Re: cannot find system32\DRIVER\ pci

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

I assume this means you can't get to the desktop. If that's the case,
first, boot the system, start tapping F8 and at the menu choose "Last Known
Good Configuration." If that doesn't resolve it, try a repair install as
follows:
NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, if
something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to start
over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your data backed up,
you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

 

[Gette]

Michael,

When you say boot from the CD, I am assuming you mean the
original configuration CD that was used when i first got
the laptop. I tried that, but the computer is not reading
it.

I also have the QuickRestore CD, but it said I will loose
ALL my information. Is there any other option. I have my
work files backed up, but not my school (which I am more
concerned about at the moment).

If this helps at all, the computer kept shutting down
today and ran EXTREAMLY slow. Don't know if that is
connected in any way.

Thanks!

Gette

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

I'm sorry, I should have made clear that you must have a retail version of
XP as opposed to a manufacturer supplied recovery or restore disk. Without
an actual XP CD your options become quite limited as almost anything we
offer starts with using tools on that CD.

One other thing to try would be to boot the system, start tapping F8, when
the menu appears, select "last known good configuration" and see if that
gets you going. If not, try the same procedure but select Safe Mode. If
you can get in, try using System Restore to take you back to a time prior to
when this began.