how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

  • Thread starter Thread starter courtney nhc
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courtney nhc

Guest
Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
instructions in this knowledgebase article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
file when you can't start Windows.

Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!

Thanks!
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start


"courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:69146144-5CE0-4C05-8553-BFB4D1ECC3FB@microsoft.com...
> Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
> instructions in this knowledgebase article:
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
>
> I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
> I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
> don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
> won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
> strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
> starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
> file when you can't start Windows.
>
> Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
>
> Thanks!

If you want Guided Help then you need to run it on a different machine, one
that still runs Windows.

If you are prepared to perform the process manually then you need to boot
into the Recovery Console, as described in this KB article.
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

courtney nhc wrote:
> Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
> instructions in this knowledgebase article:
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
>
> I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
> I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
> don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
> won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
> strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
> starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
> file when you can't start Windows.
>
> Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
>
> Thanks!

I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
don't know.

In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
E:\regcopy1.txt).

Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
reinstall your applications.

PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."

Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.

Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.


--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.

I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!

"Lem" wrote:

> courtney nhc wrote:
> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
> >
> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
> > file when you can't start Windows.
> >
> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
> >
> > Thanks!
>
> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
> don't know.
>
> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
> E:\regcopy1.txt).
>
> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
> reinstall your applications.
>
> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
>
> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
>
> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
>
>
> --
> Lem -- MS-MVP
>
> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
>
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

you may simply try the
method of "repairing the o.s."
utilizing a windows setup cd.

a "repair" will replace
any missing or corrupted
system files with genuine
ones from the cd:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx



--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:13912CB4-711C-4737-87B2-1AD5A499942C@microsoft.com...
> Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
> one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.
>
> I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!
>
> "Lem" wrote:
>
>> courtney nhc wrote:
>> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
>> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
>> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
>> >
>> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
>> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
>> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
>> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
>> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
>> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
>> > file when you can't start Windows.
>> >
>> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>>
>> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
>> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
>> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
>> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
>> don't know.
>>
>> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
>> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
>> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
>> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
>> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
>> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
>> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
>> E:\regcopy1.txt).
>>
>> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
>> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
>> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
>> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
>> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
>> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
>> reinstall your applications.
>>
>> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
>> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
>>
>> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
>> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
>> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
>> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
>> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
>> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
>> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
>> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
>>
>> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
>> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
>> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Lem -- MS-MVP
>>
>> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
>> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
>>
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

ok, well the KB article didn't work because some of the files can't be found
in the repair steps.

I tried the repair installation that you suggested, but I can't complete
step 5 in the instructions you linked to, because that's not an option. I
press R, and nothing happens. After step 4, it says to make sure the current
installation of XP is selected in the box and then press R, but there is no
such box. After I press F8 to accept the license agreement (step 4), it goes
to a screen where I select where to install Windows and my only option is
just to completely reinstall. I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Are these instructions out of date?

"db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:

> you may simply try the
> method of "repairing the o.s."
> utilizing a windows setup cd.
>
> a "repair" will replace
> any missing or corrupted
> system files with genuine
> ones from the cd:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx
>
>
>
> --
>
> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
> - Systems Analyst
> - Database Developer
> - Accountancy
> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>
> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:13912CB4-711C-4737-87B2-1AD5A499942C@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
> > one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.
> >
> > I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!
> >
> > "Lem" wrote:
> >
> >> courtney nhc wrote:
> >> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
> >> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
> >> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
> >> >
> >> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
> >> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
> >> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
> >> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
> >> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
> >> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
> >> > file when you can't start Windows.
> >> >
> >> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
> >> >
> >> > Thanks!
> >>
> >> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
> >> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
> >> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
> >> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
> >> don't know.
> >>
> >> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
> >> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
> >> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
> >> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
> >> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
> >> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
> >> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
> >> E:\regcopy1.txt).
> >>
> >> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
> >> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
> >> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
> >> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
> >> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
> >> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
> >> reinstall your applications.
> >>
> >> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
> >> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
> >>
> >> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
> >> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
> >> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
> >> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
> >> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
> >> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
> >> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
> >> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
> >>
> >> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
> >> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
> >> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Lem -- MS-MVP
> >>

> >> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
> >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
> >> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
> >>
>
>
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

i (we) do empathize with you as
loosing data is not the ideal
situation, especially if there
aren't any backups.

