Winload.exe missing or corrupt after installing KB938979

[Guest]

A couple of days ago, I downloaded & attempted to install update KB938979.
The system went to reboot during the update process, but came up with the
error in the subject. I've tried all the bcdedit fixes that I've found in
these discussion pages as well as those in Microsoft TechNet. I've also
tried copying a new winload from C: to D: (I'm running currently on my C:
that I've loaded with my Vista Ultimate upgrade disk, but I had to do it
without entering the product key, so the clock is ticking).
One thing that I haven't seen posted that happened during the KB update - E:
was my boot drive before the update, now it's showing up as D: (D: contained
music files which are now in E. The XP backup folder is in D: with the
rest of my original Vista load and I can't seem to find my XP disks to reload
as an upgrade. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get my original
Vista back? It ran fine until this upgrade. Is it possible to use a Vista
upgrade disk against the files in the XP backup folder, so it will accept my
product key?

 

[Guest]

I take it that there is no help here available, since I wasn't doing a Dual
Boot. I located my original ME (HP System Recovery) & XP Professional
upgrade disks, but the ME disks either can't handle the C: being NTFS or are
looking for .cab files that used to reside there. XP upgrade obviously won't
load without the ME OS, and Ultimate upgrade won't load without XP. Yet
everything still resides on what is now the D: drive, and ran fine from Feb
until the attempted update.
There are seven different "$$DeleteMe..." files still in D:, which I assume
are from the update. Example - $$DeleteMe.authui.dll.01c7de07c28bf940.0001
All I want is to get my machine back...is that too much to ask?

 

[Paul Randall]

You can try this method: How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade
Media at
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp
You will probably be successful in activating it, but there has been talk
that some time in the future, Microsoft may modify things so that it will no
longer pass the 'windows genuine advantage' program. There are other
options too.

Few people realize how important it is to keep all the original and upgrade
discs in a safe, unforgettable, easily accessible place for this kind of
situation. It is just as important as making and storing backups properly.

-Paul Randall

 

[NotMe]

If you boot from the XP upgrade disk and tell it to install, it will ask for
the ME Disk as proof of qualification for upgrade.
I don't know if the recovery disk will suffice, but you would hope so.
If the recovery disk is not recognized as proof for the upgrade, you should
be able to FDisk>format the disk to FAT and make the recovery disk work
again. Or borrow a real W98/ME disk from someone as proof. That may not be
100% kosher in some peoples minds, but those OEM recovery disks should work
as proof!