Ahh! A Registry File Failure?

Message

suzannetf · #1 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:12 pm

STOP: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}

The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate. It is corrupt, absent, or not writable. Beginning dump of physical memory physical memory dump complete.

How do I repair this? It's a cycle... turn on the computer, windows tries to start, this screen comes on, repeat.

I found instructions online about repairing this but they said not to try it if you had an OEM copy of XP. My IBM laptop was preloaded since I bought it through a college program and has a partition and everything, so is this what they are talking about?

(http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do ... a_stop.htm)

Also, what happens if you reload with the recover cd? I don't actually possess my recover cd (it's at the tech support center at school, but I'm home for the summer). I made the mistake of putting my pictures into the My Music Folder on C: since my D: was getting full and never got around to backing them all up. I guess they're gone, even if I did a C: restore since they're on that drive. If I did get stuff back, couldn't I go back to the save place it made (I have the thing turned on where if you mess up your computer you can go back a few days and recover your data but I don't know how to access it). Please give me some advice and what to expect. :-\

#2 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:14 pm

Did you try System Restore? Programs > Accesories > System Tools > System restore, restore back to a time when everything was working.

Recovery to factory will fix the problem. It reinstalls the OS as it was from the factory.

suzannetf · #3 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:22 pm

Pardon my ignorance... but wouldn't that mean I would have to be logged in? I can't get past the little Windows thing where the blue bar fills in across the bottom and then it gives me the option to start in safe mode (doesn't work either) or last know configuration (also not working). How do I reset the original operating system. And My Music is part of that, right? Dang it. I thought that was a clever place to put my pictures.

And I don't have any cds of XP or anything either... or know the password for them. So I can't do anything fancy with this thing. And I do not wish to mail my hard drive away. I read this might also be a problem with RAM or the motherboard. My motherboard has been replace so many times it's not funny. Could someone explain RAM to me?

#4 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:25 pm

Try, shutting off the machine completely wait 10 seconds, start at the bios screen press f11, this will get you into the recovery environment, you may be able to access your files from the operating system from there and do a factory reinstall, read everything very carefully.

suzannetf · #5 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:28 pm

Will I lose files? Is partition stuff I am not physically able to reach normally? Is the My Music folder on C:/ there?

Honestly, I'm not in any major rush here. I have a class and exam to worry about and I'm just wasting time on the computer (as well as having others I can use). My data is my priority. Is there anyway I can prevent from losing it (even buying some sort of external device would be an option).

I've just heard that "reset" is always the easy answer (like when the tech support people at school are in a rush). Is there a way (perhaps more time consuming) to back up some stuff?

Orevin · #6 Post by **Orevin** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:56 pm

I would go with System Restore first. If you can't login, then you can run it from the command line.

suzannetf · #7 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:56 pm

Well, here was the troubles I was experiencing before this occurred:

First, the battery wouldn't charge on my laptop (T42) and I could only vaguely see the screen, if at all. It also wouldn't read the battery. I tried the system power drain that had worked once before but it didn't so I mailed it in. They changed the motherboard and my charger started working again. However, my screen was doing this thing where the computer would be on and I could see that it was working (light blinking, music still playing) but no screen. If I shined a fluorescent light on it I could vaguely see what was on the screen. Faintly. I realized this had been the same thing as when I sent it away the first time. So I mailed it into IBM again and they replaced the backlight part of the screen and the system board. So, it gets home and then it starts doing this thing where I turn it on but it doesn't start. It just beeps a few times (like it's unable to read the hard drive, not that there isn't a hard drive present). After a few tries of this, it finally comes up fine. However, if the screen/laptop is shifted at all the whole system stops. The screen goes black (not lit up behind, either) and the only light lit up is the battery one and the circle one. After a few tries of turning off the computer and turning it on it works again. I thought it was some sort of problem with the connector between the laptop and the screen. However, I've noticed that pressure to the bottom left corner where the Centrino and XP stickers are will make the computer turn off every time. And just about 100% of the time sort of tapping here with my palm will make the computer come back after it does the turn off thing. Before I would wiggle the moniter and eventually it would come back up again when I powered up. What is in the laptop in that portion of the computer? I know the hard drive is opposite that spot and the CD-ROM is beside the hard drive. One place said this problem could be related to motherboard and RAM. I delayed sending in my laptop the 3rd time because it was at least usable for a while. Should I send it in without my harddrive again and let them do their worst and see if this fixes my problem?