but there are ways to work
around such a fiasco, like
buying a new cheap harddrive
and install it as a slave and
a new o.s. on it.

then the new drive can be used
to perform tasks on the corrupted
disk.

but the above is only a thought
and alternative.


in regards to the instructions for
repair the o.s., they are accurate
and pretty straight forward
because the method is user
friendly and automated after
you make a few selections
to guide the process.

but there is a caveat which is
if the pc has been upgraded
to sp3, then an sp2 installation
cd will no longer work, except for
the repair/recovery console.

what would be a reasonable next step
is to re boot with that cd and access the
repair/recovery console option.

refer to the kb instructions
below and exercise option 2:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

if you are successful at getting
to the disk prompt via the console,
then let us know so that we can get
you to run some commands and
ascertain more info for us.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:2206C4D9-7471-4719-9424-7C0E23C2F1DB@microsoft.com...
> ok, well the KB article didn't work because some of the files can't be found
> in the repair steps.
>
> I tried the repair installation that you suggested, but I can't complete
> step 5 in the instructions you linked to, because that's not an option. I
> press R, and nothing happens. After step 4, it says to make sure the current
> installation of XP is selected in the box and then press R, but there is no
> such box. After I press F8 to accept the license agreement (step 4), it goes
> to a screen where I select where to install Windows and my only option is
> just to completely reinstall. I'd like to avoid that if possible.
>
> Are these instructions out of date?
>
> "db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:
>
>> you may simply try the
>> method of "repairing the o.s."
>> utilizing a windows setup cd.
>>
>> a "repair" will replace
>> any missing or corrupted
>> system files with genuine
>> ones from the cd:
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
>> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
>> - Systems Analyst
>> - Database Developer
>> - Accountancy
>> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>>
>> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:13912CB4-711C-4737-87B2-1AD5A499942C@microsoft.com...
>> > Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
>> > one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.
>> >
>> > I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!
>> >
>> > "Lem" wrote:
>> >
>> >> courtney nhc wrote:
>> >> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
>> >> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
>> >> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
>> >> >
>> >> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
>> >> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
>> >> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
>> >> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
>> >> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
>> >> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
>> >> > file when you can't start Windows.
>> >> >
>> >> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks!
>> >>
>> >> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
>> >> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
>> >> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
>> >> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
>> >> don't know.
>> >>
>> >> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
>> >> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
>> >> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
>> >> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
>> >> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
>> >> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
>> >> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
>> >> E:\regcopy1.txt).
>> >>
>> >> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
>> >> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
>> >> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
>> >> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
>> >> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
>> >> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
>> >> reinstall your applications.
>> >>
>> >> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
>> >> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
>> >>
>> >> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
>> >> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
>> >> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
>> >> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
>> >> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
>> >> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
>> >> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
>> >> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
>> >>
>> >> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
>> >> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
>> >> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Lem -- MS-MVP
>> >>
>
>> >> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
>> >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
>> >> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
>> >>
>>
>>
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

Ok, thanks for the help!

I am able to get to the Recovery Console. What should I do next?

"db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:

