Ok this is a fairly long tale but it may help with the latest error that I have been having so bare with me. It started a couple of days ago when after leaving my computer alone for a while with nothing running it crashed and then displayed an error message “load needed DLL,s for kernel”. I found some instructions here (http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/133655.html) that said how to fix it without an in-place install of XP. It didn’t run entirely smoothly at first (had some problems with running chkdsk for a while) but eventually I was able to complete the instructions and the error message stopped appearing. However a new error message saying \windows\system32\config\system was missing or corrupt. Again I came here and found a link to these instructions (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545) which showed me how to replace the file with one from the repair folder. I did this but kept getting a blue screen when XP tried to load (which was now taking a few minutes rather than the few seconds it did before the problems began) which didn’t give any specific error messages or tips on fixing the problem except for running a chkdsk which I had already done earlier. In desperation I then tried the in place install in the hope this would fix the problems but now whenever my computer boots it comes up with the XP setup screen, says it will take 40 minutes to complete the setup but after one or two it stops and gives the error message “Fatal error prevents setup continuing. Setup failed to install the product catalogues” and the setup log file says “Error: The signature for Windows XP Home Edition upgrade invalid. The error code is 3e7. Error performing inpage operation.” I just ran another chkdsk that says it “found one or more errors on the volume” but nothing more specific or helpful than that. I have no idea what this stuff means or how it can be fixed. If anyone out there knows any help would be much appreciated.

Sounds like the drive is going bad. Is your machine still under warranty? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

I don't think it is under warranty anymore but I will see if I can dig out the documents. If it is the Hard drive would a reformat clear this up or would I need a completely new HDD?

schedule a surface scan for the next system start, then view the log file and see if it's reporting any bad sectors. if it does, it's about time to replace the hard drive, however, you might be able to backup your data. Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.' icq 10183575

Is a surface scan different to using chkdsk? Chkdsk does say it finds an error so does this mean that my HDD is screwed and needs replacing? If it does need to be replaced how would I go about backing up as much of the data as I can? Can I just hook up my desktop to my laptop and copy files across? I'm not exactly what you could call experienced and fixing problems with computers, I have caused a few in my time but never tried to fix one on my own so if you can find links to step by step guides that may help me I would appreciate it. :)