ntfs.sys startup error

I'm having trouble with a computer running Windows XP professional wherein I get the error message 'Windows could not start because the the file ntfs.sys is missing or corrupt'. In the past, I was successfully able to repair this by booting to the CD and essentially replacing the supposedly corrupt ntfs.sys file. The computer worked fine for a couple of months before once more giving the error message upon booting up.

Currently, I'm unable to boot to the CD because the keyboard is locked out just as soon as I get to the bootscreen. I've tried changing the 'lock on error' setting to no success. I've tried changing the boot order so it boots automatically to CD to no success (it copies over some files automatically and then goes into a blank screen, only to repeat the error on startup message when rebooted).

It's almost always a roll of the dice as to what's going to happen when I restart the computer. At the start of my most recent attempt at fixing it, the computer loaded perfect up to the log-on screen, but the keyboard wasn't responding. I restarted the computer and got the whole 'ntfs.sys missing or corrupt' error message.

Is there anything else I can try or should look at to fix this? I'm out of ideas and really, really do not want to scrap this machine or lose any of the information currently on it.

 

Does it have more than one stick of RAM? If so try booting to the CD with only one RAM stick. If same problem occurs try with the other RAM stick.

 

I cracked the case yesterday because I was getting an error message (floppy drive fail) and wanted to check the cables -- I didn't see a second RAM card. All the cables are hooked up correctly.

 

Bad RAM could be a possibility because of the unable to load startup files from CD. I guess you are trying to get to Recovery Console and it isn't able to load?

--Do the keyboard lights flash at all before being locked out?
I guess you could try clearing the CMOS to see if it helps with the keyboard. Or just unplug the PC take out the battery (watch type, disc battery) for a few minutes; and then put back in and reboot. See if the keyboard is recognized. (you may have to reset the Boot from CD option]

 

I had the ntfs.sys problem the other day when testing a computer. After checking all the cables are snugly attached the boot up problem disappeared, especially the one connecting the hard drive.

 

You guessed right, I'm trying to get into the recovery console. It fixed the problem before, though for reasons unknown to me, it wasn't a permanent fix.

The keyboard lights don't flash before being locked out, no. Once it gets to that one particular screen (where I choose to boot from CD) the keyboard is locked out. If I go the other route and change the BIOS setting to boot automatically from the CD all it does is copy over a few files without resolving the core problem.

While I don't /think/ I'll have this issue, I want to confirm because it'd be horrible if I lost all the information on the computer -- removing the battery won't wipe the hard drive, will it? I've already located it, and hesitated to remove it because I wasn't certain it wouldn't do that.

 

No removing the battery will just remove any changes to BIOS you have made. The battery allows Bios settings to be remembered while the computer is off. Removing it for a few minutes forces the computer to read the original BIOS settings of the compartmentalized BIOS chip. You will be asked to reset the time and accept defaults.

Since keyboard drivers are loaded during BIOS if some setting is causing that problem going back to defaults might help.

If it is a PS2 keyboard visually check that you don't have a bent pin. Make sure you have it in the KB not mouse connector and make sure it firmly in place before booting the computer(sometimes when working with a PC you move it around and loosen the connector from the back of the PC).