> i (we) do empathize with you as
> loosing data is not the ideal
> situation, especially if there
> aren't any backups.
>
> but there are ways to work
> around such a fiasco, like
> buying a new cheap harddrive
> and install it as a slave and
> a new o.s. on it.
>
> then the new drive can be used
> to perform tasks on the corrupted
> disk.
>
> but the above is only a thought
> and alternative.
>
>
> in regards to the instructions for
> repair the o.s., they are accurate
> and pretty straight forward
> because the method is user
> friendly and automated after
> you make a few selections
> to guide the process.
>
> but there is a caveat which is
> if the pc has been upgraded
> to sp3, then an sp2 installation
> cd will no longer work, except for
> the repair/recovery console.
>
> what would be a reasonable next step
> is to re boot with that cd and access the
> repair/recovery console option.
>
> refer to the kb instructions
> below and exercise option 2:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058
>
> if you are successful at getting
> to the disk prompt via the console,
> then let us know so that we can get
> you to run some commands and
> ascertain more info for us.
>
> --
>
> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
> - Systems Analyst
> - Database Developer
> - Accountancy
> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>
> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:2206C4D9-7471-4719-9424-7C0E23C2F1DB@microsoft.com...
> > ok, well the KB article didn't work because some of the files can't be found
> > in the repair steps.
> >
> > I tried the repair installation that you suggested, but I can't complete
> > step 5 in the instructions you linked to, because that's not an option. I
> > press R, and nothing happens. After step 4, it says to make sure the current
> > installation of XP is selected in the box and then press R, but there is no
> > such box. After I press F8 to accept the license agreement (step 4), it goes
> > to a screen where I select where to install Windows and my only option is
> > just to completely reinstall. I'd like to avoid that if possible.
> >
> > Are these instructions out of date?
> >
> > "db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:
> >
> >> you may simply try the
> >> method of "repairing the o.s."
> >> utilizing a windows setup cd.
> >>
> >> a "repair" will replace
> >> any missing or corrupted
> >> system files with genuine
> >> ones from the cd:
> >>
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
> >> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
> >> - Systems Analyst
> >> - Database Developer
> >> - Accountancy
> >> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
> >>
> >> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:13912CB4-711C-4737-87B2-1AD5A499942C@microsoft.com...
> >> > Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
> >> > one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.
> >> >
> >> > I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!
> >> >
> >> > "Lem" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> courtney nhc wrote:
> >> >> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
> >> >> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
> >> >> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
> >> >> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
> >> >> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
> >> >> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
> >> >> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
> >> >> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
> >> >> > file when you can't start Windows.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Thanks!
> >> >>

> >> >> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
> >> >> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
> >> >> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
> >> >> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
> >> >> don't know.
> >> >>
> >> >> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
> >> >> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
> >> >> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
> >> >> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
> >> >> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
> >> >> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
> >> >> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
> >> >> E:\regcopy1.txt).
> >> >>
> >> >> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
> >> >> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
> >> >> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
> >> >> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
> >> >> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
> >> >> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
> >> >> reinstall your applications.
> >> >>
> >> >> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
> >> >> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
> >> >>
> >> >> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
> >> >> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
> >> >> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
> >> >> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
> >> >> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
> >> >> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
> >> >> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
> >> >> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
> >> >>
> >> >> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
> >> >> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
> >> >> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Lem -- MS-MVP
> >> >>
> >
> >> >> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
> >> >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
> >> >> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

ok,

firstly, we want to know
how much free space
you have on the disk.

there are a couple of
ways to do this.

so lets get to the root
directory by typing cd..
and pressing enter.

you may have to do the
above a second time until
you get to the c:\>

then type and enter the
command dir

you will get the number
of bytes you have available
on the disk.

