Computer keeps rebooting - missing system32 file

I am running Win XP Home SP2. Today when I started it with a cold boot, I first received an error message about a system32 file, I then hit the return button (as I usually do) to start a reboot which usually clears the problem. This time the system booted almost into windows, there was a lot of hard drive action, and then the boot started over from scratch. It did this several times so I hit F8 and then tried to start it with the last successful boot. It did the same thing. So I booted it into safe mode and am now running Norton AV.
Anyone have an idea how to fix this problem or what caused it?
Also, I am in the middle of some critical work which is in some folders on this computer. Can I copy those folders to a CD when it is running in safe mode? and then continue the work on my laptop. If not, any suggestions how I can get those files off of that machine swo I can continue working on them?
Thanks.
Incidentally, I recently deleted TurboTax2006 and another tax program and I loaded TurboTax2008. Nothing else much has happened.

 

Houston we have a problem

Don't worry flight, we'll just ignore it like we usually do

Seriously Ackerberg, how often do you get these error reports?

You should be able to back up your data in safe mode but once you have done so run disk diagnostics on your hard drive please select the appropriate link from this list...

ExcelStore, Hitachi/IBM, Samsung, Seagate, Maxtor, Quantum, Western Digital

Unashamedly stolen from Pete C (thanks)

 

OK here's the story. I booted into safemode, ran Norton AV and then sfc /scannow. I then rebooted and Windows started and afterwards I received a message that I had escaped a fatal error related to memory pool corruption caused by the program IOMdisk.sys.
I do have an Iomega external disk which I have used once, it is not connected to my computer but apparently the program IOMdisk.sys created this problem.
They have told me to download software that will allow me to enable driver verifier.
Does anyone know anything about this? It states that Iomega is working closely with MS to solve this problem.

 

My first step would be to update to SP3 and see if you still have the same problem.

 

Thank you for your help.

 

IMHO upgrading a flaky XP installation to SP3 would not solve anything.

Its better to find out the problem, correct it & then upgrade.

 

RSInfo - Agreed!!

 

Run chkdsk /f on C drive. See if it throws up something.

Backup your data & run manufacturer's hdd util as suggested by wildfire.

 

I ran seagate hd utility. HD passes.
The problem is related to an Iomega.sys program that loads at startup and corrupts my files. I turned it off using msconfig.

 

You may also want to check Services too. I do not know if your IOMega software required any, but if any are left running, that could also create a problem even if you have disabled the software from running on startup.

 

That is where I disabled it, In Services. I could not find it in Start Up.
Thanks.
Funny, that this problem should suddenly occur. The program has been on my computer for years. I wonder if loading TurboTax 2008 had anything to do with it?

 

Brings an old saying to mind,

"Computers don't make mistakes, what they do, they do on purpose! "​

Who knows why these puppies do what they do sometimes?

 

Similar problem, but here is another wrinkel.

I unistalled IOMEGA, via Control Panel/Add or Remove programs, when we stopped using the hardware a few years ago. Iomega no longer appears there. But when this crash and restart problem started some weeks back I noticed that there is a folder at C:/Program Files/Iomega. Tried to delete it but I receive an "Access denied ... " warning

Any clues as to why the Iomega programs are there and why I can't delete them?

 

The Iomega program is in the Services tab and starts up with the computer. Use Msconfig/services tab--
Scroll down to Iomega, uncheck it and restart your computer. If the program is not loaded you can probably uninstall it.
Please let me know what happens.
Did your problem start when you loaded Turbotax?

 

Did msconfig etc. But when the system restarted there was a message from System Configuration Utility that the system was in diagnostic or selective start up and I needed to go to the General tab and undo the changes that I'd made.

then there wa a series of error messages;

CTF Loader has encountered a problem and needs to close. Etc.

Windows Defender User Interface has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconveniencehe inconvenience

and one from Windows that the sytem has recovered froma serious error...

Closing the latter opens the System Config Utility. For the time being I'll reverted to the default normal start. I noticed that the IOMEGA is still unchecked.

After the restart I'll be back withany further info.

GR

 

When you restart after making a change in MSconfig, you will get a message and you should check the box so it does not inform you again. Did you load Turbotax?

 

Don't have TurboTax, hence not installed.

The related box in msconfig services is "IOMEGA App Services" I've unchecked it again. In the General Tab, have checked "Normal Start up" The clicked OK.

I'll go do the expected restart then come back.

GR