Windows XP: cannot boot! Help!

[MookoTheKing]

I replaced the msgina.dll file in my windows/system32 folder and now I cannot start up windows! I have backed up the old msgina.dll but I can't get into a command prompt to replace the new one with the old one. How would I go about fixing this problem without having to reformat? I've read that if I use the recovery console, I can get into a command prompt and replace the file but I never installed recovery console when my pc was working so what should I do?

[ahodes1]

Boot from the Windows XP CD and choose to repair an installation. Then you can choose recovery console and fix it via a command prompt, and if that doesn't work choose to allow it to repair the installation. If you use the 2nd option you must reinstall ALL hotfixes and services packs installed.

[MookoTheKing]

I tried repairing the installation but when setup is almost done copying files, it gives me an error saying it cannot complete the setup. Also, I tried using the recovery console but it asks me for an adminstrator password. I don't know what the hell the password is, I'm not even sure if I ever put a password for the adminstrator. Is there a default password for administrator that I could use?

[atomoverride]

Go out and get Admin Tools v3 or the ERD Commander. The Admin pack will run ya about 699 and the ERD Commander will run ya 399. But they both have excelent tools for recoevering any pc problem. Well worth the money when considering it saves you time and time is money.

Rumor has it theres a repack on the internet that is called the "SuperERD" disc and it has the admin pak 3 on the ERD Commander disc along with other tools like Norton Utilities and junk like that. But I wouldnt know where to get such a thing.

[Vlad]

If you didn't enter a password in windows xp during the setup, then it doesn't have a password, ie, just hit "enter" at the password prompt. This is why people shouldn't be messing with their system files :dead: :dead: :right: :ponder: :dead: :s