----------


--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:43BE440D-D2F6-4FE1-BED7-051753FE36ED@microsoft.com...
> Ok, thanks for the help!
>
> I am able to get to the Recovery Console. What should I do next?
>
> "db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:
>
>> i (we) do empathize with you as
>> loosing data is not the ideal
>> situation, especially if there
>> aren't any backups.
>>
>> but there are ways to work
>> around such a fiasco, like
>> buying a new cheap harddrive
>> and install it as a slave and
>> a new o.s. on it.
>>
>> then the new drive can be used
>> to perform tasks on the corrupted
>> disk.
>>
>> but the above is only a thought
>> and alternative.
>>
>>
>> in regards to the instructions for
>> repair the o.s., they are accurate
>> and pretty straight forward
>> because the method is user
>> friendly and automated after
>> you make a few selections
>> to guide the process.
>>
>> but there is a caveat which is
>> if the pc has been upgraded
>> to sp3, then an sp2 installation
>> cd will no longer work, except for
>> the repair/recovery console.
>>
>> what would be a reasonable next step
>> is to re boot with that cd and access the
>> repair/recovery console option.
>>
>> refer to the kb instructions
>> below and exercise option 2:
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058
>>
>> if you are successful at getting
>> to the disk prompt via the console,
>> then let us know so that we can get
>> you to run some commands and
>> ascertain more info for us.
>>
>> --
>>
>> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
>> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
>> - Systems Analyst
>> - Database Developer
>> - Accountancy
>> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>>
>> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:2206C4D9-7471-4719-9424-7C0E23C2F1DB@microsoft.com...
>> > ok, well the KB article didn't work because some of the files can't be found
>> > in the repair steps.
>> >
>> > I tried the repair installation that you suggested, but I can't complete
>> > step 5 in the instructions you linked to, because that's not an option. I
>> > press R, and nothing happens. After step 4, it says to make sure the current
>> > installation of XP is selected in the box and then press R, but there is no
>> > such box. After I press F8 to accept the license agreement (step 4), it goes
>> > to a screen where I select where to install Windows and my only option is
>> > just to completely reinstall. I'd like to avoid that if possible.
>> >
>> > Are these instructions out of date?
>> >
>> > "db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:
>> >
>> >> you may simply try the
>> >> method of "repairing the o.s."
>> >> utilizing a windows setup cd.
>> >>
>> >> a "repair" will replace
>> >> any missing or corrupted
>> >> system files with genuine
>> >> ones from the cd:
>> >>
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >>
>> >> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
>> >> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
>> >> - Systems Analyst
>> >> - Database Developer
>> >> - Accountancy
>> >> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>> >>
>> >> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:13912CB4-711C-4737-87B2-1AD5A499942C@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
>> >> > one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.
>> >> >
>> >> > I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!
>> >> >
>> >> > "Lem" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> courtney nhc wrote:
>> >> >> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
>> >> >> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
>> >> >> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
>> >> >> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
>> >> >> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
>> >> >> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
>> >> >> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
>> >> >> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
>> >> >> > file when you can't start Windows.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Thanks!
>> >> >>
>
>> >> >> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
>> >> >> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
>> >> >> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
>> >> >> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
>> >> >> don't know.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
>> >> >> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
>> >> >> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
>> >> >> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
>> >> >> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
>> >> >> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
>> >> >> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
>> >> >> E:\regcopy1.txt).
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
>> >> >> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
>> >> >> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
>> >> >> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
>> >> >> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
>> >> >> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
>> >> >> reinstall your applications.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
>> >> >> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
>> >> >> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
>> >> >> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
>> >> >> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
>> >> >> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
>> >> >> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
>> >> >> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
>> >> >> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
>> >> >> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
>> >> >> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Lem -- MS-MVP
>> >> >>
>> >
>> >> >> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
>> >> >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
>> >> >> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
 
Re: how to run an executable file when Windows won't start

next lets see what sp version
you have on the disk.

so at the command prompt
type and enter:

cd c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386

at the directory prompt above
run the command:

dir *.cab

the above will produce a concise
listing of cabinet files and you should
see a file beginning with sp

is it sp2 or sp3?

