isapnp.sys file missing or corrupt

[samtaf]

I got a "Windows couldn't start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\drivers\isapnp.sys.

I went to Microsoft's site and tried to follow the steps in renaming the isapnp.sys file in Windows XP. When I issued the following command: ren c:\windows\system32\drivers\isapnp.sys isapnp.old, I got "access denied" error. I don't have an administrator password set up, so I don't know why I kept getting the error.

I also tried to boot from the Win XP CD, and tried to repair by selecting the "R" option and that doesn't seem to work either. Can you guys help please as I don't want to reinstall the OS...I don't have anything backed up.

 

[itsp1965]

When you ran the Recovery Console.. were you asked to logon with an administrator password.. did you successfully logon as administrator prior to trying to rename the file?
If you run setup, and come to the point where you are installing XP it will find an existing installation and ask you to repair it or install again (I am assuming this is what you did).
If none of the above worked for you.. try installing Windows XP to a different directory. With this second copy of XP you should be able to recover your data.
Hope this helps.