win xp/ sony VAIO problem - can't start windows

[TaylorD]

I have a VAIO pcv-rx550

upon starting windows, or trying, I get this message:

Windoews could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
System32\DRIVERS\pci.sys

You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setip using the original setup cd rom.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

The problem is that sony doesnt give you a windows cd, instead they give you these "restore cd's" which I ran, was able to start windows once, then upon restarting got this message again.

I also have an original XP home cd, for another computer, which I tried to run, but that produces an error.

Any ideas?

 

[LiLithTecH]

You might be in luck.

PCI.SYS from DriverGuide

If you are using Fat32, then you can boot with a Bootdisk and copy the file to the System32
directory.

If you are using NTFS, you will need a utility such NTFS Dos to access the drive.

 

[TaylorD]

tried replacing the file before and it didnt do anything...

took the computer apart, cleaned it of dust, etc. - still didnt work

isolated each memory chip and found that one was causing the problem (or so it seems) - removed it, and though now I have less ram, at least I have a working system

thanks for the advice