msconfig missing not a virus

Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an XP cd
that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The method is:
Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
sfc /scannow + Enter

If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack level.

"witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
>I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
> C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
> C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in the
> original drive and not in the new drive.
>
>
>
> "witsend" wrote:
>
>> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other iterations
>> of
>> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
>> itself
>> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group onto my
>> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it works).
>> It
>> doesn't.
>> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same machine
>> and
>> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under HKEY
>> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>>
>> and
>>
>> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>>
>> and
>>
>> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>>
>> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can boot
>> up
>> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
>> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair for a
>> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
>> copied
>> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new hard
>> drive
>> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
>> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the above
>> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
>> Can anyone help with this?
>>
>>

Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an original xp
system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up to date
using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the same
service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do something
similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard drive? If
so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember trying to
make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd with an
online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following instructions on
a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.


"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an XP cd
> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The method is:
> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
> sfc /scannow + Enter
>
> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack level.
>
> "witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in the
> > original drive and not in the new drive.
> >
> >
> >
> > "witsend" wrote:
> >
> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other iterations
> >> of
> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
> >> itself
> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group onto my
> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it works).
> >> It
> >> doesn't.
> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same machine
> >> and
> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under HKEY
> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >>
> >> and
> >>
> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >>
> >> and
> >>
> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >>
> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can boot
> >> up
> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair for a
> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
> >> copied
> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new hard
> >> drive
> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the above
> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
> >> Can anyone help with this?
> >>
> >>
>

It certainly doesn't hurt to try but Last Known Good resets the config to
the last time you successfully started Windows. It doesn't alter any system
files themselves. LKGC does not let you roll back to a time of your choice
like System Restore does. LKGC is a choice on the Windows Advanced Options
Menu. Restart the computer and keep tapping F8 while it is booting to get
to the WAO menu.

The solution to being stuck with an old XP cd is to make an up-to-date one.
This is called slipstreaming and is quite easy.

I use nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/guide/ and
http://www.nliteos.com/download.html). This program has you put your XP cd
in the drive as the source and the downloadable version of SP2 (called "SP2
for IT Professionals"
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E...30-8245)
as the service pack. The program then merges the two and creates a bootable
..iso file which you then burn to a new cd. Then when you need to use your
XP cd you use the slipstreamed one. Your product key will work with the
slipstreamed cd just fine. Hint: Download the SP2 file to your desktop so
it is very easy to find while you are working.

It only takes a few minutes and you should definitely have one at service
pack level 2.

While you can also have the program use the Windows files already on the
hard drive I would not do that in this case because one or more of those
files may be what you need to fix.

There are other slipstreaming programs and there are MS knowledgebase
articles about slipstreaming. It doesn't matter how you do it, just so you
do it.

"witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:29DA1353-0F70-4C71-A19D-33AC8C2CA35C@microsoft.com...
> Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an original
> xp
> system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up to date
> using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the same
> service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do something
> similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard drive? If
> so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember trying to
> make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd with an
> online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following instructions
> on
> a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
>> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an XP
>> cd
>> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The method
>> is:
>> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
>> sfc /scannow + Enter
>>
>> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
>> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack
>> level.
>>
>> "witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
>> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
>> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
>> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in the
>> > original drive and not in the new drive.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "witsend" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other
>> >> iterations
>> >> of
>> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
>> >> itself
>> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group onto
>> >> my
>> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it
>> >> works).
>> >> It
>> >> doesn't.
>> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same
>> >> machine
>> >> and
>> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under
>> >> HKEY
>> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> >>
>> >> and
>> >>
>> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> >>
>> >> and
>> >>
>> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> >>
>> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can
>> >> boot
>> >> up
>> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
>> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair for
>> >> a
>> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
>> >> copied
>> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new
>> >> hard
>> >> drive
>> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
>> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the
>> >> above
>> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
>> >> Can anyone help with this?
>> >>
>> >>
>>

Once again, I thank you for your reply. I will indeed try your suggestions
and will be sure to follow up and let you know how things go. Wish me luck!

