Windows file is missing or corrupt:System32\drivers\ntfs.sys

[Guest]

Two days ago, an automatic update was occuring with windows drivers from the
web. I accidentally unplugged the computer in the middle of the update.
Now, upon attempting to restart my computer I get the message "Windows could
not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
System32\Drivers\Ntfs.sys. I have my original Windows XP CD but it isn't
working to recover. I need help please.

 

[Guest]

Try tapping the F8 key on starting pc,select safe mode w/networking,enter
xp as administrator.Try downloading & installing kb930916

 

[Guest]

Two days ago, an automatic update was occuring with windows drivers from the
web. I accidentally unplugged the computer in the middle of the update.
Now, upon attempting to restart my computer I get the message "Windows could
not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
System32\Drivers\Ntfs.sys. I have my original Windows XP CD but it isn't
working to recover. I need help please.

Your system missing or corrupted this file for some reason, try to copy the
ntfs.sys from the XP CD by starting your computer with the CD in the CD-ROM
and follow these instructions in this KB:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822800
HT.
Let us know.
Regards,
nass

 

[Guest]

Hello,
I am getting the a similar error:
Missing or Corrupt--->windows/system32/config/system

When I reboot and F8 I choose my DVD/CD-ROM drive in which I have my WinXP
CD #1 of 3 installed. Nothing happens. It's as if the drive is not
working/recognized any longer. The drive is good as I used it earlier on the
day of the error to play a DVD. It seems that this system32
missing/corruption is preventing me from using the DVD/CD drive. I have
another DVD/CD drive can I force to it? Is there some way to recover to boot
from the WinXP install discs? I have also cold-booted with the WinXP CD #1
already installed in the dirve with no luck.
Can I boot to safe mode and go from there? When I boot and press F8 my only
choices are drives: Floppy-who uses those anymore or, DVD/CD drive.
Any other keyed workarounds for this situation?

Thanks,

Rick

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hello,
I am getting the a similar error:
Missing or Corrupt--->windows/system32/config/system
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545


When I reboot and F8 I choose my DVD/CD-ROM drive in which I have my WinXP
CD #1 of 3 installed.

You misunderstand the directions for using the recovery console. If you're
pressing F8, you are past the time when you can boot from the CD.

And since XP typically comes with only one CD, you may be looking at a
different disk set.

Nothing happens. It's as if the drive is not
working/recognized any longer.

More likely is that the boot sequence does not have the CD/DVD drive
*first*. It must be, for this purpose. Or, you do not have a bootable XP
CD.

The drive is good as I used it earlier on the
day of the error to play a DVD. It seems that this system32
missing/corruption is preventing me from using the DVD/CD drive. I have
another DVD/CD drive can I force to it? Is there some way to recover to boot
from the WinXP install discs? I have also cold-booted with the WinXP CD #1
already installed in the dirve with no luck.

XP has only one bootable install CD. That you have more than one indicates
that you may have a set of restore disks, which may not have the recovery
console option. They may use some other method for booting, or you just
have the BIOS misconfigured.

The good news is that for this purpose, you can use *any* bootable XP CD,
Home or Pro. You aren't doing an install, so key mismatches don't matter.
You can borrow a disc if yours doesn't work.

Can I boot to safe mode and go from there?

No. You have to boot from the CD, if you want to use the recovery console.

When I boot and press F8 my only
choices are drives: Floppy-who uses those anymore or, DVD/CD drive.
Any other keyed workarounds for this situation?

Set the BIOS to boot from CD first, then restart the system with the CD
already in the drive. If you have to power it up to get the CD in, power it
down, then back up again.

If you understand what it is that the technote here is discussing, there are
other ways to achieve the goal:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

Basically, it's renaming and shuffling files around. So, if you have
another way to gain access to the drive, such as a Linux boot disk with a
file manager that reads NTFS, or another XP system you can attach your drive
to, you can perform most of the file operations that way, without the
Recovery Console.

HTH
-pk