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BSOD and System file missing/corrupt Question


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#1
flock

flock

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Hello,

I am running Windows XP on a Compaq Presario 2100 laptop, which is about 2 years old. This is a problem I have had for some time (about 4-5 months); I first started having the problem after my computer was running very hot for a while (a fan broke). This problem started to appear soon after. What happens is, I will get struck by a Blue Screen of Death (I believe the error has to do with Kernel/Page, sorry I know this is important but usually it restarts and I am not around), which nearly always automatically restarts into an error which prevents Windows from loading...the error is "Windows\System32\Config\System Corrupt or Missing" (recently one time it was a ntfs.sys file missing). I usually fix it either by the recovery or, more often, format method. At first it would take a couple of BSODS to bring that error, but now it happens after one BSOD and restart. After I format the install will last from anywhere between a week or two, or a day or two, before the BSOD strikes, restarts, and the aforementioned error appears (and I then format again). I know I should have taken care of this long ago, but got busy with school, etc. So, I am thinking it might be hardware related? Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Thanks,

F.
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#2
anzenketh

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Your registry needs to be restored to do this.
Please follow the instructions Here

You need to replace that fan because it can interfere with proper operation of the system.
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#3
flock

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Hello,

Thanks for the reply. I did replace the fan, I meant it started happening after that period of potential damage occurred.

One quick question: my registry needs to be restored to do what? Wouldn't formatting all those times have restored it?

Also, I do not know if this helps, but I am attaching a DiskCheckup hard drive export file (it would not let me upload it, but I should add it said OK for status for all, though the first read error line had a threshold of 34). Also, I looked for the minidump folder and did not have one, could that be because I have not had any BSODs since reformatting?

Thanks,

F.

EDIT: After re-viewing the link, I can see that this is the process I have used before to recover from the system missing/corrupt error without having to format, however I always got the same BSOD and restart and error within a week or day or so, i.e. it did not fix the problem. Also, re:heat I should add that even after replacing the fan it seems to be a bit warm; the DiskCheckup listed 105 F for the hard drive ...is that high, or could it be the source of these problems?

Edited by flock, 20 May 2007 - 11:09 PM.

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#4
anzenketh

anzenketh

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get your computer up and running by using those instructions I posted. After doing that download HDtune in my signature and run it not a quick scan.
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#5
flock

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Hello,

Here is the HDtune scan info:

HD Tune: ST94011A Error Scan

Scanned data : 38139 MB
Damaged Blocks : 4.8 %
Elapsed Time : 41:56


Temp. ranged from 37C at rest to 46C at most active.

Thanks,

F.
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#6
anzenketh

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You hard drive is corrupted/May be bad.

Go to start > run > cmd press enter

Type in chkdsk /r
Restart your computer

Rerun the test see if the damaged blocks disappear.
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#7
flock

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Hello,

I did what you said, and when I restarted I got the following error which prevented Windows from loading:

<Windows root>/System32/ntoskrnl.exe missing or corrupt

I had to re-format to get Windows back up (I used the Compaq QuickRestore System Recovery/Restore Factory Setting CDs as usual).

When I got it back up, I ran the HDTune scan again; here is the info from the new scan:

HD Tune: ST94011A Error Scan

Scanned data : 38139 MB
Damaged Blocks : 4.8 %
Elapsed Time : 40:05


Thanks,

F.
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#8
anzenketh

anzenketh

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You have a few options here.

Basically you have a failing HDD.

1 you can try to salvage it you can do a low level format

What is the model of your hard drive manufacture.
There are also some programs out there that will repair drives.

2.) You can get a new drive which you may land up doing anyways.
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#9
flock

flock

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Hello,

Thanks for the responses. I think I am going to go with a new hard drive. Luckily these drives are easy to replace on his laptop (just slip out and in). Should I just look for a drive which is listed as compatible with a Compaq Presario 2100?
Also, is the 38C rest temp ok? Just asking as not sure proper range (its summer here btw)?

Also, more info if this helps:

HD Tune: ST94011A Information

Firmware version : 3.04
Serial number : 3KW0JW46
Capacity : 37.3 GB (~40.0 GB)
Buffer size : 2048 KB
Standard : ATA/ATAPI-6
Supported mode : UDMA Mode 5 (Ultra ATA/100)
Current mode : UDMA Mode 5 (Ultra ATA/100)

S.M.A.R.T : yes
48-bit Address : yes
Read Look-Ahead : yes
Write Cache : yes
Host Protected Area : yes
Device Configuration Overlay : yes
Automatic Acoustic Management: no
Power Management : yes
Advanced Power Management : yes
Power-up in Standby : no
Security Mode : yes
Firmware Upgradable : yes

Partition : 1
Drive letter : C:\
Label :
Capacity : 38146 MB
Usage : 12.79%
Type : NTFS
Bootable : Yes



Thanks again,

F.


EDIT: Would a hard drive something like this be an acceptable choice for a replacement:

http://tinyurl.com/yp6tod

Thanks.

EDIT 2 (Sorry): HDTune lists the drive as ST94011A, so it looks to be a Seagate Momentus ST94011A 40GB Hard Drive (Seagate-ST94011A)

Also, do you recommend any particular HD maker? Thanks.

Edited by flock, 21 May 2007 - 11:05 PM.

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#10
anzenketh

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Yes 38c is ok temperature.

Any Portable Hard drive will work. They are all the same size.

As for a Particular hdd manufacture I usually just get the least expensive one. Keep your receipts though because they come with a long warranty. Last time I bought one it came with a 3 year warranty.
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