BTW LKGC would probably not work as I just ghosted the machine yesterday and
msconfig was the first thing I checked as I have experienced this problem in
the past when I have ghosted. Its a long story but suffice it to say I have
been having a few interesting weeks learning about and playing with
re-installing windows.

FYI.. I'm not actually using Ghost but Western Digitals Data Lifeguard Tools
instead. The 2 drives are indeed Western Digital drives. "Ghost" in this
context is just a handy verb!

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> It certainly doesn't hurt to try but Last Known Good resets the config to
> the last time you successfully started Windows. It doesn't alter any system
> files themselves. LKGC does not let you roll back to a time of your choice
> like System Restore does. LKGC is a choice on the Windows Advanced Options
> Menu. Restart the computer and keep tapping F8 while it is booting to get
> to the WAO menu.
>
> The solution to being stuck with an old XP cd is to make an up-to-date one.
> This is called slipstreaming and is quite easy.
>
> I use nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/guide/ and
> http://www.nliteos.com/download.html). This program has you put your XP cd
> in the drive as the source and the downloadable version of SP2 (called "SP2
> for IT Professionals"
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E...30-8245)
> as the service pack. The program then merges the two and creates a bootable
> .iso file which you then burn to a new cd. Then when you need to use your
> XP cd you use the slipstreamed one. Your product key will work with the
> slipstreamed cd just fine. Hint: Download the SP2 file to your desktop so
> it is very easy to find while you are working.
>
> It only takes a few minutes and you should definitely have one at service
> pack level 2.
>
> While you can also have the program use the Windows files already on the
> hard drive I would not do that in this case because one or more of those
> files may be what you need to fix.
>
> There are other slipstreaming programs and there are MS knowledgebase
> articles about slipstreaming. It doesn't matter how you do it, just so you
> do it.
>
> "witsend" <witsend DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:29DA1353-0F70-4C71-A19D-33AC8C2CA35C@microsoft.com...
> > Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an original
> > xp
> > system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up to date
> > using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the same
> > service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do something
> > similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard drive? If
> > so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember trying to
> > make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd with an
> > online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following instructions
> > on
> > a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.
> >
> >
> > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
> >
> >> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an XP
> >> cd
> >> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The method
> >> is:
> >> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
> >> sfc /scannow + Enter
> >>
> >> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
> >> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack
> >> level.
> >>
> >> "witsend" <witsend DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
> >> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
> >> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
> >> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in the
> >> > original drive and not in the new drive.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "witsend" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other
> >> >> iterations
> >> >> of
> >> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
> >> >> itself
> >> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group onto
> >> >> my
> >> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it
> >> >> works).
> >> >> It
> >> >> doesn't.
> >> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same
> >> >> machine
> >> >> and
> >> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under
> >> >> HKEY
> >> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >> >>
> >> >> and
> >> >>
> >> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >> >>
> >> >> and
> >> >>
> >> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >> >>
> >> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can
> >> >> boot
> >> >> up
> >> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
> >> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair for
> >> >> a
> >> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
> >> >> copied
> >> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new
> >> >> hard
> >> >> drive
> >> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
> >> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the
> >> >> above
> >> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
> >> >> Can anyone help with this?
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
>

Good luck! Get that XP SP2 cd made before you go any further. It will be
invaluable.

