[PamelaGonzalez]

STOP: C0000218 {Registry File Failure}
The registry cannot load the hive (file):
\systemroot\system32\config\software
or its log or alternate.
It is corrupt, absent, or not writable.

Beginning dump of physical memory
Physical memory dump complete.
Contact your system administrator or technical support group for further assistance.

I tried safe mode, didn't work, last known good configuration, didn't work, and regular boot, also didn't work. Each one BSOD's before I can even get to the login page.

So, i can't edit the registry or anything like that and have absolutely ZERO access to the computer itself except the BIOS and any bootable device. Basically XP is unaccessable again.

I shut down my laptop last night as usual when I went to use it this evening it shows a blue screen and this error message. What do I need to do now? Please help!

 

[chauffeur2]

Greetings PamelaGonzalez :welcome: to TSF,

To rectify this issue is fairly involved, Microsoft® knew of these problems with Windows® XP, and produced a workaround that can be viewed here.

The best way to tackle this is to view it on another computer, and print out the workaround.
Once you start with it, it's not so daunting, I have had to do it a number of times in the past, just pay attention to the detail of what is asked.
As a matter of interest, if you are wondering just how this happened, it just does ocassionally, that's Windows® for you! :laugh:
Good Luck with it, and please post back with the results.

Kind Regards,

 

[PamelaGonzalez]

If I am at the right site it is instructing me to insert my windows start up disk. I don't have a startup disk. Can I use another start up disk from another dell or gateway? Where can I get one? I promise when I get this machine working again I will make sure I burn a copy.

 

[chauffeur2]

Merry Christmas PamelaGonzalez,

If the CD is the same as the OS that's in the computer; meaning, you will need a CD with XP Home for a XP Home installation; like wise for XP Media Centre.
Perhaps one of your friends, colleagues, or neighbours has got one that you can borrow.
Let us know what transpires.

Merry Christmas. :snowman: :noel: Snowman: