STOP: C0000218 - - - file\SECURITY

Dell 4600 with XP home edition
After (another) power failure this morning, the PC it failed to start. Instead, we (it's my wife's PC) got the BSOD.
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STOP:c0000218 {registry file failure}
the registry cannot load the hive (file):
\systemRoot\System32\Config\SECURITY or its log or alternate.

It is corrupt, absent or not writable

Beginning dump of physical memory
Dump complete... see your...
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• I have read several other similar BSOD threads but with files other than SECURITY, and I do not know if this makes a difference.
• It will not start in SAFE mode.
• I do have the original Dell OS CD w/XP home edition SP 1a.
• Also, the PC has several programs installed by Dell.

Your step-by-step help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Alex

 

Boot up and as soon as the initial POST screen fades, press the F8 key rapidly and repeatedly to obtain the Advanced Boot Options screen. Select "Last known good" and allow it to boot.

Many times that will get you back up and running.

 

While I was reading the forum for your replies last night, my wife, unbeknownst to me, turned on her computer and it booted OK! When I saw her she was reading her emails. She then Alt-Tab to show me a notice from Microsoft. The notice alerted to the fact that there had been an error in reading files, and that this may indicate a serious hard disc problem, but not necessarily.

I backed up our data files to a 2-1/2" USB external drive, and as recommended, ran "˜Error-checking’ and "˜Fix’ from "˜My Computer > C > Properties > Tools’. Rebooted, and the computer appears to be fine.

I suspect the problem was created by the power failure or more likely, "˜brown-out’, as not all the appliances went to blinking displays after the failure. I think "˜brown-outs’ and rapidly intermittent failures must be havoc on hard drives.

Thanks for your time and help anyway.

Alex