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Damaged pci.sys file - no Windows!

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Martin -  
amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member -
Hello,

I have a problem with an ACER laptop during Windows startup. I can't access Windows; during the loading process, I only see the first screen (ACER logo, which allows access to the BIOS setup). Safe mode doesn't work at all.

After numerous restarts, I'm now getting this message:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: System32/DRIVERS/pci.sys

What should I do? Reinstall Windows with the Recovery CD?

What is the cause of this? I changed the startup settings to speed up the boot process (cluttered with numerous applications like MSN, Boingo Wireless, iTunes Helper, etc.). Could this be due to a mistake I made?

Thank you for your help,
Martin

10 answers

  1.
    amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member 550
     
    you have a problem with a pci
    maybe a telephony modem or something else that is inserted in your pc on your motherboard
    try removing everything except the video card and restart to see
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  2. amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member 550
     
    Have you updated your drivers in the last few days?
    That could also be the cause.
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  3. Martin
     
    Hello,

    Thank you for your response. I didn’t quite understand your answer: there is actually no modem or anything connected to the computer (apart from a built-in modem and Wi-Fi card). Do I need to physically remove them, meaning by opening the computer? How do I remove everything except the video card?

    A few details about what is displayed on the screen: the screen is black with a white horizontal bar that loads as the computer tries to start up. It’s at this point that I receive the error message suggesting I insert the Recovery CD. I did that, but nothing happens (even after restarting). Do you have any ideas?

    Thank you in advance,
    Martin
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  4. amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member 550
     
    Have you updated any drivers in the last few days?
    Or a Windows update or something else?
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  6. Martin
     
    Indeed, there are automatic updates that started installing last night (Windows update) once I turned off my computer. There was then an error screen, so I don’t remember... But yes, this problem follows an automatic Windows update.
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  7. amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member 550
     
    FOR ME, YOU EITHER HAVE A HARDWARE ISSUE OR YOU'RE MISSING SOME DRIVERS

    but which ones?? hard to tell since you can't start Windows
    so the best thing is to reinstall Windows
    maybe the hard drive is dead too
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  8. Martin
     
    OK, I’m starting a Windows reinstallation using the recovery CD. I was hoping to find a solution without overwriting some of my data (thankfully, the hard drive is partitioned) :-). In any case, thank you for your help and quick responses.
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  9. amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member 550
     
    ok
    so you need to start in safe mode and delete those updates
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  11. amd64 Posted messages 5459 Status Member 550
     
    mrd
    so you'll get it done faster by reinstalling Windows.
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