[RESOLVED] Cannot load XP(no way)

[gioannou]

Here's the situation..
I wouldn't say I'm a very experienced user but i try to get along!
Anyway
I just got my new PC
AMD Athlon X2 4200+
ABit An8 SLI 32X
2 WD 160GB SataII
I have XP PRO SP2 En - no additional updates - on the first disc
2kSP4 - fully updated - En on the second
The 2000 was installed first-don't ask why that's another story...
While configuring my XP I installed several apps then rebooted several times
After installing about 5-6 new apps(after the last reboot)like Alcohol and DivX drivers on the XP machine, I had to reboot once more(and the last one!!)
During boot before the Xp screen flashes i watched that the bar was filling rather slow...Then came up a message that the nvata.sys might be corrupt or missing.
Booted in safe mode and again watched the sys files loading unusually slowly,and when reaching the nvata.sys i got the same message(corrupt or missing)
Booted in recovery console checked the file was in place(windows\system32\drivers)
Performed chkdsk i got a message that the disc has an unrecoverable...error or damage i don't remember
chkdsk /r and then "the disc looks in good shape" or something like that
sorry if i don't give u the exact information i do my best
I checked it also at the 2k and it had exactly the same size
Booted from 2k and checked the Win\system32\drivers folder from the disc where the XP is installed.Noticed that there were many files missing compared to the 2k
Anyway i copied the files from the 2K folder(what the heck!)but nothing!!!
With a slight difference...Now i get to see the XP loading screen before the system reboots
Booted in safe mode and got the message about the vax347b.sys(i think it's an Alcohol File)that it's missing(of course it's right there in place!!!)
Deleted the file(of course i kept a backup!!)but then again while booting in safe mode the system reboots with no message this time

Tried all the options of booting but still the same

The thing is, if i format and reinstall i won't miss anything(i would have done it already during this time!!)but i wonder if i could find another way around it
Thanx for the time and sorry for the long post

[SuperSparks]

Hi gioannou, welcome to Virtual Dr

I think you need to do an over-the-top re-install of Windows XP here. Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by presssing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards. NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to perform a re-install of WinXP

Repair XP

[gioannou]

Thanx supersparks for the instant reply...
I guess that means that there is no way i'll log onto my initial installation right?
That was something i was hoping to do(for the knowledge-and the fun mostly!!)
Anyway thanx again!!!

[gioannou]

And...by the way
The part about the Blaster/Sasser worms isn't gonna be fixed with windows update?

[Train]

SP2 and the updates will keep it off the computer.

[gioannou]

Well I tried to repair the windows installation but just after copying the files(in the blue screen),when the Xp installation screen flashed i got an error for a file missing and that the CD of the XP was needed.
The file was 'asms' which is actually a folder in the I386 folder inside the windows CD.(Of course it was in place too )
Anyway i couldn't get past that so i formatted the disc with the XP(as if i wouldn't eventually!!)and set it up from the beginning.
Now everything's fine for the time being but i intend to keep both Os's for any case.
Thanx for the help

[SuperSparks]

You're very welcome, I'm glad you got it fixed