Start-Up Problems w/Windows XP Service Pack 2

Yesterday I did a windows update. After processing through several installments and reboots, I can no longer start-up windows normally. I can only access explorer through safe-mode. I wouldn't mind, but barely any programs I use the computer for, don't operate in safe-mode. This could be the wrong forum area for this post, but I figured this was a result of installing the Windows Security Service Pack 2.

When I do start up windows normally, a blue error sreen pops up:

Stop: c000021a {Fatal System Error}
The session manager initialization system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc000026c (0x0000000 0x0000000)
The system has been shut down

When I turn computer off and then on again, another blue screen pops up, saying something about the "system32/ntdll.dll" file.

I'm a serious novice when it comes to computers. I'd like to try everything possible to resolve this without the loss of data (I have many of important files). If anyone has any suggestions on how I can fix this problem without having to reformat, please let me know!

 

What brand of PC? I think Dell has this sort of problem with at least one of the major updates.

This can be fixed but only if you would be comfortable editing your registry. Some folks get real nervous about doing that.

Please copy down the exact and entire error you get that references the system32/ntdll.dll file.

 

Willing To Edit Registry

Correct, the brand of my PC is a Dell.

Thank you for your interest in helping me, Newt.

Here's the situation. Almost every time I download and install major updates, my computer becomes exhausted with errors, specifically upon the finalizing step of restarting (and any attempt to restart afterwards). Thus, I've disabled the auto update and often times, void any windows security enhancements that arise. I know it's not a smart idea to do so, but my computer works perfectly fine when I'm not meddling with critical updates.

As I have mentioned earlier, two blue screens interfere while windows starts up. I can override this problem by turning the computer off, and then starting it up again. This normally takes 3 or 4 tries. If not that, I have to start windows in "Safe Mode." Once I’m logged on, I click restart from the start menu. Still, both methods take several attempts. I’m starting to think my accessibility to Windows is mere luck.

Here are the two errors:

Stop: c000021a {Fatal System Error}
The session manager initialization system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc000026c (0x0000000 0x0000000)
The system has been shut down

Stop: c0000221 Unknown Hard Error
\SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll

In addition to these interferences, once I am logged on and windows is running, a lot of programs do not work, or will close for unknown reasons.

I have never edited or messed with registry, but I’m confident with following instructions, especially if it’ll help me digress from this dilemma. I would appreciate your assistance with this matter greatly, or any software expert available here. I’m quite aware of how active this forum is, so do not feel obliged or rushed to reply to this post. I’m ready when you are and am not intolerably anxious to resolve this tech-problem. Thanks!

 

Hello SyntacticAntic,

I'd like to try everything possible to resolve this without the loss of data (I have many of important files).
Hate to sound like a scold, but commom sense ought to indicate that backing up your user files is in order. Don't you have a burner?

XP has built in burning software, it's not elaborate but it works. Type > burn < into the Help and Support applet's search box on the start menu.

You may well have to reinstall the OS and you should be ready for that.

Regards - Charles

 

Since you are able to eventually get Windows to boot, go to the Add/Remove Programs tool in the Control Panel and uninstall the last Update that caused this problem. You may get lucky.

 

Hmmm. Interesting that the system does this with most critical updates.

The Stop: c0000221 Unknown Hard Error is described in This article and the recommended 'fix' is to replace the bad file - \SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll so if your system is set up with XP on your C: drive and running from Windows, c:\windows\system32\ntdll.dll. If that file is damaged I'm not at all surprised you are having troubles.

Post back when you have all your important personal files (photos, documents, email, address book, etc.) safely burned to CD or backed up to tape. We should be able to get your PC working without hurting anything but no sense in taking a chance.

 

Impressed

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!!!

You're right, charlesvar, I should expect at least some loss of data through the process, considering that I preferred not to loss any at all, ha. Who am I trying to fool? A lot of registry files are damaged and I'm annoyed with inconsistent start-ups. I've been doing silly things like holding down F10, or pressing "Enter" as much as possible while Windows loads (thinking it helps when I'm almost certain it holds no technical influence).

