BleepingComputer.com: Windows Failed To Start

When I power my laptop on (Sony Vaio), the Windows Boot Manager comes on and says:

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click "Next."
3. Click "Repair your computer."

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.

File: \Windows\system32\config\system

Status: 0xc000014c

Info: Windows failed to load because the system registry file is missing, or corrupt.

My laptop never came with an installation disc or anything because I believe you are supposed to recover your computer within Windows Vista. I'm not precisely sure which version of Vista I have, but I believe its the basic or home edition. The problem started when I left my computer on over night and it went into sleep or standby mode. When I tried to wake it back up it only showed the mouse cursor on a black screen. I held the power button down to turn it off, and when I powered it back on this is what happened.

When I run the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool, after it completes it brings me to the Windows Error Recovery screen.
It gives me options for Safe Mode...etc. None of the options work however, and I don't know what to do from here. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Boot from the Vista DVD and launch Startup Repair: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/repair-windows-with-windows-startup-repair/

If you run a registry cleaners-then do what madman6510 say

Vista Startup Repair is designed to handle this problem (if it's within it's abilities).

I do not recommend the use of registry cleaners due to the problems that they have caused for many people. A search of these forums will show more discussion about this. Also, this link ( http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/61015...y-cleaners.html ) discusses the issue much clearer than I could address it here.

Sony will normally provide recovery disks for free if you contact them. Also, there are downloads of the Startup Repair ISO's listed here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/blogs/usas...?showentry=1261 You can use them to run Startup Repair. Here's a link with more info on Startup Repair: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/repair-windows-with-windows-startup-repair/

If it fails, then there's other steps to take. Post back with the results and we can move on from there.

Hi. Thanks guys. I got a copy of the Vista DVD from a friend. It's working fine now. Just one last question. I have Vista Home Basic. My friend has Vista Home Premium. Could I use his DVD copy to upgrade my Vista Basic to Premium? I don't know if there's much of a difference either way, but Premium sounds better . Thanks again.

All versions of Vista are on the one DVD - it's the product key that determines what version is installed. If you use his product key to install on your system, it's likely to break both his and your systems (not to mention that it's against the EULA and illegal).

Home Premium includes more bells and whistles - but it's not all that different than Home Basic. For most users it's the Media Center and the Aero theme - beyond that you can find freeware apps that'll make up for the difference.

Hi..
Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
* Choose your language settings, and then click and Click Repair your computer.
----------------------------
Gomez
sreevyshcorp

No, if you copy DVD, you have an disc which isnt legal, but if you dont have a Vista DVD you can do it ( but you will break copyrights, so be careful +Windows Vista Can only use 1 Product Key, so just use Home Basic setup and key) And this DVD will be your Recovery Disk + Reinstall DVD

 madman6510, on Oct 7 2008, 07:01 AM, said:

sir i dont think i have this Vista DVD that u r spaeking of, but what i do have is the recovery and application/drivers cd. I also the similar problem posted by eksero...can u please shed light on my problem pls..