Access Denied?

[Obstacle2]

I have a Windows XP computer here that I am attempting to restore the registry using the steps listed here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us

However, when I get into the Recovery Console and type in "md tmp", I get an "Access is Denied" message. Is there any way around this, and if not, what else can I do?

The problem on this computer is that it won't boot, and when booting in safe mode, it hangs on 'atisgkaf.sys' I wonder if I am even approaching this the right way, and if i can fix this. Thanks

[glc]

I'd do a full repair reinstall of XP. Procedures are in the Tips and Tricks forum. You shouldn't lose any data files, but you will have to reinstall all your hardware drivers and possibly all your programs, depending on how bad your registry is hosed.

[Obstacle2]

I did try a reinstall by hitting ENTER at the screen where you choose Install, Recovery, or Exit and I was told that the drive needed to be formatted, and I wanted to try and not lose any data in this situation. Can I slave this drive possibly, or would a repair install keep my data?

[glc]

That is a VERY bad sign. Slave the drive into another machine and see if it's readable before you do anything else.

[Obstacle2]

Okay see that's what I thought too. I'll have to buy an adaptor, as it is in a laptop.

[glc]

If it's that much of a hassle, then run hard drive and ram diags first so you know where you stand.

[Obstacle2]

Well after trying a few times, for some reason, the repair install decided to work, so I took full advantage of it. Since the CD was an SP1, I've got a lot of work in front of me, but just getting into Windows was a big step. Thanks for the suggestions, I'm just glad it didn't come down to slaving.

[glc]

I would still run hard drive and ram diagnostics just to make sure - or it may happen again.