JSI Tip 7456. When you install Windows XP to a NTFS partition, you receive 'Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} ...'?

Jerold Schulman

November 17, 2003

1 Min Read
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The complete error message is:

Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): SystemRootSystem32ConfigSOFTWARE or its log or alternate.

The error occurs when the computer restarts after copying the installation files to your disk.

This error indicates a damaged hard disk or incompatible hardware.

See the following to determine if your hardware is compatible with Windows XP:

Microsoft Support Policy on Hardware Not On Windows NT HCL.

The Latest Windows XP Hardware Compatibility List.

If your hardware is on the latest Windows XP hardware compatibility list:

1. Start you computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.

2. When prompted, type R to start the Recovery Console.

3. Type the Administrator password when prompted, or press Enter if it is blank.

4. Type chkdsk /r and press Enter.

5. If the results indicate a fix, try Setup again.

6. You may have to replace a damaged hard disk.

NOTE: See the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

How to Troubleshoot a Stop 0xC0000218 Error.

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry That Prevents Windows XP from Starting.



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