start up failed due to corrupt drive, urgent help please

A

adam1234

New Member
ok so i was going to go on my PC this morning and i come across a problem, when i start up my PC It come up with this error

File: \Windows\system32\drivers\N360\0403000.005\SYMEFA.SYS

Status: 0xc0000098

Info: Windows failed to load becasue a critical system driver is missing, or corrupt



my Pc told me to fix this i should insert the Windows Installation disc and restart my computer, the problem is i dont have access to the disc or any former disc, also I have tried every safe mode setting and booting as normal none of these work, I am willing to completely wipe my PC, well anything as long as I can do the things I previously was doing such as playing world of warcraft, accessing the internet, listening to music anything a teenager would do, thanks for reading this and any form of help would be much appreciated
 

My Computer

System One

If you received a restoration disc when you bought the computer that is what you should use to regain use of the computer.
If you did not receive a disc, you can regain use by restoring factory specs. You will lose everything (doucments etc) but the computer will be like the first day that you took it home.
We need the computer make and model to help with that.

Another alternative is to try this.
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

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

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**.
If none of these ideas work, the best way is to contact the manufacturer of your computer, if the Operating System was preinstalled, and buy for cost ($25.00) a Vista install DVD and then just make a clean install.
 

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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