"witsend" <witsend.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:10748F0D-134C-4EF6-88F9-EDD7E6657B24@microsoft.com...
>
> Once again, I thank you for your reply. I will indeed try your
> suggestions
> and will be sure to follow up and let you know how things go. Wish me
> luck!
>
> BTW LKGC would probably not work as I just ghosted the machine yesterday
> and
> msconfig was the first thing I checked as I have experienced this problem
> in
> the past when I have ghosted. Its a long story but suffice it to say I
> have
> been having a few interesting weeks learning about and playing with
> re-installing windows.
>
> FYI.. I'm not actually using Ghost but Western Digitals Data Lifeguard
> Tools
> instead. The 2 drives are indeed Western Digital drives. "Ghost" in this
> context is just a handy verb!
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
>> It certainly doesn't hurt to try but Last Known Good resets the config to
>> the last time you successfully started Windows. It doesn't alter any
>> system
>> files themselves. LKGC does not let you roll back to a time of your
>> choice
>> like System Restore does. LKGC is a choice on the Windows Advanced
>> Options
>> Menu. Restart the computer and keep tapping F8 while it is booting to
>> get
>> to the WAO menu.
>>
>> The solution to being stuck with an old XP cd is to make an up-to-date
>> one.
>> This is called slipstreaming and is quite easy.
>>
>> I use nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/guide/ and
>> http://www.nliteos.com/download.html). This program has you put your XP
>> cd
>> in the drive as the source and the downloadable version of SP2 (called
>> "SP2
>> for IT Professionals"
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E...30-8245)
>> as the service pack. The program then merges the two and creates a
>> bootable
>> .iso file which you then burn to a new cd. Then when you need to use
>> your
>> XP cd you use the slipstreamed one. Your product key will work with the
>> slipstreamed cd just fine. Hint: Download the SP2 file to your desktop
>> so
>> it is very easy to find while you are working.
>>
>> It only takes a few minutes and you should definitely have one at service
>> pack level 2.
>>
>> While you can also have the program use the Windows files already on the
>> hard drive I would not do that in this case because one or more of those
>> files may be what you need to fix.
>>
>> There are other slipstreaming programs and there are MS knowledgebase
>> articles about slipstreaming. It doesn't matter how you do it, just so
>> you
>> do it.
>>
>> "witsend" <witsend.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:29DA1353-0F70-4C71-A19D-33AC8C2CA35C@microsoft.com...
>> > Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an
>> > original
>> > xp
>> > system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up to
>> > date
>> > using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the same
>> > service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do
>> > something
>> > similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard drive?
>> > If
>> > so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember trying
>> > to
>> > make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd with
>> > an
>> > online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following
>> > instructions
>> > on
>> > a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.
>> >
>> >
>> > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an
>> >> XP
>> >> cd
>> >> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The
>> >> method
>> >> is:
>> >> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
>> >> sfc /scannow + Enter
>> >>
>> >> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
>> >> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack
>> >> level.
>> >>
>> >> "witsend" <witsend.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
>> >> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
>> >> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
>> >> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in
>> >> > the
>> >> > original drive and not in the new drive.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > "witsend" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other
>> >> >> iterations
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
>> >> >> itself
>> >> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group
>> >> >> onto
>> >> >> my
>> >> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it
>> >> >> works).
>> >> >> It
>> >> >> doesn't.
>> >> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same
>> >> >> machine
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under
>> >> >> HKEY
>> >> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> >> >>
>> >> >> and
>> >> >>
>> >> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> >> >>
>> >> >> and
>> >> >>
>> >> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> >> >>
>> >> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can
>> >> >> boot
>> >> >> up
>> >> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
>> >> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair
>> >> >> for
>> >> >> a
>> >> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
>> >> >> copied
>> >> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new
>> >> >> hard
>> >> >> drive
>> >> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
>> >> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the
>> >> >> above
>> >> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
>> >> >> Can anyone help with this?
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >>
>>

Hey Colin. Ok, created the slipstream windows disk and ran system file
checker. I had to enter retry numerous times as the blue status bar made its
way across, but managed to get through it. At the end of the process, it
just stopped...ie no "operation completed" message or the such. Is that how
it ends? I tried msconfig from start>>run and nothing happened. Will reboot
and try again to see if that works. If not will try repair installation.
However, would that not set me back to xp with sp2 only...ie no updates?

