i am getting this error message when trying to start my computer.i have recently installed sp3,but computer was working fine.there isn't any new software installed.i have the origional xp disk,but i don't think it's a bootable cd.i have tried to copy the file through the repair screen,but it says itcan't find the file. can anyone help with this problem? do i need to reinstall windows?

Hi Canibal,

Welcome to PCHF. We have a wonderful team of techs here, and I know we will be able to help you resolve this.

First of all, I don't think you quite need to reinstall windows just yet, . As this is a system file, it may have become corrupted, let's try the old SFC.exe trick.

Please go to Start, Run, and type sfc /scannow
You must type this exactly as shown with a space between sfc and the /.
Then hit OK.
SFC the System File Checker, will then scan your PC for missing or damged system files, and replace them.

Once you have given that a try, let's see where you are at. Looking foreward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

Because the system has been patched and updated copying the pci.sys file from the cd either by using sfc /purgecache followed by sfc /scannow could lead to more problems ie mismatched system files.

Is the system actually getting to windows? I am guessing it is not booting so you could try copying the file from the cd in recovery console but if you have tried that and you say it cannot find the file??? below is the copy command (but as I said this could create a system file mismatch)

expand drive:\i386\pci.sy_ c:\winnt\system32\drivers /y (exchange drive for letter of cd rom)

If no good then a repair install would be your first port of call. This will simply delete your windows directory leaving your file system intact

Ladygreenwitch I see you are tech I hope you do not mind me posting

Not at all ZB,

Your advice is sound. Canibal, can you please tell us if you are getting to windows, or not, ZB is correct, if you are not getting into Windows.

When you say the "original XP cd" are you referring to the Restore Disk that came with the computer, or to an actual XP full version? If you are unsure, can you please post what is on the labe of the CD?

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW