Problem formatting Windows XP SP2

**The Flying Cow** · 09-01-2008, 12:15 PM

2 or so days ago I tried to reboot my lappie and it gave me a blue screen of death when it was starting up and never managed to load Windows again.

"Last known good configuration" didn't work either.

So I put in my Microsoft Windows XP SP2 CD-ROM, and deleted the C partition, in order to re-instal windows on it.

But now when it loads up the windows installer, it gives me this error: "The file 'asms' on Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 is needed".

I've tried some online tips, like using regedit to correct the problem - but regedit is not available, as I deleted the C partition.

I've also tried to clean the CD Drive and the CD-ROM, and the error persists.

I even tried to burn a CD-ROM with just the 'asms' file, and that didn't work either.

Any tips or advice is much appreciated as I'd really like to be able to use my computer again (have important work to do

)

Thank you in advance for any help.

**vivitron 15** · 09-01-2008, 12:22 PM

Have you previously used the disk you're using to install XP? Could it be duff?

You say you have "deleted" the c: partition - have you recreated it? i.e. is there a partition to install to anymore?

**The Flying Cow** · 09-01-2008, 01:02 PM

Yes I've recreated it. Yes I've used this disk many times before to format Windows.

**IdolEyes787** · 09-01-2008, 01:08 PM

Did you look at this thread?http://www.nocrash.com/ncbbs/msgs/1075.shtml

A few solutions offered there.

**The Flying Cow** · 09-01-2008, 01:33 PM

Yep, I've looked there.

**clocker** · 09-01-2008, 02:02 PM

I'd try a different CD-ROM, cable and install disk.

**tesco** · 09-01-2008, 04:48 PM

Sounds like the disc is faulty imo, could also be cd drive or the cable connecting it as clocker said but i think that's unlikely.

**Detale** · 09-01-2008, 05:11 PM

I agree I think something is screwey with the disk as odd things like this have happened to me before. Obtain yourself a new OS disk and I think things should be fine.