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> Good luck! Get that XP SP2 cd made before you go any further. It will be
> invaluable.
>
> "witsend" <witsend DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:10748F0D-134C-4EF6-88F9-EDD7E6657B24@microsoft.com...
> >
> > Once again, I thank you for your reply. I will indeed try your
> > suggestions
> > and will be sure to follow up and let you know how things go. Wish me
> > luck!
> >
> > BTW LKGC would probably not work as I just ghosted the machine yesterday
> > and
> > msconfig was the first thing I checked as I have experienced this problem
> > in
> > the past when I have ghosted. Its a long story but suffice it to say I
> > have
> > been having a few interesting weeks learning about and playing with
> > re-installing windows.
> >
> > FYI.. I'm not actually using Ghost but Western Digitals Data Lifeguard
> > Tools
> > instead. The 2 drives are indeed Western Digital drives. "Ghost" in this
> > context is just a handy verb!
> >
> > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
> >
> >> It certainly doesn't hurt to try but Last Known Good resets the config to
> >> the last time you successfully started Windows. It doesn't alter any
> >> system
> >> files themselves. LKGC does not let you roll back to a time of your
> >> choice
> >> like System Restore does. LKGC is a choice on the Windows Advanced
> >> Options
> >> Menu. Restart the computer and keep tapping F8 while it is booting to
> >> get
> >> to the WAO menu.
> >>
> >> The solution to being stuck with an old XP cd is to make an up-to-date
> >> one.
> >> This is called slipstreaming and is quite easy.
> >>
> >> I use nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/guide/ and
> >> http://www.nliteos.com/download.html). This program has you put your XP
> >> cd
> >> in the drive as the source and the downloadable version of SP2 (called
> >> "SP2
> >> for IT Professionals"
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E...30-8245)
> >> as the service pack. The program then merges the two and creates a
> >> bootable
> >> .iso file which you then burn to a new cd. Then when you need to use
> >> your
> >> XP cd you use the slipstreamed one. Your product key will work with the
> >> slipstreamed cd just fine. Hint: Download the SP2 file to your desktop
> >> so
> >> it is very easy to find while you are working.
> >>
> >> It only takes a few minutes and you should definitely have one at service
> >> pack level 2.
> >>
> >> While you can also have the program use the Windows files already on the
> >> hard drive I would not do that in this case because one or more of those
> >> files may be what you need to fix.
> >>
> >> There are other slipstreaming programs and there are MS knowledgebase
> >> articles about slipstreaming. It doesn't matter how you do it, just so
> >> you
> >> do it.
> >>
> >> "witsend" <witsend DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:29DA1353-0F70-4C71-A19D-33AC8C2CA35C@microsoft.com...
> >> > Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an
> >> > original
> >> > xp
> >> > system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up to
> >> > date
> >> > using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the same
> >> > service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do
> >> > something
> >> > similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard drive?
> >> > If
> >> > so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember trying
> >> > to
> >> > make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd with
> >> > an
> >> > online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following
> >> > instructions
> >> > on
> >> > a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an
> >> >> XP
> >> >> cd
> >> >> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The
> >> >> method
> >> >> is:
> >> >> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
> >> >> sfc /scannow + Enter
> >> >>
> >> >> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
> >> >> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack
> >> >> level.
> >> >>
> >> >> "witsend" <witsend DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
> >> >> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
> >> >> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > original drive and not in the new drive.
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "witsend" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other
> >> >> >> iterations
> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
> >> >> >> itself
> >> >> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group
> >> >> >> onto
> >> >> >> my
> >> >> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it
> >> >> >> works).
> >> >> >> It
> >> >> >> doesn't.
> >> >> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same
> >> >> >> machine
> >> >> >> and
> >> >> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under
> >> >> >> HKEY
> >> >> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> and
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> and
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can
> >> >> >> boot
> >> >> >> up
> >> >> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
> >> >> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair
> >> >> >> for
> >> >> >> a
> >> >> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
> >> >> >> copied
> >> >> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new
> >> >> >> hard
> >> >> >> drive
> >> >> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
> >> >> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the
> >> >> >> above
> >> >> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
> >> >> >> Can anyone help with this?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
>

