unable to startup windows: virus or other problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I recently purchased and installed software called “AntiCyber Crimeâ€. I
wasn’t sure if this software would automatically scan for viruses with the
email client that I use (Netscape), so I followed instructions on the website
for the makers of this software (Secure Resolutions) and created what I think
is called a new policy, which I then applied to my computer (so virus
protection was temporarily turned off while my computer was updated into the
new policy). In the meantime, I noticed another FAQ mentioning how to enable
defragging when using this software. I was curious to see if defragging was
already working without me having to adjust anything, but then the defragging
process got hung (it stayed at 6%). I decided to restart my computer, but
when it was turning off, it wouldn’t leave the “Windows is shutting downâ€
screen, and for some reason, I saw the image of a panda that I hadn’t noticed
before.

When I tried to restart my computer, I got the following error:
windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the
original Setup CD-ROM.
Select ‘r’ at the first screen to start repair.

I figured that I had somehow gotten a virus, so I called the dealer who sold
me my computer, and they suggested that I try doing a special startup using
F8 to get a choice to restore to the “Last Known Good Configurationâ€. When I
try that option (or any of the Safe Mode options), I get the same error as
before.

When I tried to repair Windows by using the Windows XP operating system CD,
I get the blue screen of death whether I try to use “R†to get the recovery
console or I try to repair by first going through the Install windows option
(before I even get the repair option in this route, I get the blue screen).

At this point, I am not sure how to proceed. I may have gotten a virus, or
I may have messed up my system by trying to defrag without following the
anti-virus softtware website’s instructions on how to enable defragging. Do
you have any suggestions? I should note that although I fairly recently
backed up many of my files (.doc, .pdf, .jpg, .mp3, etc., plus some setup
files for installing software) to an external hard drive, my registry is not
backed up anywhere (I didn’t create a restore disk or anything like that).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hello zapspan,
try to format C than reinstall windows,you probobly dont have a virus.
 
Hi Radenko Zec.

How would I format C? I can't even get into windows. Would I need to use
the WinXP disk? I actually already tried using the winXP disk, and I got to
the blue screen before I was offered the choice of formatting C, whether I
entered "R" to go to the repair console, or instead tried to go through the
"install winxp" route.

Also, even if I could format C, I think that that would erase everything on
my hard disk. Is there some other way to do this without losing all of my
data?

Thanks,
zapspan
 
zapspan said:
Hi Radenko Zec.

How would I format C? I can't even get into windows. Would I need to
use
the WinXP disk? I actually already tried using the winXP disk, and I
got to the blue screen before I was offered the choice of formatting
C, whether I entered "R" to go to the repair console, or instead tried
to go through the "install winxp" route.

Also, even if I could format C, I think that that would erase
everything on
my hard disk. Is there some other way to do this without losing all
of my data?
Click to expand...

I don't know what you actually did to your system, but if you can't get
to the Recovery Console and can't do a Repair Install your options are
extremely limited.

Retrieve the data with a rescue system like Knoppix or a Bart's PE and
then format the drive, clean install Windows, reinstall drivers and
programs from installation media, restore data from backups.

http://www.knoppix.net
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ (Bart's PE)

If this seems too complicated - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a professional computer
repair shop (not your local version of BigStoreUSA).

If you want to attempt this yourself and need help in using Knoppix,
post back for more details instructions.

Malke
 
Just an update: I ended up taking my computer to the guys who custom-made it
for me. They ended up connecting the HD to the mother board (instead of the
control card), and that somehow allowed them to use the winxp disk to
recover. So my HD is ok now, no need to re-install windows, no data lost. I
guess I got lucky.

In any case, thanks for your suggestions.
 
Back
Top