lsass.exe or Isass.exe -system error

[allodds1]

My Windows XP PC will not boot up to the desk top screen. At start up I receive this message:
"Isass.exe or Lsass.exe - System Error. The specified image file did not have the correct format, it did not have an initial MZ."

Note: I can not determine if the word is Isass.exe or Lsass.exe.

The PC stops at this message. When you click "OK" or close the message, the PC re-boots. This cycle happens repeatedly. I can not reach the desktop to re-install the operating system.

Anyone has a resolution for this? Thank you!

 

[bcastner]

A true Microsoft .EXE file will have an MZ stamp left by the compiler.

Obviously your version of LSASS.EXE is either corrupt or infected.

Do a repair reinstallation of XP:

First, use Recover Console and delete the file \Windows\System32\Undo_guimode.txt

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312369/EN-US/

Second, do the Repair:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341

Tutorial:

http://www.informationweek.com/LP/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

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Users Helping Users

 

[linney]

A very ancient article but with some adaption it may offer some ideas?

Stop: 0xC000012F - Image File Did Not Have the Correct Format.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/173518/en-us

 

[bcastner]

For the trivia fans:

DOS executable: These can only be identified by the ASCII string "MZ" or the hexadecimal 4D 5A at the beginning of the file (the "Magic number"). These executables are the least complex in DOS/Windows and can be run from both.

("MZ" are the initials of Mark Zbikowski, one of the developers of MS-DOS).

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Users Helping Users