Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}

[McK1987]

Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate

Hi Guys,

I have a Sony Vaio laptop which was failing to start up due to the 'ci.dll file being missing or corrupt. So I inserted my Vista recovery disk and used the command prompt to replace the ci.dll file with the ci'dll file from the disk.

I then restarted and got to the Windows loading screen and thought all was well until it hung with a blank screen after the windows loading screen and then a BSOD appeared with the message above.

Now I have tried booting from Vista Recovery disk, ERD Commander, running chkdsk/scandsk/ sys restore, startup repair and last night I even ended up going with a full system recovery from the recovery partition. However, after formatting the C\ drive, once it moves on to the Windows Installation, I receive the same message!

What you think guys? HD goosed or anybody have any suggestions how I can get round this one?

Also, I would like to note I have looked around on Google, Microsoft Support, Sony Vaio Support and various other tech forums before posting on here so I have attempted troubleshooting this one before turning to help on here!

Thanks in advance guys! You guys are usually really helpful so here's hoping you can provide the suggestion that will crack this one!

 

[kevinjhaag]

Give this a try for now!

There are many things you could check and here are a few suggestions.

1: Reset BIOS to factory defaults.
2: Make sure computer is not overheating.
3: Run Diagnostics on Hard Drive to see if it is good or not.
4: Run Diagnostics on RAM to see if it is good or not.
5: Run a Virus Scan on Hard Drive from a AV boot disk. (I've been running into rootkits and mbr viruses lately that cause random blue screens and errors.) The recovery partition could have been infected too.
6: Try another hard drive to double check its not the hard drive.
7: If more than one piece of RAM, pull all out except one and see if things get better. If not swap with another piece of RAM. Or if you have any RAM on the shelf, use that to test machine.

Many would also suggest trying a linux live disk to see if that works ok on the computer. Well try that for now and let us know what you have found. Good Luck and take care.

Kevin