Laptop won't boot. Config.sys missing or corrupt

asininity

Fixmbr is only needed if the master boot record is knackered if you're geting a message from windows then it can't be that, basically windows can't find all the files it needs to boot properly with. The Recovery CD should fix that easily.

indierocker85

Browntoa wrote: »

I think he means a Windows Repair with the XP Cd

I would do Fixboot + FixMBR now if you are still getting the message

Explain how to do fixboot & Fixmbr please.

I have also booted from CD, and pressed enter to set up xp now and it is taking an age to display anything else. it simply says Examining 57232 mb disk and doesnt display anything else.

indierocker85

asininity wrote: »

Fixmbr is only needed if the master boot record is knackered if you're geting a message from windows then it can't be that, basically windows can't find all the files it needs to boot properly with. The Recovery CD should fix that easily.

doesnt go into windows anymore, simply displays a disk read error has occured message. press ctrl - alt + del to restart.

asininity

How big is the hard disk in the laptop? What is the disk read error?

indierocker85

60gb I think. It simply says the following now: And it doesn't go into windows

A Disk read error has occured
Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart

asininity

ok sounds like the windows install is knacked, which means that fixmbr might work. If it doesn't you could try fixboot as well, and if that doesn't work you'll have to re-install windows. What the CD was doing was checking your hard drive for errors you should let it do this is might fix the problem

Is there any files on the hard disk that aren't backed up and you need?

PeteHerts

Try this

http://icrontic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30485

indierocker85

It now says The disk or cd you inserted may be damaged. Press enter to try again. this has happened a few times. really getting annoyed now. I know it is an NEC I-Select 5410. Is there a recovery parition or anything. their site is useless

PeteHerts

Have a look at this link and you may be able to download and burn on the machine your using some recovery tools/boot disk.

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

indierocker85

Guys, I am a beginner at stuff like this, I need explanations. Links to a million and one things arent a lot of good. . Getting annoyed with myself now. Even tried a fresh install but getting errors saying cd is damaged. GRRR