Re: windows xp new user

quickdraw2408 wrote:

> Hi ther,
> I bought a 2nd hand computer and when I turn it on it comes up with a
> screen that apologises for not being able to start windows and gives
> me options to start (eg. normal, safe mode etc.,)
> When I enter on any of these options it displays a blue screen:
> "STOP C00018 {registry file failure}
> The registry cannot load the hive (file):
> \systemroot\system32\config\SECURITY
> or its log or alternate
> It is corrupt, absent or not writeable
> Beginning dump or physical memory
> Physical memory dump complete.
> Contact your sytstem administator or technical support group for
> further assistance!"
> HELP! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS OR WHAT TO DO!

Best practice when you get a second-hand computer is to immediately
format the hard drive and do a clean install of Windows. You should
have received a CD of the operating system (Windows) or at least a way
to return the machine to factory condition (like a special keypress to
run a Restore program) or Recovery Disks, as well as CD's for any
software that is still installed on the computer. If you didn't, get
those from the seller.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Once you have a clean install (or return to factory condition), you can
see if the problems go away and if not, we can troubleshoot from there.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Ci.dll error - startup repair not working
    ... when it restarted there was a black screen saying that windows could ... keeps going straight to the startup repair screen. ... If I take it to a computer shop, any idea how much they will charge to ... It sounds to me as though you're going to need a clean install (or return to ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup)
  • Re: Reformat C when XP is already installed
    ... > "and doing a clean install would be the way to go.", ... You can do a repair or reinstall.".. ... > know that many try to format from the Command Prompt in Windows XP.. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)
  • Re: Last known good configuration
    ... After you ghost it and either do a clean install or get a new harddrive, ... >>> configuration by safe mode in Windows XP Home Edition to recover ... and you'll load the Recovery Console ... Type the whole command in one line, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain)
  • Re: hupigon trojan virus, windows police, no start menu, no explorer
    ... then do a format & clean install of Windows. ... restart it, I get the message "Windows cannot access the specified device, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Memory above 512 MB
    ... > to eventually go for the clean install anyway. ... Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: ... an upgrade to XP replaces almost ... >> much RAM is another story; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)