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RE: disappearing config file

FreakShow! — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:27:13 GMT

[quote][b]Tippon (30/08/2008)[/b][hr]Yep, it's probably software. I used to have an overclocking program that was absolutely fantastic on an old system, but every time I installed it on my last system, Windows would be completely trashed on reboot, even if I didn't change anything in the program.[/quote]

Protip: Only use overclocking software on GPUs.

RE: disappearing config file

Tippon — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:54:13 GMT

Yep, it's probably software. I used to have an overclocking program that was absolutely fantastic on an old system, but every time I installed it on my last system, Windows would be completely trashed on reboot, even if I didn't change anything in the program.

RE: disappearing config file

FreakShow! — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:13:31 GMT

Just to clarify, is it 5 times exactly each time?

If it is, what did you install after the 4th restart (and required the 5th?)

RE: disappearing config file

maygood — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:53:25 GMT

I'm with FS on the software first test. Have you tried just installing XP without anything else (not even drivers) and doing a cold boot. Reset bios to defaults before you install also. If it still happens start looking at the hardware and test everything including another PSU if you have one

RE: disappearing config file

FreakShow! — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:02:35 GMT

I can only link you to this:

[url]http://support.microsoft.com/?id=307545[/url]

Hopefully if you follow that through it ought to be back and working.

As it lets you reboot a number of times and allows you to install programs, it may be one of those programs you are using is doing it. Whether it is because of a corrupted installer that you placed on the CD or whether it is an incompatibility between two specific programs.

Perhaps a driver that isn't the right one? Thinking more about it, go into your BIOS and check that it isn't overclocked. My thinking is perhaps you are running something out of spec and it is corrupting HDD writes. Check things like PCI is locked at the default rates and not running above what it should.

Only thing I can think of. You say you've changed different components. Is there anything that remained the same on all tests?

disappearing config file

kevint — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:28:31 GMT

Evenin all

I have a dilemma. Have built a pc using various bits I have collected over the years and have installed XP pro on it. When I start windows the first time, all works well. It even lets me install avast, Firefox3 etc and even lets me restart atleast 5 times before my problem starts.

The problem occurs when I attempt a cold start (ie after its been off) and just before it loads the screen with the windows logo and the "please wait" scrolling screen, it hits me with something along the lines of can not find config.sys (c:\windows\system32\config\ and suggests that I attempt using repair "r" from the windows setup screen.

I have tried different cpus, psus, memory, motherboards, graphics cards all to no avail. (think I have actually binned some working mobos in an elimination phase!!)

I am basically on my 7th clean install of windows and each time I get to the same point and the same error! The system currently comprises of

jetway 266 mobo, 512mb corsair ddr3200, 64mb GF2(or3) graphics card.

anyone shed some light?

cheers

K