following file is missing or corrupt: system32\drivers\ntfs.sys 1

[nuedge]

I'm getting a problem which I belive is related to the Physical RAM in my PC.

I have a Compaq EP K450 with originally 64mb RAM (1 x SDRAM PC100 64MB). I want to put XP on it so I have bought some new memory (both crucial.com and kingston say that 256mb pc100 sdram will work in it). So I bought 2 x 256mb SDRAM PC100 sticks.

When I put the 2 new sticks in I got the beeps. When I put the 64mb stick in the first slot and the two 256mb sticks in slots 2 and 3 It boots up. Heres me thinking fine OK Ill use 578MB.

When I boot past the usual your memory is now 578mb is this right message and XP tries to load I get the following error:

The following file is missing or corrupt:
system32\drivers\ntfs.sys.

If I turn the PC off and install just the 64mb stick, XP loads fine with no problems!

Any ideas? I guess the memory isnt the right type for this machine but why do crucial and kingston say it will work? does anybody know what 256mb memory works in this model?

Thanks.

 

[wolluf]

Have you tried the 256 sticks without the 64? And if that's no good, try each on its own. If slots are good for 256 sticks, it should defintely work with just one stick (if memory good). Combinations of memory can often cause problems where each individual stick works (btw 512 is as good as 576 for all practical purposes).

 

[nuedge]

ive tried all combinations and the only ones that work are:

- all of them but the 64mb HAS to be in slot 1
- the 64mb in by itself.

 

[ReddLefty]

Compaq's use a slightly different kind of memory that usually can't be combined (ECC - Non-ECC - With Parity - No Parity). When you bought your memory from Kingston, did you give a Compaq reference number or did you just plainly buy "Japanese Standard" memory?



"In space, nobody can hear you click..."

 

[wolluf]

- all of them but the 64mb HAS to be in slot 1

so you're ok then?

 

[baddy]

He said when all 3 are in, he gets the ntfs.sys error.

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
Not to pick a nit, but he said:

ive tried all combinations and the only ones that work are:

- all of them but the 64mb HAS to be in slot 1
- the 64mb in by itself.


To me, this means that it works if all 3 are in as long as the 64mb is in slot 1..

 

[nuedge]

If I leave the 64 in by itself - in any slot the pc gets passed the bios and loads xp fine.

If I put all three in with the 64mb in slot 1 it passes the bios fine but i get the error above when xp tries to load.

If I put the two 256's in by themselves or put all three in keeping the 64mb out of slot 1 i get some beeps and the pc wont boot up. it wont even get to the bios.

Reddlefty:

I wasnt sure what memory to get so i went to crucials website and typed in the relevant compaq model. it advised that 256mb sdram pc100 would work. i bought this but not from crucial (an unknown make - unknown because it doesnt say on the packet). maybe crucials version of the 256mb sdram pc100 works but not others?

 

[wolluf]

Suspect you do need Compaq specific memory.