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Solve : Missing or corrupt c:\windows\system32\drivers\ntf?

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Hi,

I was recently downloading a few things off the internet and left my computer on over night to do so. However, when i checked the computer in the morning there was an error message appearing in the bottom right hand corner saying something about a corrupt file unfortunately i did not think to make a note of what it was saying !! :-(
My windows was working ok though from what I could SEE so I just decided to run norton go back and go back a day to hopefully restore my drive and erase the problem. However, on restart norton failed to restart the computer and after numerous attempts of restarting at different times via norton i then got an error message that norton had an error. I now cannot restart my computer to windows at all I keep receiving this message - "Missing or corrupt c:\windows\system32\drivers\ntfs.sys."  I have tried to use a windows xp CD to repair this by doing "copy x:\i386\ntfs.sys c:\windows\system32\drivers at the dos prompt but i just keep getting a message saying "the SYSTEM cannot find the file specified".  Do you have any ideas of what I can do as I do not want to lose what I have allready installed on my computer, applications, files etc which I think would happen if I reloaded windows xp on my system would'nt it ?

Any Help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

DNorton strikes again.

Do you have a real Windows CD? If so you can try a repair installation so your data is safe.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspxThe files in the i386 folder are compressed and then the last letter of the file's extension is removed and replaced with an _, which would explain why the system couldn't find it. Isn't there an extract.exe or expand.exe in the folder too so you could extract the file? Correct me if i'm wrong. But even if you were to replace that one file there's likely to be others missing too...

-John Quote

Norton strikes again.

Do you have a real Windows CD? If so you can try a repair installation so your data is safe.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx


I have a real windows XP cd but it's not from my computer I did not get one with mine when i bought it, it's the one off my old mans laptop, would that make any difference ?If it is the same version. Home and Pro do not mix. The same service pack is an even bigger PLUS. You will probably have to install all of the updates later. Quote
Sorry but I really am a beginner when it comes to these computer problem type things !!
So are you saying if they are not the same service pack then I can't really repair this ?
How do I find out what windows version/service pack I have when I can't restart my comp back to windows to check ?
Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to solve this problem and if it is the correct service pack edition etc could i just do a re-install and not lose my data/apllications etc ?

Sorry but I really am a bit clueless !! :-(

Thanks for your help

Dean

The same service packis helpful, but it is not a deal breaker. If you have valuable data to back up there may be a solution outside of Windows if this doesn't help, but let's try this first.

Follow the instructions EXACTLY as on the Microsoft link I posted. A repair install will not overwrite your data files.Just realised I pm'd you by accident, do apologise, will make sure I post it on the forum next time.

Sorry

Dany reply on this as yet mate, not being able to use my comp is driving me mad !!   Quote
i've got so far on the link you posted but when it says on that link to make sure you select the current installation of Windows XP in the selected box, and then press R to repair Windows XP. Nothing is happening when i press "r", it does'nt seem to be an option to press "r" i can press enter to "select setup of windows xp on the selected item".  Would that be what I need to select or is this not the right thing ?

Sorry but wanted to make sure before i do it wrong and finally destroy my computer completely !!  


What does your CD say on it? Is it an upgrade or a real XP CD, or an OEM or what?
It says on it :-  

Compaq Operating System CD
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP1So that is a Compaq OEM DISK. Sometimes there are differences, so I would say check with HP (which now owns Compaq).Sorry but what do I need to check with HP ?

Thanks

D Quote
I have a real windows XP cd but it's not from my computer I did not get one with mine when i bought it, it's the one off my old mans laptop, would that make any difference ?

I had to re-read your posts. No, HP will not help try anything with the software you got from them on another computer.

What make is yours, and is there an option to get a CD through whomever you bought it from? Was it a legal copy? If not, then you have other issues.

Unfortunately everyone needs their own Windows CD sooner or later. I am guessing that this is XP Pro?My computer is also a COMPAQ thats why I thought it should'nt be a problem. Only thing is i'm not sure what version of compaq xp was installed on my computer, the disk i have is service pack one home edition as I mentioned but whether that is what i hae on my broken comp i don't know as i can't windows back on to find out !! DOH !!
I have actually moved to spain from the uk now so i cannot get another disk from who i bought the comp from but the disk have off my dads is the original non copied proper edition.
I bought the computer from PC WORLD a major manufacturer but for some reason the windows xp disks were not included with the computer but I have no idea why as the computer is completely legal.

ANy ideas of wat I can do to solve this problem or to be even able to get back into windows !?

Thanks

D............?


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