INACCESSIBLE_HARD_DRIVE error after latest sp update

[Paul Wohler]

Last night I upgraded my W2000 pro system with the latest
available updates. This seemed to complete correctly, but
when I did the required reboot after it was done I
received a blue screen error saying "STOP: 0x0000007b ...
INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. It also give some generic
instructions about checking your hard drive config,
viruses, etc. This system was working perfectly before
this and I have not changed any hardware. The only new
thing is the update Microsoft issued. I tried the Last
Known Good Configuration with no luck. I cannot even boot
into safe mode. The same error occurs. Is there anyway I
can avoid wiping my hardrive???

 

[Alan Illeman]

I've got the same problem Paul. I'm really hoping I don't have to wipe mine either.
I tried to change memory thinking that was the problem, but no luck. Hopefully someone can help us.

My advice is to not allow any MS updates - I have none at all, in
fact I have disabled the service. What you do need, however,
is a firewall. I scan for viruses once every day, but it's really just a
formality, the firewall stops them all. A lot of the problems with
these updates, is that people are using the Admin account to
download them. Never, never use the Admin account online.
If you want further details, I'll be happy to oblige.

Alan (Toronto)

 

[Joel Green]

Why should you not use the admin account online?

Joel

 

[Gary Smith]

Why should you not use the admin account online?

Many people will say that you should not use an administrator account
online because doing so increases the chance of being infected by some
sort of malware. This may be true -- it certainly sounds plausible -- but
I've found that so many of the things I do require administrator rights
that switching back and forth between logons would become a real pain. I
use my personal account, which has administrator rights, for everything,
online and offline, and I've never had a problem.

I did get a nasty CoolWebSearch-type infection a couple of weeks ago, but
as best I can tell, that happened when a family member was logged on to
his Power User account.

 

[Alan Illeman]

Many people will say that you should not use an administrator account
online because doing so increases the chance of being infected by some
sort of malware. This may be true -- it certainly sounds plausible -- but
I've found that so many of the things I do require administrator rights
that switching back and forth between logons would become a real pain. I
use my personal account, which has administrator rights, for everything,
online and offline, and I've never had a problem.

I did get a nasty CoolWebSearch-type infection a couple of weeks ago, but
as best I can tell, that happened when a family member was logged on to
his Power User account.

Yes, it is a pain (switching accounts). My firewall has been so good
that I've just done a reinstall using FAT instead of NTFS, i.e. no
permission settings at all, just to see how vulnerable I am. I did
change the Administrator's name, though.