Hi,
My computer was fine just the other day, but i started it up today and now it wont boot up! I get an error message ‘Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.
File : CLASSPNP.SYS
Status : 0xc0000221
Info : windows failed to start because a required file is missing, or corrupt.
I put my vista setup disc in, i ran ALL the things it told me to (system restore, windows memory diagnostic, system repair, command prompt) but still they all fail.
I dont want to lose ANY files, because i have been doing lots of work lately on the pc and saved lots of important documents, is there a way i can reinstall vista without losing any of my important work?
Tagged with: diagnostic system • error message • info windows • memory • message windows • software change
Filed under: Windows Repair Software
did you try to boot in safe mode?, (hitting F8 at windows splash screen)
if you can get in in safe mode, back up all your important stuff to flash drive or cd’s first before you try anything else.
then try the built in system restore and try to roll it back to an earlier date.
if that won’t work and the stuff is real important, you could buy a new hard drive, put it in as primary un plug the original drive, install windows on the new drive, get it all set up, then plug in the old drive as a slave and you should be able to pull off your data
If you can get to the DOS prompt try this:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392
You may be able to do an In Place Upgrade and install vista over itself if your recovery disk has the same service pack as your vista installation
This way will keep your current data
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/repair_a_vista_installation_using_the_upgrade_option_of_the_vista_dvd.htm