Win2K Does Not Start Up- REALLY complex issue :(

So...this is a pretty complex issue...

Computer Specs:

Dell Dimension XPS B1000
Pentium 3 1Ghz
256 RAM
80Gb Hard Drive
Nvidia GeForce 2 32Mb
Windows 2000

A while ago, this computer had an strange issue. Windows 2000 would get stuck at the startup screen. My family tried all sorts of things to get this fixed, but nothing worked. I even tried posting here on MajorGeeks (back then I had a different account name and pw), but got no response. Eventually, my father installed another Windows 2000 on the computer. Basically, there were 2 Windows 2000 on the hard-drive, but one was unusable. We reconfigured the computer for the new Windows 2000, and everything went fine for a while, except the initial annoyance of having to move everything (shortcuts and folders mostly) from the Old Win2K desktop to the new one. Since then, the computer did take a good deal of abuse...mostly from Spyware and Adware. I was usually very neat and through at taking care of the PC, but this year was my senior year and I was very busy...so the PC got neglected a bit. It was running a little slower than usual and, despite SpyBot and all the AOL Spyware stuff, it was getting IE popups... but besides that, it was ok.

Two days ago, my brother was using AOL, when all of a sudden, while ALT-TABing to another task, everything froze. We tried to start task manager but it wouldn't come up. So...we manually restarted. When the computer came back on...this screen came up during the "Starting Windows" (before the logo, just black and white DOS-like) screen...

-----
Starting Windows…

Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: /WINNT/system32/config/SYSTEMced startup options for Windows 20000, 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.

-----
Well, obviously, we immediatly tried what the computer suggested...it does nothing. I was not at home for the next few days...until now....my brother updated me on the situation and here I am posting. Basically, he tried to start the OLD Windows 2000 (that was not working), and....to his surprise, it works. The old version loaded, and, once it was properly reconfigured...everything (with one exception) worked. Word, Liero, Sopwith, Musicmatch, etc..... it was sort of interesting because files that I'd forgotten were on the computer were there again...it was almost as if this verion of Win2k started working again, as it was before that strange crash. Also: interesting note: Back on the "newer" Win2k, we had about 2gigs of free space. Now...My computer lists 6gigs....*???*

The interesting thing is that one program does not work. We reinstalled AOL, because the version present there was not working (it was asking for restart and still it did not work)....and..it seems to work fine, except that when we try to connect to the internet...it gets to the point where the cable line (which is detected) tries to contact the network...and then, it fails. Running AOLs self diagnosis results in it saying there is something wrong with Windows' network setting.

*stumped*

So I guess my question here is...is there anyway to get the newer Win2k working again? If not, then is there anyway to get AOL to work on the old version, and if so will it be alright to use the old version from here on out?

Any help is greatly, greatly appreciated.

One last thing, I guess...if it comes down to it (my parents are going to kill me), is copying everything neccessary onto CDs or an external hard drive and then reformatting....welll...actually I don't yet want to consider this option. :\

 

Your registry is damaged read and follow this MS Help and Support Article:

Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the Following File Is Missing or Corrupt: \Winnt\System32\Config\Systemced

 

Well, the issue is definetly not because of any PC card...as for using the CD...I've tried that and the recovery console simply does not recognize the "newer" version of Windows 2000. I guess my question is, if I want to edit the registry, how can I edit the "new" Win2k registry from the "old" Win2k (since I can't access the new win2k)?

 

The issue here is your registry not a Promise Technology ATA66 PCI Controller. Follow the instructions under Restore a Backup of the System Hive to repair your registry. You are not editing your registry at this point.

 

First of all...thanks for the help so far. I understand. The problem is that the Repair (on my PC it is "Recovery") Console attempts to fix the old win2k (/windows) instead of the new win2k (/winnt). When I try to follow the instructions, it completly ignores the newer win2k I was using (/winnt) and instead tries to solve the problems only for the old win2k (/windows).

 

That's a real problem, the recovery console should show both installations. Something is definetly not right. Try the repair on the old installation and see what that does for you.

 

Again- thanks for the help. I did try to repair the old one. It didn't do anything. :\

 

If \WINNT is not showing up as an option for repair, you may be stuck doing a clean install. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help.

 

Some desperate things to try....(this may or may not work)....

If your OS is located in winnt, boot to recovery console...doesn't matter if your recovery console boots to c:\windows....Though, I wonder about the boot.ini file.....

Anyway, follow the instructions that was linked previously:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;269075

Yes, yes, yes, the recovery console brings you to c:\windows

just work with the c:\winnt

and follow the instructions it gives....give it a shot....you can't boot already, this may help

......

Ya never know....try doing a chkdsk /p or chkdsk /r on that drive in recovery console.....

 

*sigh*

Ok, well thanks for the help and guidance.

I guess I was wondering...what happens if I install Windows XP on this computer... and then erase the older OS's, and keep all the other files I wanted? Or simply update /windows (the old win2k) to XP? Could that save me from the pain of formatting?

 

It is best to backup any data you want to keep, and do a clean install. Whether it is Win2K or Win XP.