SUCCESS!! SUCCESS!! SUCCESS!! You, sir, are a hero. Thanks for the
advice. After a repair install >using the slipstreamed cd< all is as it
should be again. I thank you very kindly.
Now that I have a completely fresh and functional OS, I'm afraid to use it
out of fear of something going awry once again! Can you suggest a way of
capturing this point in this computers life so that I have a hard copy of all
system settings, etc.
I did have to download upwards of 100 updates after the repair install and
would rather not have to do that again! Is there a microsoft site that has
sp2 with all associated critical updates available to download. I noticed in
"nlite" that there is an option to include other updates along with sp2 into
the slipstreamed disc. However, to do this manually, one update at a time,
would take more time than it is worth, I believe.
Once again, I thank you.

Chris.


"witsend" wrote:

> Hey Colin. Ok, created the slipstream windows disk and ran system file
> checker. I had to enter retry numerous times as the blue status bar made its
> way across, but managed to get through it. At the end of the process, it
> just stopped...ie no "operation completed" message or the such. Is that how
> it ends? I tried msconfig from start>>run and nothing happened. Will reboot
> and try again to see if that works. If not will try repair installation.
> However, would that not set me back to xp with sp2 only...ie no updates?
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>
> > Good luck! Get that XP SP2 cd made before you go any further. It will be
> > invaluable.
> >
> > "witsend" <witsend.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:10748F0D-134C-4EF6-88F9-EDD7E6657B24@microsoft.com...
> > >
> > > Once again, I thank you for your reply. I will indeed try your
> > > suggestions
> > > and will be sure to follow up and let you know how things go. Wish me
> > > luck!
> > >
> > > BTW LKGC would probably not work as I just ghosted the machine yesterday
> > > and
> > > msconfig was the first thing I checked as I have experienced this problem
> > > in
> > > the past when I have ghosted. Its a long story but suffice it to say I
> > > have
> > > been having a few interesting weeks learning about and playing with
> > > re-installing windows.
> > >
> > > FYI.. I'm not actually using Ghost but Western Digitals Data Lifeguard
> > > Tools
> > > instead. The 2 drives are indeed Western Digital drives. "Ghost" in this
> > > context is just a handy verb!
> > >
> > > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
> > >
> > >> It certainly doesn't hurt to try but Last Known Good resets the config to
> > >> the last time you successfully started Windows. It doesn't alter any
> > >> system
> > >> files themselves. LKGC does not let you roll back to a time of your
> > >> choice
> > >> like System Restore does. LKGC is a choice on the Windows Advanced
> > >> Options
> > >> Menu. Restart the computer and keep tapping F8 while it is booting to
> > >> get
> > >> to the WAO menu.
> > >>
> > >> The solution to being stuck with an old XP cd is to make an up-to-date
> > >> one.
> > >> This is called slipstreaming and is quite easy.
> > >>
> > >> I use nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/guide/ and
> > >> http://www.nliteos.com/download.html). This program has you put your XP
> > >> cd
> > >> in the drive as the source and the downloadable version of SP2 (called
> > >> "SP2
> > >> for IT Professionals"
> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E...30-8245)
> > >> as the service pack. The program then merges the two and creates a
> > >> bootable
> > >> .iso file which you then burn to a new cd. Then when you need to use
> > >> your
> > >> XP cd you use the slipstreamed one. Your product key will work with the
> > >> slipstreamed cd just fine. Hint: Download the SP2 file to your desktop
> > >> so
> > >> it is very easy to find while you are working.
> > >>
> > >> It only takes a few minutes and you should definitely have one at service
> > >> pack level 2.
> > >>
> > >> While you can also have the program use the Windows files already on the