#8 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:59 pm

I'd say yes, and maybe try to talk to a manager or somthing and get documented your trials and tribulations.

suzannetf · #9 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:49 pm

So, do you think there's a chance it's hardware in that it's NOT my harddrive and it's operating system?

#10 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:59 pm

Sounds like you have both, your original post describes a software problem that I believe you could fix, but the other issues you talked about need to get fixed or your chasing your tail, so to speak.

JHEM · #11 Post by **JHEM** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:00 pm

suzannetf wrote:So, do you think there's a chance it's hardware in that it's NOT my harddrive and it's operating system?

100% a hardware problem!

You obviously have access to another computer (you're communicating with us!).

Go to your local computer store and get an external USB2.0 laptop HD case. Put you laptop's HD in it, connect it to the computer you're now using and copy whatever files you want/need/desire to some medium, HD, CD, DVD, Thumbdrive, whatever.

Contact IBM and ask for "escalation" of your problem due to the fact that you've sent the machine in so many times. Put the HD back in before you send the machine off and make certain that you check the little box on the inventory sheet that allows them to format your HD.

Tell them you want the MB replaced and the HD formatted and/or replaced and the OS reinstalled.

Regards,

James

suzannetf · #12 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:04 pm

I just tried to do the command line prompt thing in Start Mode... and a whole list of things appears on the screen (multirdisk or something the whole length of the screen) and then the same restart fail to load windows thing (always back to the safe mode options screen) all over again.

The thing is, I'm unfamiliar with how all the components of these things interact and work together and how the affect one another when something dies. My computer WAS dropped pretty hard several months ago when I'm sure the hard-drive was spinning. The screen was ALMOST closed, but still open enough to where it wasn't hibernating. It slid off a desk and hit the floor directly on the side with cd-rom and hard drive. For awhile the latches for closes it didn't work correctly, but I adjusted the casing around the screen and then it was fine. Shortly after the CD-ROM stopped reading/writing and I brought it in. It got replaced and I told them what happened and they said as long as the hard drive seemed to be working ok everything should be great. This was at least 3 months ago. So, could it be delayed death?

#13 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:05 pm

Is there a "last know good configuration" option?

suzannetf · #14 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:09 pm

Of course there is! I've tried every option and it always returns to the cycle.

I've tried start normally, best known configuration, safe mode, safe mode with prompt, and a whatever else there is. Always the same thing!

suzannetf · #15 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:16 pm

Hmm... the USB 2.0 thing sounds feasible. How much do those run? I just pick one up, insert my hard drive (is there a particular one I need for the T42 hard drive?) and plug the USB into another laptop? My dad has a Dell that's about a year newer than mine I could use, and even has a DVD burner it could use. (I have a load of DVDs that it turns out my DVD burner couldn't use because it goes on the now unavailable 1.0 version).

I know it sounds like I've had the worst experience with this computer, but when it works, which is the good majority of the time because I'm pretty good at fixing it and getting it fixed, I really like it. It's just all dying on me at once and it's about 3 years old. That seems old, but the power of it is comparible to some of the computers I've seen that are newer and I really want it to hang in there!

christopher_wolf · #16 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:34 pm

suzannetf wrote:Hmm... the USB 2.0 thing sounds feasible. How much do those run? I just pick one up, insert my hard drive (is there a particular one I need for the T42 hard drive?) and plug the USB into another laptop? My dad has a Dell that's about a year newer than mine I could use, and even has a DVD burner it could use. (I have a load of DVDs that it turns out my DVD burner couldn't use because it goes on the now unavailable 1.0 version).

I know it sounds like I've had the worst experience with this computer, but when it works, which is the good majority of the time because I'm pretty good at fixing it and getting it fixed, I really like it. It's just all dying on me at once and it's about 3 years old. That seems old, but the power of it is comparible to some of the computers I've seen that are newer and I really want it to hang in there!

