WIN.COM error, computer wont boot!

[iceman82nd]

Well it's my neighbors computer, i was just cleaning out some old crap on their computer, rebooted and the next thing i know ive got a bookload of problems. It first started out with the "NTLDR is missing... press any key to restart" I put in a copy of windows xp and got the file transfered and fixed. I restarted then the next thing i know im getting, following files are missing or corrupt: himem.sys , dblbluff.sys , ifshlp.sys Cannot find WIN.COM cannot/unable to load. I've typed several things into C:\ such as; "path" instead of getting windows\win.com i got nothing, does that mean it's an msdos.sys problem? I've tried to get into the sys recovery wizard but the computer doesnt have that option in bios. I type in vers and get windows 98, yet xp is installed on the comp but i dont think that matters much. I've tried step by step config but it just restates that those files are missing. Ive burned those files aside from the xp cd but it wont transfer the files. Ive also created a boot disk from microsoft (6 floppys), then i booted the comp up from floppy drive and it said "Non-system disk/disk error" "Replace and strike key when ready".

I've then taken the hd out of the comp and put it into mine as a secondary drive. It loaded the drive as a master rather than secondary. The hd is a Maxtor Model:32049H2 HDA:02A PCBA:09A It says on the drive that the Master/Single is on and slave is off. Jumper is J50 but cannot find nor not really sure how to switch it so the drive is slave to my primary drive on my computer so i can run it and get the files on the drive.

Really there is no option, i have to get this to work for there are files on the drive that have files for the company which my neighbor works for, for years stored. I took it to geek squad and asked them, they really had no idea and were less informed about this than i was. Rather pathetic, but im rather exhausted and need your help guys. Please any information is helpful, im not up to date as much on the computer terms so if you can make them in laymans terms that would be very much appreciated.

I talked to dell support on the phone, and i came to the conclusion that i can just install copy of xp, without formatting anything and all my files\folders will still be on the computer. Just when i get to the blue screen, rather than partition crate another folder (C:\ 2) and install copy on that. Does that sound right to anybody?

Thanks,

Joseph

[Dencandy]

Before you re-install XP, can you boot up in Safe Mode? If yes, immediately copy all the data files your friend needs before you do anything else. If you do re-install XP you might recover some files with special recovery software, but it's not guaranteed especially as the HD seems to be in such a mess with different operating systems on it.

I hope you've explained to your friend about the importance of making regular back-ups of important data onto an external medium.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

And before reinstalling Windows, try to boot into Last Known Good Configuration; that should restore all your missing files.

[iceman82nd]

First off, no, i cant load into safe mode it wont allow me to. Secondly, on this old computer it wont load last known good config either believe it or not. What im working on now is making this Maxtor hd a slave drive behind my primary on my comp. Back to the otehr issue, when i put the xp disc in it wont load that as windows starts, even when i make that the first boot device. (first and only) This maxtor gives a very poor diagram of moving the jumper on it, and to a point of mislabled? but its more difficult than it seems. All feedbacks are helpful, Thanks!

[iceman82nd]

P.S. I have tried to run a boot cd, and apparently it wont read it, even when i make the first boot device (and only) boot from cd, it wont read it, just skip over it and go to win.com error.