My computer hasnt been in the best shape recently (random restarts when too many programs are running, messed up graphics just to name a couple). Last night, however, I was trying to setup a hybrid network at my house and tried to turn off Windows firewall for a little bit. When I checked the box to disable it, the comp restarted, but hasn't been able to reach the login screen since. It gets to the screen with the Windows logo and progress bar, goes to a black screen, then restarts. I disabled the auto reboot option and the BSOD gave me a "stop: c000021a fatal system error" message. Here is what I have tried: 1) boot in safe mode -restarts after the screen showing all the .sys files; doesn't reach login 2) open system recovery to try and do a repair install -loads until a cursor and desktop background pic is displayed, then restarts 3) chkdsk/r and fixboot in the recovery console -no change Anyone have any ideas? I was suspicious of some bad RAM before, but never got around to checking it out. Could this be the culprit? Thanks for the help.

Here is what Microsoft says about it and what steps to take to correct the problem http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317189 It is the disadvantaged who habitually elect Democrats on the belief of personal change--- yet they remain disadvantaged.

If you want to check your memory: http://memtest86.com/ There is a version to create a bootable floppy diskette and/or an ISO for creating a CD. Run it overnight and any failures are unacceptable.

Consider a live cd such as Barts/ubcd4win or a linux live cd. Use it to copy off important data before you get too far along. Some barts disks are made with some very good repair tools if you include them. This does mean you need a working computer to build it or a friends. Then, I'd consider either a clean install or continue system diag's to include memtest and other hard drive diags. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

Hey guys, Thanks for the suggestions, but nothing has worked. I created a BartPE live cd so i can get into a command prompt and the registry at least. I was wondering, is it possible to uninstall programs using either of these options? I have read that this error sometimes occurs after installing new software, so I wouldn't mind trying to uninstall a couple of programs I put on the computer right before it crapped out on me. I came across this article which attempts to fix the problem with Linux. http://healyourchurchwebsite.com/20... Do you guys think I should try this or do the potential risks outweigh the slight chance it could work?