You can get most USB enclosures like that at the local computer store, Fry's for example, and they don't cost much (~$20). Simply take the HDD out of the T42 and put it in the enclosure then copy the stuff over.

suzannetf · #17 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:36 pm

So, even though my computer is flipping out and can't start XP another computer with XP can read it just like a CD or flash drive? What if I have a virus I don't know about? Will it compromise the other computer? Is there a certain size I need for my T42 hard drive or is there just a standard thing that plugs into the end?

Thank you for the gleam of hope. Maybe there's a chance that everything isn't gone...

#18 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:44 pm

So, even though my computer is flipping out and can't start XP another computer with XP can read it just like a CD or flash drive? What if I have a virus I don't know about? Will it compromise the other computer? Is there a certain size I need for my T42 hard drive or is there just a standard thing that plugs into the end?

Yes,

Scan the folder from the computer you are using to view the folder

2.5 USB enclosure will work, be aware that you may need an additional power supply not provided with some brands be sure to ask.

suzannetf · #19 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:05 pm

Ok, now I've brought my problem to the attention of my "computer expert" dad who accuses me of being too rough with my computer (In truth, I don't baby it as much as I should) and that I should just wait to meet with tech people in the fall back at my school. But I guarantee they will probably just straight reset the computer back to factory (if there's a reset hole to poke on the hard drive they'll find it).

Now I'm trying to explain the concept of the external thing, but I'm not sure he believes me (yes, he's trying everything I've already tried. ::sigh::) Oh, and the external things I see at the Circuit City/Best Buy sites (the only stores around here) are around $50. Is that normal? (I'm guessing that those probably have the power supply?)

#20 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:47 pm

I'm sure your dad will get to the root of this whole problem. $50 sounds like a lot, if it has power supply that might bump up the price, it better have a cable in there too for that price.

suzannetf · #21 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 7:50 pm

Dad has finally grudgingly admitted that this is what I should do, I think. He's a bit ticked with my school and this brand, though (he's a big fan of Dell and only bought my IBM Thinkpad because of the deal through the school). I'm supposed to call the IBM support line first, though, but so far I was just on hold forever. The longest I've ever been on before this was 5-10 minutes so it must be because I've the holidays. I'll try later. Anyways, I drove down the road to Circuit City and Best Buy (they're across the street from each other) and unfortunately got to Best Buy a few minutes too late. On their web site the two external drives I saw that looked like what I wanted were http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 2655460358 and http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 0985857482 They're both USB powered, and I don't know whether or not I need a cord (although I already have one just in case). Anyways, what could account for the $15 price difference between these two? I'm not familiar with the brand names if that's what it is! I did go in Circuit City and saw this external drive case: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Mad-Dog- ... tDetail.do On the box it needs a power adaptor (which is included) and a cable (which is not included). That one is $35. Which one would you recommend of these options?

Thanks.

JHEM · #22 Post by **JHEM** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 7:54 pm

The first one you listed will be just fine Suzanne.

Regards,

James

suzannetf · #23 Post by **suzannetf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:46 pm

Well, I checked the Best Buy site and they're out of stock in my town for that one. :'( Anyways, in the reviews of it it stinks apparantly. So I'm going to go to Office Depot tomorrow and see if they have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000Z ... t&v=glance

christopher_wolf · #24 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:53 pm

suzannetf wrote:Well, I checked the Best Buy site and they're out of stock in my town for that one. :'( Anyways, in the reviews of it it stinks apparantly. So I'm going to go to Office Depot tomorrow and see if they have this one:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000Z ... t&v=glance

That looks like a good choice for an external USB HDD enclosure; simple, easy to operate, appears durable, and it is around ~$20. Well-balanced, IMHO.

Keep us updated as to how this turns out.

suzannetf · #25 Post by **suzannetf** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 6:35 pm

Still waiting. Apparantly this is an item that the on-line store carries, but the actual store site doesn't. So, it's been ordered and will be here in a few more days. And I got a crazy good deal on it. Less than $20, including shipping. Now I just have to find out if it's actually works and is worth it!

Ahh! A Registry File Failure?

Ahh! A Registry File Failure?

Who is online