> > >> hard drive I would not do that in this case because one or more of those
> > >> files may be what you need to fix.
> > >>
> > >> There are other slipstreaming programs and there are MS knowledgebase
> > >> articles about slipstreaming. It doesn't matter how you do it, just so
> > >> you
> > >> do it.
> > >>
> > >> "witsend" <witsend.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > >> news:29DA1353-0F70-4C71-A19D-33AC8C2CA35C@microsoft.com...
> > >> > Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an
> > >> > original
> > >> > xp
> > >> > system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up to
> > >> > date
> > >> > using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the same
> > >> > service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do
> > >> > something
> > >> > similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard drive?
> > >> > If
> > >> > so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember trying
> > >> > to
> > >> > make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd with
> > >> > an
> > >> > online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following
> > >> > instructions
> > >> > on
> > >> > a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.
> > >> >
> > >> >
> > >> > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> >> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will need an
> > >> >> XP
> > >> >> cd
> > >> >> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The
> > >> >> method
> > >> >> is:
> > >> >> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt type
> > >> >> sfc /scannow + Enter
> > >> >>
> > >> >> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation of
> > >> >> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service pack
> > >> >> level.
> > >> >>
> > >> >> "witsend" <witsend.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > >> >> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
> > >> >> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
> > >> >> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
> > >> >> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only works in
> > >> >> > the
> > >> >> > original drive and not in the new drive.
> > >> >> >
> > >> >> >
> > >> >> >
> > >> >> > "witsend" wrote:
> > >> >> >
> > >> >> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other
> > >> >> >> iterations
> > >> >> >> of
> > >> >> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the program
> > >> >> >> itself
> > >> >> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion group
> > >> >> >> onto
> > >> >> >> my
> > >> >> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if it
> > >> >> >> works).
> > >> >> >> It
> > >> >> >> doesn't.
> > >> >> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the same
> > >> >> >> machine
> > >> >> >> and
> > >> >> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry under
> > >> >> >> HKEY
> > >> >> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> > >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >> >> and
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> > >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >> >> and
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
> > >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I can
> > >> >> >> boot
> > >> >> >> up
> > >> >> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't work.
> > >> >> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the repair
> > >> >> >> for
> > >> >> >> a
> > >> >> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I even
> > >> >> >> copied
> > >> >> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the new
> > >> >> >> hard
> > >> >> >> drive
> > >> >> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to go.
> > >> >> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means. All the
> > >> >> >> above
> > >> >> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very forums.
> > >> >> >> Can anyone help with this?
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >> >>
> > >> >>
> > >>
> >

