windows can't start - please help

[TheNiceGuy]

I have had a long-standing problem with my C drive bing recognized:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=29&threadid=1931953

recently, it has stopped all together. I was getting the following message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<Windows root>\system32\hal.dll.


Seatools showed errors in the file system check. I tried a few things, but it only got worse. So I ran Recovery console "CHKDSK /r" from my XP CD, and it stopped at 25% saying the volume contained too many errors. SO I ran "FIXMBR" and "FIXBOOT".
Now, I am getting either a black screen after BIOS, or the following message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM

Please help

 

[lyssword]

I think the fastest way would be to format ur hard drive (using another comp maybe or thru ur hd disk utility) and reinstall windows. If possible back up the important stuff..

 

[TheNiceGuy]

I thought of that, but I did that in the past. I would love to be able to beat this bug if it comes back, rather than live in fear! haha
Anyway, I figure it will take at least 6 hours straight to do that, after all the installs and updates of XP and my other programs.

Is there anyway to figure out what is causing the failure to recognize the disk?

BTW, when I ran Seatools it showed a duplicate set of my harddrives existing with an "Unknown Controller". Is this normal?

 

[wpshooter]

Have you considered the possibility that your P/S maybe be boardline for running your present hardware components ???

 

[TheNiceGuy]

wpshooter- thanks for the reply. I weighed out the pieces carefuly when I built this system last year, and the only new hardware is the 320G Seagate drive. I was under the impression that my PS was more than adequate for my system, since I have a modest GPU and am not running dual cards. Addittionaly, I understand OCZs aer very reliable. Am I incorrect?

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: wpshooter
Have you considered the possibility that your P/S maybe be boardline for running your present hardware components ???

If it's the machine in his sig that he's talking about, then the power supply is definately NOT borderline. I've got a 3200+ and a 6600GT on a 350W psu and it's rock solid stable. I think he could get by just fine with even a good 300W psu. Actually, I know someone who has a 6600GT with a generic 300W psu and it runs perfect.

So no, a 420W OCZ psu is not borderline. If the psu were failing, then that's a different story, but if it's working as it should, then that is not the problem.

 

[Vrod]

i ran into that problem couple of times.

registry file if i remember correctly gets too big for windows too load. abnormal shut-off or saving settings and forced shut-off sometimes cause this problemo.

i had to reinstall winsuxs first couple of times, i found a solution at microsofts site but dont remember the link.