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:43BE440D-D2F6-4FE1-BED7-051753FE36ED@microsoft.com...
> Ok, thanks for the help!
>
> I am able to get to the Recovery Console. What should I do next?
>
> "db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:
>
>> i (we) do empathize with you as
>> loosing data is not the ideal
>> situation, especially if there
>> aren't any backups.
>>
>> but there are ways to work
>> around such a fiasco, like
>> buying a new cheap harddrive
>> and install it as a slave and
>> a new o.s. on it.
>>
>> then the new drive can be used
>> to perform tasks on the corrupted
>> disk.
>>
>> but the above is only a thought
>> and alternative.
>>
>>
>> in regards to the instructions for
>> repair the o.s., they are accurate
>> and pretty straight forward
>> because the method is user
>> friendly and automated after
>> you make a few selections
>> to guide the process.
>>
>> but there is a caveat which is
>> if the pc has been upgraded
>> to sp3, then an sp2 installation
>> cd will no longer work, except for
>> the repair/recovery console.
>>
>> what would be a reasonable next step
>> is to re boot with that cd and access the
>> repair/recovery console option.
>>
>> refer to the kb instructions
>> below and exercise option 2:
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058
>>
>> if you are successful at getting
>> to the disk prompt via the console,
>> then let us know so that we can get
>> you to run some commands and
>> ascertain more info for us.
>>
>> --
>>
>> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
>> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
>> - Systems Analyst
>> - Database Developer
>> - Accountancy
>> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>>
>> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:2206C4D9-7471-4719-9424-7C0E23C2F1DB@microsoft.com...
>> > ok, well the KB article didn't work because some of the files can't be found
>> > in the repair steps.
>> >
>> > I tried the repair installation that you suggested, but I can't complete
>> > step 5 in the instructions you linked to, because that's not an option. I
>> > press R, and nothing happens. After step 4, it says to make sure the current
>> > installation of XP is selected in the box and then press R, but there is no
>> > such box. After I press F8 to accept the license agreement (step 4), it goes
>> > to a screen where I select where to install Windows and my only option is
>> > just to completely reinstall. I'd like to avoid that if possible.
>> >
>> > Are these instructions out of date?
>> >
>> > "db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." wrote:
>> >
>> >> you may simply try the
>> >> method of "repairing the o.s."
>> >> utilizing a windows setup cd.
>> >>
>> >> a "repair" will replace
>> >> any missing or corrupted
>> >> system files with genuine
>> >> ones from the cd:
>> >>
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >>
>> >> db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
>> >> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
>> >> - Systems Analyst
>> >> - Database Developer
>> >> - Accountancy
>> >> - Veteran of the Armed Forces
>> >>
>> >> "courtney nhc" <courtneynhc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:13912CB4-711C-4737-87B2-1AD5A499942C@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Thanks for the info! The file that can't be copied is SAM, which is also the
>> >> > one that can't be loaded and is causing Windows to not start.
>> >> >
>> >> > I'll try again tomorrow and report the results. Thanks again!
>> >> >
>> >> > "Lem" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> courtney nhc wrote:
>> >> >> > Hello there. I have a corrupt registry and am trying to follow the
>> >> >> > instructions in this knowledgebase article:
>> >> >> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I would prefer to run the Guided Help (now partly because one of the files
>> >> >> > I'm supposed to repair in the manual instructions cannot be copied and I
>> >> >> > don't know what to do), but I don't know how to run a program when Windows
>> >> >> > won't start, and there are no instructions in the KB article. Which is
>> >> >> > strange, because it's right there in the title: "...prevents Windows from
>> >> >> > starting" so they should probably have instructions for how to run an exe
>> >> >> > file when you can't start Windows.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Anyway, if someone could help me, that would be great!
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Thanks!
>> >> >>
>
>> >> >> I've never run any of the "Guided Help" options in MS KB articles, but I
>> >> >> agree that it seems unlikely that Guided Help would be of any use in a
>> >> >> situation where Windows doesn't start. Or maybe this Guided Help just
>> >> >> helps you make the 2 batch files on a different (working) computer. I
>> >> >> don't know.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> In any case, the manual procedure isn't hard, just a bit tedious unless
>> >> >> you follow the suggestion to make batch files. If you do this by
>> >> >> cut-n-paste, which is the recommended procedure, you also avoid the
>> >> >> chance of mistyping a command. The step that the directions omit is
>> >> >> that you'll either have to copy regcopy1.txt from whatever external
>> >> >> drive you saved it on to the C:\ drive of the problem computer or change
>> >> >> the command to reference the drive on which the file exists (e.g., batch
>> >> >> E:\regcopy1.txt).
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Finally, note that this procedure depends (in Part 2) on System Restore
>> >> >> having been active before the problem occurred. If you had turned off
>> >> >> System Restore (it's on by default), you will only have the registry as
>> >> >> it existed when Windows was first installed (before all of the
>> >> >> application programs were installed). In this case, your best option
>> >> >> would be to save all of your data, then reinstall Windows, and then
>> >> >> reinstall your applications.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND READ THEM CAREFULLY ALL THE WAY THROUGH
>> >> >> BEFORE YOU START. Note the "Warnings" and "Notes."
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Which file is giving you problems when you try to copy it? Note that
>> >> >> the first step, where you copy the files in c:\windows\system32\config\,
>> >> >> is merely creating a backup set of the *current* registry files so
>> >> >> that you can undo the whole thing if, for some reason, that's what you
>> >> >> want to do (see the second paragraph in the Guided Help section). Of
>> >> >> course, you're probably only going through this exercise because one or
>> >> >> more of the current registry files has become corrupt -- and in my
>> >> >> experience, such corruption often prevents you from copying the file.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Thus, if you have a problem copying one of the current registry files,
>> >> >> don't worry. If, on the other hand, you can't copy one or more of the
>> >> >> files in c:\windows\repair\, you'll probably have to reinstall Windows.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Lem -- MS-MVP
>> >> >>
>> >
>> >> >> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
>> >> >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
>> >> >> http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
 

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