System32\drivers/ntfs.sys is missing

[RonK]

Checking a friends Compac Presario 700 and it won't boot into XP Home. It
gets to a screen that reports " Windows cannot start because
system32/drivers/ntfs.sys is missing.
Anyway I can fix thais and not loose her data ?

Thanks
Ron

 

[Andrew E]

Try tapping the F8 key at start-up,select,start in safe-
mode,in safe mode,go to run,type:cmd
At the curser type:Sfc /Scannow
When the graph starts,install xp cd,exit info page,when
the graph ends,remove cd,type:CHKDSK C: /R
Agree to restart,then type:EXIT Restart computer.
If safe doesnt let you in,install xp cd,reboot,boot to
disk,recovery,password is pressing enter key,at the curser
type:CHKDSK C: /R Type:EXIT When its thru.

 

[RonK]

Wow - looks like my spelling sucks !

 

[Billy]

http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/archive/39/2003/08/2/6177
How to repair from the Recovery Console.

 

[RonK]

Thanks for the info but I just hit another problem getting into a command
prompt in Retore.
The password my neighbour gave me is not accepted 3 times and I am booted
out of the recovery consul.

 

[Dick Lewis]

Maybe there is no password for Administrator, just his password for
his login (userID). Try hitting enter with password box empty.

Laters,
Dick

 

[RonK]

Thanks again all.
The password was forgotten by my neighbor so I was not able to get to Repair
consol. I installed a second instance of XP and managed to save all her
important files (over 1200 real estate files, jpegs etc). Sure wish people
knew how important backing up files is ! She knows now.
I think the hard drive is on the way out so I'll run some tests on that
tomorrow night.

Thanks
Ron