STOP: c000021a fatal error! Vista will not start!! Only the BSOD

S

SC400slide

Member
New here, hoping I can get some help.

My Vista home premium computer desktop just decided to show this error message upon startup.

STOP: c000021a

It will not get past it.

I have tried:
System recovery...(stuck in closed loop, keeps on trying to restore at startup)
Start to last good configuration (says that this driver is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\hal.dll)
Start in safe mode (in recovery console and XP professional modes)
Debugging(yet again, I cant use Dr Watson because I cannot access the desktop/Run/start(safe mode doesn't work.))
Recovery discs (both discs does not work, says "computer is not backed up by recovery discs")
Taken apart memory chips, cleaned, vacuumed out, and dusted internal components.

Any help shed is appreciated.

BTW, I am not in any way computer savvy so talk as if you're talking to a 6 year old. :) I mainly use my iPod/iPad, and my Vista desktop. This is my OTHER Vista desktop I'm posting this with.

Sincerely,
Desperate

Thanks in advance. :)
 

My Computer

System One

I installed Ubuntu on a disc than ran it inside the Vista with the BSOD and it installed, than I tried to compress files so I could move them. But I don't have a flash drive or anything to store the stuff on.

Is it necessary to backup my files to fix this because I saw many cases where they didn't back up anything and came out fine.
Thanks for the help, and further things to be shed on this subject?
 

My Computer

System One

I am going to try different procedures to try and get your computer to work. I have found it is best to back up, just in case. One procedure is to go back to the origianal factory settings, in that situation everything will be lost.
Installing Ubuntu, actually had a dual purpose, I, now, know that you do not have a hardware prboblem, it is software.
I may not be online every time you post, in that case please be patient.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Thanks so much for helping me...I appreciate it a lot.

Did you see this? Isn't this a driver problem?
Says that this file is missing or corrupt "<windows root>\system32\hal.dll")
Click to expand...
THe thing is, I can't download the dll file from Microsoft because I cannot access my desktop.
 

My Computer

System One

Save your stuff, there are a number of things that we can try.
It is a software problem, driver or other software, we will try to help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Lets see if we can get you up and running, using this method first:
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
 Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.




Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

  • Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
  • Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
  • Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
richc46 said:
Lets see if we can get you up and running, using this method first:
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
 Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.




Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

  • Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
  • Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
  • Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.
Click to expand...
Just wanna update you. Machine is running well right now.

Firstly, the BSOD went away...I installed Linux OS and was able to run it using cmd but I didnt like it AT ALL...(who does). Anywatys, I put it away for awhile and recently I decided to work on it again. Many plugins were disconnected so I plugged it all in, and tried to start it but got the green light blinking. Got a hiar dryer and heated up the power supply. It powered up, but with no VGA signal and it kept making a high pitched ding. I pulled out a memory stick and tried again. It booted up, and it works perfectly now. Granted, it only has 2gb RAM, 500gb HD, 64bit its better than nothing!
 

My Computer

System One

Thank you for reporting back. I am glad that, at least, the computer is working. Good luck to you
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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