Trying to Reformat

Will · 02-10-2005

I'm trying to reformat my pc. When I reboot and push F10 to go to System Restore it gives me the following error:

STOP: c0000218 {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 writable.

I'm on a Compaq PC with Windows XP if that's of any use. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hengis · 02-10-2005

Hi and welcome.

See here for the answer: http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=830084

Come back to us if you need help working through the problem further.

CJT · 10-21-2005

Hi, I seem to have the same problem as Will (when trying to reformat, the \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SECURITY errror appears)
After reading the page linked, i am as lost as before. As I am trying to reformat, I know that my hard drive is compatible with XP-Home. The second solution tells me to use my Windows XP CD-ROM to access the recovery console, however, my Compaq Presario 6000 didn't come with one....

There is a second hard drive in my PC, which calls itself "Presario_RP" It contains the Compaq Recovery Partition.....would it have anything to do with this? :undecided

double_a_ron · 10-26-2005

@ Will: Do you have your own copy of XP on CD that would be really helpful.

@CJT: I recommend going into your BIOS on system start-up ( keep hitting the DELETE or F2 key usually if neither work there should be a prompt at system start up saying press [WHATEVER] key to enter setup) you will have to find the options for first boot device, second boot device etc. set the second hard drive you mentioned as your primary boot device.

NOTE: this may not work if in fact this is a single hard drive with 2 partitions. If this is the case I'm not sure what to do.

ALSO NOTE: I am assuming you already know how to reformat and run a recovery disk.

CJT · 11-12-2005

Ah...

Yup, I think its just another partition...

02-10-2005	#1
Will Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1	Trying to Reformat I'm trying to reformat my pc. When I reboot and push F10 to go to System Restore it gives me the following error: STOP: c0000218 {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 writable. I'm on a Compaq PC with Windows XP if that's of any use. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

02-10-2005	#2
Hengis PCHF Founder & Owner Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The PCHF Bunker Posts: 15,747 PC Experience: Microsoft Certified Professional	Re: Trying to Reformat Hi and welcome. See here for the answer: http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=830084 Come back to us if you need help working through the problem further. __________________ Handy Links: Pre-Work \| System File Checker \| Promote PCHF! \| Post your BSOD \| Post a screenshot \| Network info Tool

10-21-2005	#3
CJT New Poster Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2	I've got the same problem Hi, I seem to have the same problem as Will (when trying to reformat, the \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SECURITY errror appears) After reading the page linked, i am as lost as before. As I am trying to reformat, I know that my hard drive is compatible with XP-Home. The second solution tells me to use my Windows XP CD-ROM to access the recovery console, however, my Compaq Presario 6000 didn't come with one.... There is a second hard drive in my PC, which calls itself "Presario_RP" It contains the Compaq Recovery Partition.....would it have anything to do with this? :undecided

10-26-2005	#4
double_a_ron Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 896 PC Experience: Very Experienced	@ Will: Do you have your own copy of XP on CD that would be really helpful. @CJT: I recommend going into your BIOS on system start-up ( keep hitting the DELETE or F2 key usually if neither work there should be a prompt at system start up saying press [WHATEVER] key to enter setup) you will have to find the options for first boot device, second boot device etc. set the second hard drive you mentioned as your primary boot device. NOTE: this may not work if in fact this is a single hard drive with 2 partitions. If this is the case I'm not sure what to do. ALSO NOTE: I am assuming you already know how to reformat and run a recovery disk. __________________ //Prework\\\///PCHF RULES\\\///Did we help? Please Donate\\\ CompTIA A+ Certified, MCDST Did we help? Please hit that Thanks button.

11-12-2005	#5
CJT New Poster Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2	Ah... Ah... Yup, I think its just another partition...

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