Help. Can't boot in Vista

[mallik]

When I start up the system it looks like Vista is about to load up but then I get an error saying that "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause."

File: \Windows\system32\config\system
Status: 0xc00000e9
Info: Windows failed to load because the system registry file is missing, or corrupt.

I updated the BIOS to the latest version but I still get the same error. The board is an Asus P5N-D. Thank you in advance.

 

[corkyg]

Boot to your Vista disk, and then follow directions to fix the non-boot situation.

 

[masteryoda34]

System restore by booting from the Vista disc.

 

[mallik]

Thanks for the help. I booted up with the Vista disk but system restore wouldn't work saying there are no restore points.

I tried startup repair and it said there was a problem but it couldn't repair it and it asked me if I wanted to send the info to MS. I said no.

Here is what the log said:

Startup Repair

Diagnosis and repair details:
_____________________________
Number of repair attempts: 1

Session details
System Disk= \Device\Harddisk0
Windows directory=
AutoChk Run= 0
Number of root causes= 1

Test Performed:
____________
Name: Check for updates
Result: Completed successfully. Error code= 0x0
Time taken: 0 ms

Test Performed:
____________
Name: System disk test
Result: Completed successfully. Error code= 0x0
Time taken: 16 ms

Test Performed:
____________
Name: Disk failure diagnosis
Result: Completed successfully. Error code= 0x0
Time taken: 0 ms

Test Performed:
____________
Name: Disk metadata test
Result: Completed successfully. Error code= 0x0
Time taken: 31 ms

Test Performed:
____________
Name: Target OS test
Result: Completed successfully. Error code= 0x0
Time taken: 109 ms

Root cause found:
______________
No OS files found on disk.

Repair action: Partition table repair
Result: Failed. Error Code 0x490
Time taken: 353031 ms

So what does this mean? Do I have to wipe the drive clean and install again or is there anything I can do?

I should also mention that I have all of the memory slots used with 2GB sticks each, if that could be the cause of the problem.

 

[corkyg]

You can try fixing it with something like Symantec PArtition Magic using their bootable CD. Your partition table seems to be in error, and often, that can be fixed.


I don't see any connection with the problem and your memory situation.

 

[pcgeek11]

Root cause found:
______________
No OS files found on disk.

Repair action: Partition table repair
Result: Failed. Error Code 0x490
Time taken: 353031 ms

It could be simple corruption or your hard drive could be going south...

pcgeek11

 

[mallik]

Thanks again for the help. There isn't really anything important on the HD, so it would be best to just install Vista again and see if it's a HD problem?

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: mallik
Thanks again for the help. There isn't really anything important on the HD, so it would be best to just install Vista again and see if it's a HD problem?

Download and run the hard disk Mfgers test software and run the extended complete test and media scan to make sure the disk is OK.

pcgeek11

 

[mallik]

I ran the diagnostics and I got error code 0007 during quick scan. I ran extended test and got error code 0225 saying there are too many errors to complete the test.

Called up WD and they are sending me a new drive, so I guess that was the problem. Thanks.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: mallik
I ran the diagnostics and I got error code 0007 during quick scan. I ran extended test and got error code 0225 saying there are too many errors to complete the test.

Called up WD and they are sending me a new drive, so I guess that was the problem. Thanks.

You are welcome.