You're welcome.

An image back up will capture your moment in time. I use Acronis True Image
Home (less than $50). You make an image of the drive whole cloth and file
it away. If you need to return to a pristine system you just restore the
image.

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/ for the description
and
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Descr...ion=acr
for a better price. Newegg is trustworthy.

"witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4C052D33-DF94-492A-AB11-71FA86FAC2C3@microsoft.com...
> SUCCESS!! SUCCESS!! SUCCESS!! You, sir, are a hero. Thanks for the
> advice. After a repair install >using the slipstreamed cd< all is as it
> should be again. I thank you very kindly.
> Now that I have a completely fresh and functional OS, I'm afraid to use it
> out of fear of something going awry once again! Can you suggest a way of
> capturing this point in this computers life so that I have a hard copy of
> all
> system settings, etc.
> I did have to download upwards of 100 updates after the repair install and
> would rather not have to do that again! Is there a microsoft site that
> has
> sp2 with all associated critical updates available to download. I noticed
> in
> "nlite" that there is an option to include other updates along with sp2
> into
> the slipstreamed disc. However, to do this manually, one update at a
> time,
> would take more time than it is worth, I believe.
> Once again, I thank you.
>
> Chris.
>
>
> "witsend" wrote:
>
>> Hey Colin. Ok, created the slipstream windows disk and ran system file
>> checker. I had to enter retry numerous times as the blue status bar made
>> its
>> way across, but managed to get through it. At the end of the process, it
>> just stopped...ie no "operation completed" message or the such. Is that
>> how
>> it ends? I tried msconfig from start>>run and nothing happened. Will
>> reboot
>> and try again to see if that works. If not will try repair installation.
>> However, would that not set me back to xp with sp2 only...ie no updates?
>>
>> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>>
>> > Good luck! Get that XP SP2 cd made before you go any further. It will
>> > be
>> > invaluable.
>> >
>> > "witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > news:10748F0D-134C-4EF6-88F9-EDD7E6657B24@microsoft.com...
>> > >
>> > > Once again, I thank you for your reply. I will indeed try your
>> > > suggestions
>> > > and will be sure to follow up and let you know how things go. Wish
>> > > me
>> > > luck!
>> > >
>> > > BTW LKGC would probably not work as I just ghosted the machine
>> > > yesterday
>> > > and
>> > > msconfig was the first thing I checked as I have experienced this
>> > > problem
>> > > in
>> > > the past when I have ghosted. Its a long story but suffice it to say
>> > > I
>> > > have
>> > > been having a few interesting weeks learning about and playing with
>> > > re-installing windows.
>> > >
>> > > FYI.. I'm not actually using Ghost but Western Digitals Data
>> > > Lifeguard
>> > > Tools
>> > > instead. The 2 drives are indeed Western Digital drives. "Ghost" in
>> > > this
>> > > context is just a handy verb!
>> > >
>> > > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>> > >
>> > >> It certainly doesn't hurt to try but Last Known Good resets the
>> > >> config to
>> > >> the last time you successfully started Windows. It doesn't alter
>> > >> any
>> > >> system
>> > >> files themselves. LKGC does not let you roll back to a time of your
>> > >> choice
>> > >> like System Restore does. LKGC is a choice on the Windows Advanced
>> > >> Options
>> > >> Menu. Restart the computer and keep tapping F8 while it is booting
>> > >> to
>> > >> get
>> > >> to the WAO menu.
>> > >>
>> > >> The solution to being stuck with an old XP cd is to make an
>> > >> up-to-date
>> > >> one.
>> > >> This is called slipstreaming and is quite easy.
>> > >>
>> > >> I use nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/guide/ and
>> > >> http://www.nliteos.com/download.html). This program has you put
>> > >> your XP
>> > >> cd
>> > >> in the drive as the source and the downloadable version of SP2
>> > >> (called
>> > >> "SP2
>> > >> for IT Professionals"
>> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E...30-8245)
>> > >> as the service pack. The program then merges the two and creates a
>> > >> bootable
>> > >> .iso file which you then burn to a new cd. Then when you need to
>> > >> use
>> > >> your
>> > >> XP cd you use the slipstreamed one. Your product key will work with
>> > >> the
>> > >> slipstreamed cd just fine. Hint: Download the SP2 file to your
>> > >> desktop
>> > >> so
>> > >> it is very easy to find while you are working.
>> > >>
>> > >> It only takes a few minutes and you should definitely have one at
>> > >> service
>> > >> pack level 2.
>> > >>
>> > >> While you can also have the program use the Windows files already on
>> > >> the
>> > >> hard drive I would not do that in this case because one or more of
>> > >> those
>> > >> files may be what you need to fix.
>> > >>
>> > >> There are other slipstreaming programs and there are MS
>> > >> knowledgebase
