Today I was scheduled to repair Toshiba Satellite Pro M10-S405 laptop with a “software problem”. The customer complained that he is getting the following error right after he turns on his laptop.
ERROR
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
System32\Drivers\ntfs.sys
I started the laptop and got the above mentioned error right away. Restarted it again and on startup a different file was missing:
System32\Drivers\pci.sys
If you search on the internet for these errors you will find a lot of tips how to fix it. Unfortunately, on most websites this error is mentioned only as a software problem. They say that you can fix it if you replace corrupted files from a Windows CD using a recovery console. I guess in some cases you can fix the problem by replacing corrupted files, but from my experience I know that these kinds of errors are very often caused by a faulty memory module.
I started testing the memory on the laptop with Memtest 86+ utility and the memory failed right away. The laptop had 2 memory sticks installed. I tried to eliminate a bad stick by removing and installing modules one by one into different slots on the system board. The same pattern occurred on startup:
- the laptop booted to Windows fine when only slot 1 was populated (tried both memory sticks)
- the laptop wouldn’t boot at all (there were no video) when only slot 2 was populated
- the laptop booted with a missing file error when both memory slots were populated
Unfortunately, it this case the error was caused by a defective memory slot on the system board, not just a bad memory stick. To fix the problem I had to replace the entire system board.
Conclusion: if you get a missing file error on startup and replacing the corrupted file doesn’t help, check the memory sticks on your laptop.
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April 13th, 2006 at 6:52 am
Hi Neth,
When you restore the Windows XP operating system, your hard drive will be reformatted and you loose all your data on it. Before you run a restore CD you can connect the laptop hard drive to a desktop computer and back up/transfer all important data.
April 13th, 2006 at 5:40 am
In the case that i can’t boot to window because missing some files of window soIf i restore the win xp, do my data in my laptop lose or not?
April 10th, 2006 at 9:34 am
Hi
Saddly I have exactly the same problem. I bought new memory. As long as you only use the first memory slot, everything is fine.
A new motherboard costs $300!! forget it!!
Bye
April 4th, 2006 at 6:56 pm
I have the same problem as lynne
Acer travelmate 4500 the last few days I was experiencing the following problem the LCD was turning on and off for a short amount of time today the computer would not turn on I unplugged the battery and tried directly with the power cable I notice the system fan come on for a very short time and then turn off very quickly but the power button and the power indicator stayed on on the notebook
I have tried the following
replace the hard drive
I reset the memory modules
also prior to the completely shut down. I tested the system board and CPU with my bootable diagnostic hardware utility and it seem to be fine at the time. what can be causing this problem this is the first time I have never experienced this problem with my personal laptop unfortunately this laptop is not on the warranty anymore
I appreciate any help or advice thank you my e-mail is
April 4th, 2006 at 7:35 am
Hi,
I have exactly (!) the same problem. Because warranty is over, I bought new memory. As long as you only use the first memory slot, everything is fine. I think I will have to let them change the system board, too. How much was it?
Bjorn
March 30th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
Dave,
You can try to boot you laptop in Save mode and then use the system restore feature (Windows XP). Go to Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore. Do you remember the date you were able to log in successfully? Try to revert the operating system back to that time.
March 30th, 2006 at 10:58 am
can only start toshiba laptop in safe mode; any other attempt it just sete at windows start up screen
March 24th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Hi there,
You say you computer will not turn on, but it is not enough to troubleshoot it. I can try to help you if I can, but I need a better description of the problem you have. Do you see anything on the screen? Do you hear any strange grinding sounds? Does your laptop make any beeps on startup? Do you see any LED activity? Does the hard drive spins?
March 24th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
my computer wont turn on…the battery and the ac adaptor is ok. bothe the battery indicator and dc in are color green. i need help. tokyo.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
toshiba m30x-129 is not starting at all wheras i shut it down properly and without and faults.