So, I'm going to pursue the act of burning necessary files onto a disc and reinstalling Windows XP (and or Reformat. Not sure if that's the same thing). Even though it was my last option, I think it's best to go through with it.

Just a few questions—once I have everything reformatted, should I continue auto-updates? I know that it’s encouraged to do so but, in every occurrence they turned out to be creators of errors rather than remedies or preventions.

Well, you guys are awesome! SERIOUSLY. I'll be back w/an update... not a computer update but in regards of this situation. Thanks!

 

Hi syntacticantic

Sorry to hear about your computer woes. I too own a Dell and had to reinstall XP a couple of days ago. My errors were caused by bad hard drive. Surprisingly, it was pretty easy and good practice for next time.
There is a good site on preparing for a reinstall of xp on a Dell system
here:
http://www.djdenham.com/Install Procedures.htm

Key down to about the middle of the page where it says
Installing/Reinstalling Windows XP. Before you reinstall make note of the drivers you are using for your devices and what devices they are: graphics card, sound card, ethernet, modem, etc. Make sure you have the drivers ready (they should have included them on a dell resource cd or on separate cds)
There is an option built into xp to do a quick format before reinstalling.

The best thing about reinstalling is that you don't have to load all the **** that originally comes with the factory install. You can pick and choose what you want.

Good luck and I hope all goes well!!!!!!

 

I would turn AU off and do the updates manually. Control Panel > Security Center > Updates and tick off.

Two ways to do this:
Go the AU site via Start > all programs > Windows Update and allow the scan and pick an update(s).

Or, in the left pane in the AU site, you'll see Administrator options, click and in the main pane > "search Windows update Catalog ". AU will scan your system, then you search the appropriate section - XP SP1 or SP2 - and download the KB updates. Treat it as any other software setup process, keeping the Update setup file for future need. You have to know the KB # and description, you'll know by allowing the normal scan making note of the #.

No matter which way, do it one at a time - say a day in between at least to see the effects, with manual System restore points for each one so they can be rolled back. The criticals create an SR point by themselves -usually.

Regards - Charles

 

SyntacticAntic,

Just had to throw in my two cents, because I remember where this began; infected and behind on updates, and updated to SP2 on my recommendation. Staying updated is very important! Charles' approach is good in that it will help you to more easily identify any problems created by an update, which makes it easier to find solutions. The down side is being open to many vulnerabilities until you get all updates applied, which could be a rather long process doing them one at a time and a day apart. Since you are using at least pre-SP2, maybe even pre-SP1, make sure you install a firewall and antivirus first if you choose that route. I would also suggest immunizing with Spybot, SpywareBlaster and IESpyad right out of the gate. Keep your surfing to a minimum until fully updated.

 

Dave's right if this is a new install. And we're all so attuned to security with firewalls and AV's and other security software and methods, that mentioning them is almost like saying "don't forget to breath"

I was thinking more in terms of a long term way of updating.

Regards - Charles

 

SyntacticAntic - unless you are just tired of fooling with the PC and want to do a new install, you are quite a ways away from really needing to do that.

I think you have a couple of registry entries that need to go away and then a couple of simple repair commands to run and you should be back in business without the errors. If not, then you can always do the format/install thing.

If you want to proceed, the registry entries that need removing (and we can give you specifics on how to do this). Using regedit is about as complicated as deleting pieces from a text file.

In all of these locations

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSetXXX\Control\Session Manager
(where XXX is a 3 digit number like 001, 002, etc.)

Under the Session Manager key, copy (to paper) and then delete any PendingFileRenameOperations entries.

Remove any PendingFileRenameOperations entries in the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce

Close the registry editor.

After the above which will take you about 10 minutes since you are new to manuvering with the registry editor,

Click on start, on run, key in

Code:

sfc /scannow

and click OK. The system file checker should replace any damaged or missing system files including the ntdll.dll file that is causing one of your errors. The command runs automatically although it will ask you for your XP CD.

After that,
Click on start => run => cmd and click OK.
Then

Code:

chkdsk /r

and press ENTER then answer Yes to tell the PC to run the chkdsk command at next boot. Reboot.

I really think the above will take care of most, if not all of your problems.