Error Messages Caused By Hardware Failures
System startup with ‘Pci.sys is missing or corrupt’.
An attempt to boot from XP CD generates an error ‘File setupdd.sys could not be loaded.
The error code is 14
Setup cannot continue.’
Removing the pci modem changes the error code from 14 to 7. Removing and reinstalling the AGP graphic card and memory modules and ensuring that they are fitted properly boots the system up fine without the need for a reinstallation of Windows.
There are also other things to bear in mind when you’re planning to troubleshoot or recover and XP crash, (These points are especially useful when your system crash with the error - “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt C:\windows\system32\config\system”) ;
1. There is always a folder in Windows installation folder that consists system files that can restore your system to the state of your first install, provided that the crash isn’t hardware failure related. (e.g. C:\windows\repair) The folder with your system files prior to the crash is located at c:\windows\system32\config. Copying files (after backing up the original files) to the above location will restore your system to first boot state.
2. Enabling wildcards to ease copy and deletion process, which can be useful when you’re working in recovery console mode. The command is AllowWildCards = TRUE , to be typed at the command prompt. Another command AllowAllPaths = TRUE is also useful as it allows you to access all files and folders on the system.
3. Once you’re back into your first install state, you can then set explorer to display hidden and system files and folders, disable simple file sharing from the folder options in Windows explorer. This will enable you to see a folder call “System Volume Information Folder” which consist system files backup at various time from c:\windows\system32\config . You may need to give yourself rights to the folder in order to access its contents.
Restoring the system files from point 3 will be a closer match to your last system state prior to the crash.