On attempting a start up, I end up with a blue background with the following message.

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 get this message every time I attempt a start up. It only started happening after I uninstalled some programmes.

I have a Dell Dimension 3100 with Windows XP and I dont recall getting any restore disks with the system. Any help greatly appreciated.

You have a system restore built in. Try restoring to an earlier date before you uninstalled the programmes.

Start.
Accessories.
System tools.
System restore.

_________________
If you feel you have benefited from the Free advice given on the Forum, Please consider making a donation to UHM's Nominated charity, read all about it and donate here :

donnas-dream-house-charity-t52110.html

Yes but the problem is that I cant get into the computer. I dont get that far before I get the blue page message.

Bernie

The clever guys will be around later.

Have you got the xp disc.

_________________
If you feel you have benefited from the Free advice given on the Forum, Please consider making a donation to UHM's Nominated charity, read all about it and donate here :

donnas-dream-house-charity-t52110.html

Unfortunately I havent. I dont recall getting one sent from Dell when it was initially delivered, I assumed because there is an internal restore system built into the PC.

thanks anyway

I'm sure the guys will have a few ideas when they log on next.

_________________
If you feel you have benefited from the Free advice given on the Forum, Please consider making a donation to UHM's Nominated charity, read all about it and donate here :

donnas-dream-house-charity-t52110.html

you need to boot into safe mode ..press F8 key when your pc starts up ..before it gets to the blue screen
should give you an option then to boot into safe mode ,do that then do a system restore from there

dont worry if you dont catch the F8 key right ,just keep trying until you do

Unlikely to boot in Safe Mode wither.

Unless you can get hold of an XP disk, beg, steal or borrow, you're probably going to have to reinstall Windows.

Any chance?

_________________
http://www.FinchfieldIT.co.uk

Well I have been trying unsuccessfully so far to borrow an XP disc, but I will keep on searching. Thanks for all replies.

Bernie

Option 1) do press F8 but try last known good configuration

If it still doesn't work try option 2.

Option 2) You don't have to reinstall windows, but you'll need the xp CD plus a valid KEY.
All you have to do is:
- set the BIOS to boot from the CD
- wait for the post
- press "any key" to boot from the CD
- select install XP
- the installation will find your existing installation and ask you if you want to reinstall or Rapair
- Select reapair and go through the procedure.

btw you'll find your system going very fast after the restore ;-)

Hope this helps
rs232

Check that Dell has not given you the XP set up on a virtual disk, on a partition of your main disk.

_________________
I should be dead; I've cheated the Grim Reaper yet again by surviving my third heart attack in June.

F8
Safe mode is worth a go, might not work though.

last known good config hardly ever works sadly, neat idea, shame it doesnt work prop.

If safe mode doesnt work and If you have stuff you need to recover, then if you have access to another PC then download one of the live linux cds (ubuntu is the easiest), put it in, reboot, select "try ubuntu without making any changes to your computer" and backup from there, either to a usb stick, dvd recordables or to an external hard disk.
(lot of if's I know)
How old is the machine?

If you didn't get an xp cd you probably have a recovery partition on your hard drive which you should be able to boot into before xp boots. Its normally pressing f10 but is different for different systems. What dell have you got?

The linux livecd is a good idea as a last resort to safe data then install it!!!

I can help you with a copy of xp but just try removing one of the memory mods if you have two in the computer just incase one has gone bad and restart after swaping them over but make sure you turn the power off before taking them out

_________________
Thanks For Yor Time

Time Lord