Problem formatting Windows XP SP2

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.

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?

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

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

A few solutions offered there.

Yep, I've looked there.

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

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.

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.

Copy the file(s) to an external USB stick or drive (or 1394) and point the install to that drive during the install.

Jazz I myself could never get that to work no matter how I tried :(

Jazz I myself could never get that to work no matter how I tried :(

Im sure there is a problem with that cd media..

Get a new copy..

Try using another Windows XP disk

run formatxp.exe













:P

LOL

Lets see how many people get

Quote:

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Your search - formatxp.exe - did not match any documents.

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5 Apps For Painless Windows Reformats

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2008/09...ched-thin/?rss

there's no such command

Hence my previous post

LOL

Lets see how many people get

Quote:

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Your search - formatxp.exe - did not match any documents.

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I've tried putting another windows xp disc to use as source for the asms files but it was still frozen when i directed the installation to it.

I think it's the DVD-ROM drive that's fucked, or the HD has bad sectors. I hope it's not the latter, as I had a lot of valuable shite on that HD.

I've tried also with the USB but it wouldn't budge.

Before you go any further, put the drive in another machine (using either a 2.5" external case or a 3.5" adapter) and save your data. If the drive is failing you may get away with that before it fails completely. You can also recreate and format the partition to decide whether the drive is faulty.

yeah i'm thinking your dvd drive is dying on you..try another one

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Originally Posted by lynx

Before you go any further, put the drive in another machine (using either a 2.5" external case or a 3.5" adapter) and save your data. If the drive is failing you may get away with that before it fails completely. You can also recreate and format the partition to decide whether the drive is faulty.

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Yes I might have to do that soon.

Anyway I'm running the latest Ubuntu now.

Fast and swift as a feather.

What often helps is first try chkdsk /r normally I do that with the windows disk. The option appears on the same page as " install" windows..you should choose the option "R.' Then it will ask you which windows installation you wish to repair; more often than not there is only 1, then you tick 1 into the window
Then it will ask you for the admin password. I never set one..so I only have to press enter..then windows will attempt to repair the disk. more often than not this will solve your problem. This can take up to an hour depending on your processor and the number of programs installed :)
It might also be a good idea before you try all that to remove first the internal battery and short circuit the CMOS.( Don't forget to return or replace it with a new battery; many problems can be sorted with a simple lithium battery replacement) Set the computer to boot from CD too. Good luck VillageShaman :)