Last Known Good menu corrupt/missing

[animal74]

When I boot the machine, I get this error:

Windos NT could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMHardware Profile/Last known Good menu

I get the same error when booting into VGA mode and when I press the spacebar to get the menu.

I've had two machines do this to me in the last week and a half and I have ERDs for other similar machines but not these two. Can I try these other ERDs? I'm unable to use the Setup disk without the right PIN. Any suggestions for solutions and/or preventative measures?

Thanks,
Danny

 

[mattjurado]

You should find these helpful...

Never use an ERD from another computer during the repair process. The repair disk contains machine-specific information about the computer it was created on, and thus should only be used for repairs performed on that computer.

http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Content/226/07/2.html

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBD/tip1500/rh1559.htm

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[mattjurado]

You might have to try and use the windows cd to repair, but if service pack level is different than that of the os, you'll find other issues to cope with after you are done. Honestly I wouldn't spend more than an hour or two on it, then I would slave the drive off another pc to copy any data, and then format/reinstall. Then again, not sure if you can do that... "I'm unable to use the Setup disk without the right PIN"

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[animal74]

Thanks for the reply, Matt.

Those links are useful. I was just thinking about slaving the HD to grab the data. It looks like reinstalling is the best option. Thanks again for your help.

Danny