pci.sys error

[Browny]

Hello,
I am getting the following windows startup failure message;

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt:
System32\DRIVERS\pci.sys

I have looked on the MS site and tried their suggestions for this
problem, I have also looked through the suggestions on here.

I have tried the method described for booting into recovery, and doing
the expand from the install CD. I get the message saying that the
file has been expanded but when I try to boot again I get the above
message back.

I have tried swapping the memory modules around, removing them, adding
different ones. But still get the above error.

I have not made any recent HW changes to the machine, not added any
new devices.
The only recent change I did was to use "Raxco Perfectdisk 7", carried
out an offline defrag and then a few online defrags.

I cannot remember if I rebooted after the defrags.

Is there anything else I can try?

Thanks.

 

[Jon Erlandson]

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304449&fr=1

Windows XP problems with damaged or incompatible hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330181

 

[Browny]

I meant to say that the above is on Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I meant to say that the above is on Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.

In that case boot to the Recovery R, and copy (not expand) the file from
the SP2 files in C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles folder into
System32\drivers

 

[Alex Nichol]

In that case boot to the Recovery R, and copy (not expand) the file from
the SP2 files in C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles folder into
System32\drivers

Sorry - should be C:\windows\servicePackFiles\i386 - I overlooked the
i386