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Computer Problem: NTFS.sys Corrupted

cosmicenemacosmicenema
edited August 2007 in Technology
First of all, I apologize for posting my silly computer problems but I’m at the end of my experience with this one and I can’t find anything else on Google to help.

Basically my Windows XP S2 partition got an error in the ntfs.sys file and I’m having problems fixing it. I immediately tried the useless windows repair to fix the file but it couldn’t find the partition. I also tried to add the hard drive as a slave to a computer that had windows working to see if I could overwrite the file that way, but after freezing for a good three minutes and throwing a few errors at me, it only recognized it as an unformatted partition.

Here’s the kicker; when I try to boot in Safe Mode, it pulls a whole bunch of files from the hard drive before it tries to pull ntfs.sys and errors out so I know my files are in tact.

I’m fairly close to just reinstalling windows on the partition but I wanted to know if anyone here knew of another way I could access the data on the hard drive to update the file and save my install. I have a separate partition for OS and installed programs so I won’t loose many files (nothing too important anyway) but I’d really like to avoid re-installing. I also would like to not loose my game saves if possible. Also . . . my wife uses this partition for many of her files. I think we have the important ones backed up but you know.

Before anyone mentions I should switch to Linux . . . I’m damned close. How can Windows corrupt the ONE file that makes the whole partition unreadable? It’s sick. So on the other hand, if you have tips on getting into Ubuntu, also let me know. ^-^

Let me know if you need to know any more information.

Comments

  • m16 elitestm16 elitest
    If you want to get into Ubuntu or other Linux distros check out HowToForge.
  • SailSail
    I love how the first post is about installing Linux rather than helping with your problem XD

    Windows has pulled this sort of thing on me a few times, but unfortunately all the solutions are preemptive. Boot disks and backups saved my rear a few times as I was able to replace the corrupted file, but obviously you aren't going to be able to make any now. In my opinion, you're probably gonna have to reinstall your OS, be it Windows or a Linux alternative.
  • AprecheApreche
    There is probably a solution to your problem. I'm sure that searching on Google or finding a Windows expert can save you. However, it is probably easier to just reinstall. I've found this with a lot of problems in general in the world. There are often solutions to problems that just cost so much time or money that a more drastic solution is more practical. For example, if the transmission in your car breaks, it is often easier to just replace it than to have it repaired. With Windows, it is often easier to just reinstall than try to fix it.
  • m16 elitestm16 elitest
    I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news.
  • bodtchboybodtchboy
    Is it an older or less powerful AMD computer?
  • cosmicenemacosmicenema
    Is it an older or less powerful AMD computer?
    Yes. XP2500. Dies this make a difference?
  • bodtchboybodtchboy
    Well, Athalon chips might be ok. We have some Sempron processors at work that seemed to have the same problem. We were only able to get into windows in safe mode and even that took forever. Our IT department told us there is a compatibility issue with service pack 2 and the AMD computers they had. There was a file they deleted and it worked fine, but I don't remember what the file was. I can call them and ask them, but it's a hit or miss with that department. Some are really clueless and others know what they're doing. In fact, my fellow co-worker had this happen to his computer before it hit mine. He was with IT all day in which they erased his hard drive and reinstalled everything instead of deleting the file.
    You could try to uninstall all of service pack 2 and see if that works, I suppose.
  • cosmicenemacosmicenema
    You could try to uninstall all of service pack 2 and see if that works, I suppose.
    I've had SP2 for quite a while and I would certainly be willing to try that if I could get it to boot at all! I dunno, I may keep trying. I guess my wife was using the My Documents folder instead of the spare partition . . . [sigh]. Either way, I think she'll learn her lesson.

    I asked her, "Is this your first hard drive failure?". It was cute.
  • bodtchboybodtchboy
    It won't boot in safe mode? Sounds like something different.

    Well, I'm out of ideas. Good luck! ;)
  • cosmicenemacosmicenema
    It won't boot in safe mode?
    It crashes when it tries to get the ntfs.sys file to boot into safe mode. Thanks anyway.
  • LusankyaLusankya
    Don't hold me to this, but if memory serves me correctly, ntfs.sys contains a public encryption key that works in conjunction with your Windows password (as a private key) to encrypt your files. So, while replacing ntfs.sys may allow you to properly access your unencrypted files once more, your encrypted goodies will be gone for good. Keep in mind though, my knowledge of Windows has been rapidly declining since I've started using Linux ;)
  • AprecheApreche
    Don't hold me to this, but if memory serves me correctly, ntfs.sys contains a public encryption key that works in conjunction with your Windows password (as a private key) to encrypt your files. So, while replacing ntfs.sys may allow you to properly access your unencrypted files once more, your encrypted goodies will be gone for good. Keep in mind though, my knowledge of Windows has been rapidly declining since I've started using Linux ;)
    I don't think this will happen unless you tell Windows you want to encrypt your drive.
  • cosmicenemacosmicenema
    Don't hold me to this, but if memory serves me correctly, ntfs.sys contains a public encryption key that works in conjunction with your Windows password (as a private key) to encrypt your files. So, while replacing ntfs.sys may allow you to properly access your unencrypted files once more, your encrypted goodies will be gone for good. Keep in mind though, my knowledge of Windows has been rapidly declining since I've started using Linux ;)
    I don't think this will happen unless you tell Windows you want to encrypt your drive.
    Which I don't do. If I wanted that there are better programs for it.

    Thank you for the tips however!
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