Notebook Nightmares!

Shazaaym

I have an Elonex webbook on XP, and it's been nothing but trouble! :mad:

The latest problem is windows not loading up. The error message is 'file missing or corrupt system32\drivers\isapnp.sys' (this was after the battery running right out, was working fine before)

The notebook doesn't have a disk drive, so i've been trying to make a bootable usb. The only computer i have access to is a Mac, so that seems to have made it a lot trickier!

I tried this method http://www.proposedsolution.com/howto/howto-macosx/create-bootable-usb-thumb-drive-iso/ with a downloaded windows iso and wary puppy (which is the only linux system i've ever been able to get working on it previously)

Also this http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd-on-usb-disk using unetbootin, but couldn't open the program in the 2nd link after downloading.

The ISOs seem to have transferred to the usb drive ok, but my computer isn't recognising them. I changed the boot priority, but nothing. I also have a copy of windows on an external HD, but that hasn't worked either.

Now i'm well and truly stuck! Could anyone give me any other ideas, coz i'm all out!

Thanks

Figment

You latest problem is probably caused by the bettery running flat causing the system to crash and corrupting one or more system files in the process.

The webbook may have a restore partition, accessible by a combination of keys during boot. Google the full model number + 'restore partition' to find out a) if it has one and b) how to access it.

Does the boot order menu in the BIOS include an option to boot from USB? What size USB stick are you trying to use?

I trust you are aware that a restore will be destructive - any data (music, photos, videos, documents etc) on the disk will be wiped out

Shazaaym

The model number has worn away, i had to reformat the HD a few months ago and reinstall windows (with a borrowed external dvd drive, which is no longer available), and i was advised that i wouldn't need the recovery console...famous last words!

It's a 2gig usb. I have booted from usb before (prior to reinstalling windows) which had wary puppy 5.3 on it...of course that's nowhere to be found! I changed the boot device priority in bios, but it was saying that there was no programme (can't remember exact word used) on the device.

I think my main hiccup is finding a programme that i can put straight onto a usb using a mac, but which is compatible with windows. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking and it's a job for the shop!

NiftyDigits

Why not just splash out on an optical drive? £8.99 here

Shazaaym

I have been looking at some external drives on Ebay...found some decent makes (RW as well) for about £20-25. Think i'll be ordering one at the end of the week.

Found my USB with Wary Puppy on, so at least i have internet access until i can get it fixed. :T And i've saved all my important stuff to my external hd, just in case!