\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced file is missing or corrupt

[salparadise99]

When starting my computer, I am getting the following error message:

"Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced startup options for Windows 2000, press F8. You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows 2000 Setup using the original Setup floppy disk or CD-Rom. Select ‘r’ at the first screen to start repair."

However, I don't have the original Setup floppy or CD-Rom. Does anyone know any other free (not fee based) solutions?...maybe there is somewhere I could get the floppy/CD I need without paying for it? Is there somewhere at Microsoft's web site where I could download what I need?

Lastly, the machins was acting wierd in general yesterday before the above message finally appeared after several reboots. In fact, the machine was getting hung up often at a particular blue screen (I didn't write down the error message...I know I am a dummy.) It also was rebotting itelf repeatedly, even after I mannually did a hard shutoff by holding down the power for five seconds. However, now I am getting the error message I listed first, so I don't know if the blue screen is related or if it is its own problem.

Help!

 

[bcastner]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...01-2c68-4de8-9229-ca494362419c&displaylang=en

 

[salparadise99]

BCastner,

Thank you very much for the link. The other machine that I have only has a cd-rom (no floppy drive), but may be a burner. Is it possible to burn the program on to one CD? (The link you provided mentioned it takes six floppies to get the whole program). Alternatively, I may be able to use a friend's machine.

Also, if I get it onto a floppy or CD, will the corrupt machine automatically recognize and start the untility when the floppy or CD is inserted into the corrupt system?..or do I have to run in Safe Mode and maybe go to "My Computer"? If I need to get into Safe Mode, it may be tough, because I tried to get into Safe Modes when I was getting the blue screen, but the system never allowed me to get there.

Help?

 

[bcastner]

Essentially the tool is the floppy setup/Recovery Console from Windows XP, with some scripting done. As far as I know neither the Win2k or XP floppy-based setup can be consolidated onto a single CD and run, although I suspect if you have burning software that can write a CD in floppy emulation mode you could burn 6 CDs. (I have never tried this). Nero, for one, offers this option.

In the alternative, you could do a repair reinstall of Win2k, but this would require a Win2k CD.