PC registry problems

[MichiganGirl]

When I turned on my pc with Windows XP, I got a screen that said that Windows wasn't shut down right. I choose the option to go to last good setting. It seems to be loading, then I get a screen that says:

Stop 000218
Registry File Failure
Registry can't load the hive (file)
\SystemRoot\System32\Config\Software
or it's log or alternative
It is corupt, absent, or not writable.

Beginning Dump of Physical Memory.
Physical Memory Dump.

I went to all the other options at the beginning screen, including Safe Mode, but I get the same screen. Any ideas on if/how I can get my computer back?

Thanks.

Anisah

[Alchemy]

Start here?

[Troberg]

Chances are that your Windows is unrecoverable, or, if it recovers, will have so many problems that it's not worth it.

In other words, boot it from a boot disc (I'd suggest something like ERD Commander, Kubuntu (or some specific recovery Linux distro which has nice tools for what you need) or some of the WinPE recovery discs floating around in the usual places. Then, backup all important data.

Then, you can try to fix it. If you succeed, great, but, in the more likely scenario, you need a reinstall, at least you'll have your data.

[MichiganGirl]

Originally Posted by Troberg

Chances are that your Windows is unrecoverable, or, if it recovers, will have so many problems that it's not worth it.

In other words, boot it from a boot disc (I'd suggest something like ERD Commander, Kubuntu (or some specific recovery Linux distro which has nice tools for what you need) or some of the WinPE recovery discs floating around in the usual places. Then, backup all important data.

Then, you can try to fix it. If you succeed, great, but, in the more likely scenario, you need a reinstall, at least you'll have your data.

Thanks. Any idea where I can get one of those boot discs? I have my windows xp cd, but I can't boot from it.

Thanks!

[Alchemy]

Originally Posted by MichiganGirl

Thanks. Any idea where I can get one of those boot discs? I have my windows xp cd, but I can't boot from it.

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
http://www.sysresccd.org/Main_Page

[James G]

If you can't boot from your XP CD then it probably means that your BIOS is set to boot from the hard drive first. You'll have to pop in and change the boot priority.

Unfortunately the instructions for doing so vary from system to system. Usually it'll involve pressing a key shortly after you turn on your computer, usually one of the function keys or delete. It should say on screen. You'll then need to find the boot settings, and try to set it to prioritise the CD/DVD over the hard disc.

However, fiddling in the BIOS isn't a hugely sensible idea if you are not sure what you are doing, although it is unlikely that you'd cause any truly serious mischief. However the best bet would probably be to note the BIOS version (It should be one of the first things to appear on your screen when you turn on the computer) and Google for instructions. If you have an off the shelf system it will probably be easiest to Google your computer product number.

Although Troberg may be right about using a recovery boot disc, I've also previously had luck with the repair installation option on the XP disc. (Just make sure it is actually an XP disc, and not a disc to restore your computer to factory settings.) It might be a good first step, as even if you find things are a bit wobbly after the repair, you'll be using a familiar system when recovering your data.

[MichiganGirl]

Thanks James. I did change the bios to boot from CD, but my cd doesn't have a boot partition. I don't have an original windows xp cd. I think that is what I am going to need, but no idea how to get it. I can't afford to buy one.

MG

[James G]

Originally Posted by MichiganGirl

Thanks James. I did change the bios to boot from CD, but my cd doesn't have a boot partition. I don't have an original windows xp cd. I think that is what I am going to need, but no idea how to get it. I can't afford to buy one.

You'll definately need a bootable XP disc to re-install, but I think it should be possible without needing to get another disc, assuming that you have an otherwise complete collection of files.

As far as I can tell, you just need the 'Microsoft Corporation.img' file, which can be found here:

http://www.technipages.com/how-to-sl...ce-pack-2.html

You should be able to use this file to burn a new, bootable CD. (The page also contains instructions for adding service pack two to your default installation, to prevent you having to download it again. I expect a similar thing is possible with service pack 3, if you are interested.)

Meanwhile, if you want to try Troberg's suggestion, you should be able to download an iso for Ubuntu here: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

If you need pointers on making a bootable DVD, this page may help: http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstre...p2_cd_nero.htm

[Squishy0405]

Along similar lines, I'm getting these 2 prompts at start up: (Please Explain!)

RUN DLL

Error loading C:\Users\(owners name)\AppData\Local\Temp\mlJDtrOh.dll
The specific module could not be found.

RUN DLL

Error loading C:\Users\(owners name)\AppData\Local\Temp\nNefGWPh.dll
The specific module could not be found.

Some letters of the keyboard aren't working either, basic cleaning didn't help.

Now there's some "desktop trojan" file which is new, but my 2 scans aren't picking it up argggghhh

[Squishy0405]

Update:

The trojan was actually a trojan.win32.blackbird; which I learned was basically an outdated ploy by rogue spy/malware. I finally found a FREE program which deleted it sucessfully. It actually didn't try to make me buy anything although the scan did last a few hours.

Now my question is regarding the system restore info posted (I don't use spybot so I skipped that bit). The OP is using XP but I'm on Vista. Is it still a good idea as further protection? I believer my browsers & java are up to date. I'm just concerned about losing something since this is not my computer...

Keyboard & DLL still occuring.

Thanks!