[Andrew L]

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM\vgaoem.fon

This message pops up after I start up the netbook (I get the dell loading screen, then this. This happens before the windows loading screen)

I have a Dell Mini 10v, which means there is no CD ROM. Microsoft's website says to insert the Windows XP repair CD (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315338), which I have, but again there is no CD ROM on the netbook so I can't actually load it. I do have a USB drive if that would help.

Thanks,

-Andrew

Edited by Andrew L, 06 May 2010 - 11:26 AM.

[Advertisements]

Use the following steps to find and replace the missing file from the command prompt environment.
It will only work if there is a folder named "i386" on the hard drive of your PC.
Start up the PC and immediately keep tapping F8 until you get the "Advanced Startup Options".
Highlight "Command Prompt Only" and press Enter.
Now follow these steps when the command prompt appears:

1.Type the following at the command prompt:
cd X:\i386 (where X is the main drive letter)
2.Press the Enter key.
If the error The system cannot find the path specified displays, type the following paths, in order, until the error does not occur:
◦cd X:\Windows\i386 (where X is the drive letter)
◦cd c:\i386
◦cd c:\Windows\i386
3.Type the following at the command prompt:
expand vgaoem.fo_ X:\windows\system (where X is the drive letter)
4.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt:
cd X:\windows\system (where X is the drive letter)
5.Press the Enter key, and type the following at the command prompt:
attrib vgaoem.fon -r
6.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt: rename vgaoem.fon vgaoem.bak
7.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt: rename vgaoem.fo_ vgaoem.fon
8.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt: exit
9.Press Enter . The computer should restart without the error.

If the error persists you will have to perform a full factory recovery.

[phillipcorcoran]

Use the following steps to find and replace the missing file from the command prompt environment.
It will only work if there is a folder named "i386" on the hard drive of your PC.
Start up the PC and immediately keep tapping F8 until you get the "Advanced Startup Options".
Highlight "Command Prompt Only" and press Enter.
Now follow these steps when the command prompt appears:

1.Type the following at the command prompt:
cd X:\i386 (where X is the main drive letter)
2.Press the Enter key.
If the error The system cannot find the path specified displays, type the following paths, in order, until the error does not occur:
◦cd X:\Windows\i386 (where X is the drive letter)
◦cd c:\i386
◦cd c:\Windows\i386
3.Type the following at the command prompt:
expand vgaoem.fo_ X:\windows\system (where X is the drive letter)
4.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt:
cd X:\windows\system (where X is the drive letter)
5.Press the Enter key, and type the following at the command prompt:
attrib vgaoem.fon -r
6.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt: rename vgaoem.fon vgaoem.bak
7.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt: rename vgaoem.fo_ vgaoem.fon
8.Press Enter and type the following at the command prompt: exit
9.Press Enter . The computer should restart without the error.

If the error persists you will have to perform a full factory recovery.

[Andrew L]

Thank you for the response phillip,

When I hold down F8, there is no option called "command prompt only"

The available options are:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode With Networking
Safe Mode With Command Prompt

Enable Boot lagging
enable vga mode
last known good configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Directory services restore mode (windows domain controllers only)
Debugging mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure

Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS choices Menu

----------------

I tried clicking on "Safe Mode With Command Prompt" but that only brings up the error screen with a bunch of lines above it

-Andrew