http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=158866" target="_new">How to Manually Create an Emergency Repair Disk</A>

If all else fails, running a Repair from Setup might be an option, but be prepared to boot into Safe Mode afterwards (if possible) to reinstall/update drivers for any devices that Windows 2000 cannot readily detect and/or disable/reinstall any third-party programs and services that might be interfering with the boot. Getting to the Startup and Recovery Options and changing the way Windows reacts during a system failure could also prove useful, so you can get a better look at that BSOD (assuming that you can reach this in Safe Mode) Control Panel\System\Advanced\Startup and Recovery\Settings\System failure\Automatically restart. Clear the check box, and document the information when the error next occurs.

Toey

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[ILLRobinson]

Awesome, Toey. Thanks much for your very thorough reply. I'll post an update after give your options a go.

Much obliged (and happy new year),
Paul

 

[ILLRobinson]

One other question - if attempting a repair from the setup - do I risk losing files (outside of "My Documents")on the drive?

 

[ILLRobinson]

Ok, what I did was install 2000 into another part of the drive. Now I'm able to see the drive with my earlier files and am now successfully copying them over to the new HDD.

Thanks again,
Paul