Booting From CD-ROM (IMPORTANT!)

Hi,

I got a 15-day trial key for Parallels Desktop (for Mac). All was going well until recently - on startup I get the message that Windows cannot start because the file:
WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM is corrupt or missing.

The error advises me to insert the original XP disk (XP is the OS I have installed) and boot from it, pressing 'r' at the first screen.

So I put in the CD-ROM with Windows XP on it (pre-purchased CD, so it's not some dodgy downloaded iso) and it wouldn't even let me boot from it before bringing up the same message. Thus, everytime I insert the CD and press 'r' all that happens is the VM restarts.

However, that's not all. My trial ran out today, and I have a final submission of AS Level coursework on it which I have no other copies of. Therefore I desperately need to be able to get back on and get these files off.

Can anyone help please?

Thanks

James

P.S.
I am using an Intel-based MacBook running Mac OS X 10.5.2, and parallels desktop version 3.0 build 5584

 

Hello James,

There is an article on this error in Microsoft support KB.

You can try to get the files from the virtual hard disk (.hdd file) with Parallels Mounter.
Right click the .hdd, open with Parallels Mounter.

Best regards,
Xenos

 

Thankyou so much, Xenos - you have just saved my whole Computing AS Level!

I can now get my work off through the method given, however I would still like to get my parallels running agin (I have a permanent key now). So I read the Microsoft article, but that still prompts to boot from CD.

So, sorry to be a pain, but how exactly do I boot from the XP disc when it's in?

Thanks

James

 

James, could you please attach a screenshot of your VM Configuration Editor, CD/DVD-Rom section?

Best regards,
Xenos

 

Xenos,

Here's the screenshot you asked for



Thanks

James

 

thanks Xenos

so keeping my data in shared folders is not essential any more

my intuiton says that saving into shared folders helps keep the VM slimmer and more efficient - is that correct?


Hugh W

 

Hello,

Jambo6c, thank you for the screenshot. So we can see that "Emulation" is set to "Use CD/DVD-ROM".

Now please open Options section and choose the "Booting" tab. Set "Boot Sequence" to "CD-ROM, Hard Disk, Floppy". Click "OK" to close Configuration Editor.

Insert Windows XP installation disk into your Mac CD/DVD drive. Start the virtual machine after that. Follow the instructions from the Microsoft KB article.

Hugh, if you keep data in shared folders (i.e. on Mac), you use less space of virtual hard disk. However when your work on virtual machine, operations on files stored on virtual hard disk go a little bit more quickly than those on files stored in shared folders.

Best regards,
Xenos

 

Hi Xenos

Ok, I managed to boot from the CD, but after completing the recovery console step (step 1) from the Microsoft KB article, I now cannot access Windows XP normally.

Step two of the article says to reboot in Safe Mode. However, after completing the copy & delete operations within the recovery console, now the Windows XP CD-ROM automatically boots up whenever I restart, so I am unable to get any further. I then tried ejecting the CD, but I am then told that booting from the CD-ROM Drive failed, then booting from the hard drive failed, and booting from the floppy drive failed. I must then re-insert the CD to get anywhere, when it then takes me straight into the Windows Setup.

What can I do?

Thanks

James

EDIT: OK, new error:

I tried going to the recovery console again, and this is what is displayed:

"
Microsoft Windows XP(TM) Recovery Console

The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality.

Type EXIT to quit the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

The path or file specified is not valid.
C:\>
"

Any ideas now?

I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever get it working or whether it's quicker to just delete the VM and start all over again (I just need to get my Coursework off first)

Thanks again

James

 

bump - getting desperate

 

James, to boot into safe mode, you should hit Fn+F8 when Windows is starting to boot up.

An easier way for you now is supposed to be the following: create a new VM, make sure it works properly, attach the .hdd file from your first VM to the new one as a second hard drive (in Configuration Editor). This way you will get access to the files from your old corrupted virtual hard disk when using the new VM.

Best regards,
Xenos

 

Xenos

Thanks, I will try that. Currently my MacBook is being serviced, but when I get it back I shall try out what you have suggested. Thanks!

James