>> > >> articles about slipstreaming. It doesn't matter how you do it, just
>> > >> so
>> > >> you
>> > >> do it.
>> > >>
>> > >> "witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > >> news:29DA1353-0F70-4C71-A19D-33AC8C2CA35C@microsoft.com...
>> > >> > Hello Colin. Thanks for your reply. My system started out as an
>> > >> > original
>> > >> > xp
>> > >> > system...that is to say with no service packs. It is now fully up
>> > >> > to
>> > >> > date
>> > >> > using windows/microsoft update therefore I haven't an xp cd at the
>> > >> > same
>> > >> > service pack level as whats on the system right now. Can I do
>> > >> > something
>> > >> > similar using the "good system configuration" on the other hard
>> > >> > drive?
>> > >> > If
>> > >> > so, would you mind walking me through that? I seem to remember
>> > >> > trying
>> > >> > to
>> > >> > make such a cd at one time a while back by merging the original cd
>> > >> > with
>> > >> > an
>> > >> > online copy of sp2...with no success. Again, I was following
>> > >> > instructions
>> > >> > on
>> > >> > a microsoft website on how to do this...and was not successful.
>> > >> >
>> > >> >
>> > >> > "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
>> > >> >
>> > >> >> Have you considered running the system file checker? You will
>> > >> >> need an
>> > >> >> XP
>> > >> >> cd
>> > >> >> that is at the same service pack level as the installed XP. The
>> > >> >> method
>> > >> >> is:
>> > >> >> Start>Run, type cmd + Enter. In the Command window at the prompt
>> > >> >> type
>> > >> >> sfc /scannow + Enter
>> > >> >>
>> > >> >> If that does not fix things, consider doing a Repair Installation
>> > >> >> of
>> > >> >> Windows. Like sfc, you will need an XP cd at the same service
>> > >> >> pack
>> > >> >> level.
>> > >> >>
>> > >> >> "witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> > >> >> news:89BB5FCD-FBD3-4474-BA21-78FAD5625483@microsoft.com...
>> > >> >> >I should also mention that "msconfig" is present in
>> > >> >> > C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\binaries and in
>> > >> >> > C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 on both drives. It only
>> > >> >> > works in
>> > >> >> > the
>> > >> >> > original drive and not in the new drive.
>> > >> >> >
>> > >> >> >
>> > >> >> >
>> > >> >> > "witsend" wrote:
>> > >> >> >
>> > >> >> >> Can anyone figure this one out. I type msconfig and all other
>> > >> >> >> iterations
>> > >> >> >> of
>> > >> >> >> same to get it to run. It doesn't. I copied a copy of the
>> > >> >> >> program
>> > >> >> >> itself
>> > >> >> >> from an internet source provided by a previous discussion
>> > >> >> >> group
>> > >> >> >> onto
>> > >> >> >> my
>> > >> >> >> desktop and tried running it from there (as a test to see if
>> > >> >> >> it
>> > >> >> >> works).
>> > >> >> >> It
>> > >> >> >> doesn't.
>> > >> >> >> I just "ghosted" my OS over to a new hard drive within the
>> > >> >> >> same
>> > >> >> >> machine
>> > >> >> >> and
>> > >> >> >> have the OS on both drives now. The settings in the registry
>> > >> >> >> under
>> > >> >> >> HKEY
>> > >> >> >> CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> > >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >> >> and
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >> >> HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> > >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >> >> and
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >> >> HKEY USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
>> > >> >> >> CurrentVersion\Policies\System
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >> >> are identical on both hard drives, yet on the original drive I
>> > >> >> >> can
>> > >> >> >> boot
>> > >> >> >> up
>> > >> >> >> and msconfig will work. On the new drive msconfig doesn't
>> > >> >> >> work.
>> > >> >> >> I went to the "windows xp from a to z" site downloaded the
>> > >> >> >> repair
>> > >> >> >> for
>> > >> >> >> a
>> > >> >> >> corrupt msconfig file. It ran and it couldn't make it run. I
>> > >> >> >> even
>> > >> >> >> copied
>> > >> >> >> the original msconfig from my windows installation cd onto the
>> > >> >> >> new
>> > >> >> >> hard
>> > >> >> >> drive
>> > >> >> >> into the appropriate location and even that couldn't get it to
>> > >> >> >> go.
>> > >> >> >> I'm stumped. I am not a computer specialist by any means.
>> > >> >> >> All the
>> > >> >> >> above
>> > >> >> >> solutions and observations were come by through these very
>> > >> >> >> forums.
>> > >> >> >> Can anyone help with this?
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >> >>
>> > >> >>
>> > >>
>> >

XP SP3 will rollup those hundred downloads. SP3 should be out in a couple
of months. No need to fiddle with nLite until SP3 releases.

"witsend" <witsend.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4C052D33-DF94-492A-AB11-71FA86FAC2C3@microsoft.com...
> SUCCESS!! SUCCESS!! SUCCESS!! You, sir, are a hero. Thanks for the
> advice. After a repair install >using the slipstreamed cd< all is as it
> should be again. I thank you very kindly.
> Now that I have a completely fre