Fatal Error: C:0000218

I have a two part question:

1 - I'm trying to install third party software that works well on other PCs running W2k PRO. This is a stand-alone unit and exceeds the minimum requirements for Win2K Pro. I'm using W2k PRO SP4. After the installation of third party software and Restart I get the following:

Fatal Error: C:0000218 {Registry File Failure}The registry cannot load the hive(file):
\SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or it's log or alternate.
It is corrupt, absent, or not writeable.

After the error the PC goes into a endless loop of restart. The only way I can get the system back is with the ERD or a clean install. This problem is not associated with any particular piece of software.

2 - I'm using a Maxtor ATA133 HHD with an ATA133 Adapter card. I was wondering if there is a way to create a Bootable CD to include these drivers. Or could this drive be the problem.

I have searched the WEB high and low with very few results. Any suggrstions will go a long way to preserving my sanity.

Thank you,

Jim Brookhouser

 

Answering in reverse, the only way you will be able to make a bootable CD with these drivers is via the unattended setup route. You will need to add the drivers in the right place in the CD to get Windows to include them.
There are some excellent articles on unattended setup on Microsoft's TechNet site, or you could look at Labmice http://www.labmice.net/ who have a ton of links to information on setting these up. You will probably want to look at the deployment or installation sections for information.

The first question is a little more tricky. Can you replicate the error? Have you pinned it down to one specific application installation that causes the error? I suspect that something doesn't like one of the fixes in Service Pack 4. You haven't said what the third party application was, but if it was some kind of application that works closely with the system then there is a good chance that is the problem.
However without more research on your part to find the exact cause of the problem, whether it is one application or something else, making suggestions to fix is difficult.

Simon.

 

Fatal Error c:0000218

Simon,

Thank you for your reply and the useful tips. I don't think any software I have installed is associated with the system. Since the problem began I haven't tried installing any software that is not in use by at least two other PC's with W2k SP4 and no problems. It also seems that it is the installation of the 4th third party application that does the deed. This process can be done in any order until the 4th event. This may be of no significance but it is a recurring event.

Jim

 

Re: the software loading problem - if the same apps work on other systems and if you've had the issue even after doing a clean install of the OS and trying again, about the only thing I can think of is a problem with SP4.

Do the other PCs that do fine have SP4?

If so, did you install the software before the SP so that they were loaded on SP3?