can't fix corrupt or missing file: ntfs.sys?

Question

I've tried repairing ntfs.sys w/ Windows XP CD, but the setup says that it cannot find any hard drives!! I have 2 hard drives and it doesn't recognize either of them! In system BIOS it does recognize both of them and their capacity. I've tried disconnecting and reconnecting them- no luck.

I've also tried replacing ntfs.sys w/a boot disk that gives me a dos prompt- I can see the files on both hard drives, including ntfs.sys, but when I try to copy the version from the Win XP CD to the c:\ drive or other hard drive for that matter, it says invalid directory! I can see the files, but can't do anything with them!

How do I repair the ntfs.sys?!? How can I get my PC to work? Please help!

I've tried re-installing windows xp w/ install disc, but the windows set-up says there are NO hardrives in my computer (again, I have 2). Reinstalling windows won't work. Please help!

By the way, I've checked and reched BIOS settings, and they are correct. I even tried setting everything to default- still doesn't work. Finally, I even tried installing windows onto my 2nd hard drive after disconnecting the 1st, but it still doesn't recognize either drive.

Answer 1

To resolve this problem do the followings:-
1] Boot computer with the Windows XP CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive.

2] To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

3] At the command prompt, type the following commands:-

cd \windows\system32\drivers [Press the ENTER Key]

ren ntfs.sys ntfs.old [Press the ENTER Key]

If the ntfs.sys file is there and corrupt it will rename it. If it is not there then it was missing.

4]At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

copy X:\i386\ntfs.sys drive:\windows\system32\drivers [Where X=CD-ROM Drive]

5]Remove the Windows XP CD from CD-ROM drive, type quit, and then
press ENTER to quit the Recovery Console.

6. Restart the system.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I would suggest a less headache way to replace the system files.

You will need to boot from the Windows XP disc. I am not sure if you are using the recovery disc or not.

However, when booting from the Windows XP disc. You can choose to re-install Windows system including the files. There shouldn't be any reason to format but to replace within the partition.

Instead of the System Console, you are using the regular installation to re-install the system files.

I personally have done this many time. You would realized that you can saves time any way.

Now if the problem persist, the motherboard could be overheating but it have nothing to do with disconnect harddrive. The harddrive sent out the blue screen, it would be stupid to believe that a disconnected harddrive sent it out? Make sense?

Answer 4

Besides what the others have said about trying to repair the files, I've had success hooking up the hard drive as a slave to a functional PC and during boot up, it automatically corrects all of the file structure problems. I just did this when a friend got nailed by a power surge and got darn lucky. The PC would not boot. Pulled the drive as described above and the other PC repaired the files. Booted up fine after that.

Cables checked out ok? Tried other ata ports?

Answer 5

Several options. Check the bios for proper settings. Put the bios settings to default if u have to. Unplug the cable off the mobo and hds make sure the cables and the jumpers on the hds are set correctly.

Answer 6

Without actually seeing what's happening, all I can tell you is that some boot viruses do exactly what you are describing. That is only one possibility for what is happening I'm sure there are others.