help ... computer catastrophe

[joggerjayne]

One of my lappys has crashed and died.

When I try to boot it up, I get this message ...

"The application has failed to start because NTDSAPI.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."

I've tried running the "CHKDSK /R" repair function from the original installation disk, but it's made no difference.

If I can just get it booted up, I will get the data off it, and then replace it.

Help !!!



System details:
Dell X200
Windows XP Professional
(all MS Service Packs up to date)

[ChuckFickens]

in that list of things can you see one called i386? if so that is a list of the contents of the windows CD and we have the right driver letter (d) if not repeat the above but use the driver letter e: instead.

[joggerjayne]

Yep, Chuck ...

I've got an I386 in the list.

ps. Whether or not this works, I'm indebted to you big time for spending time trying to help me ...

J x x x

[ChuckFickens]

OK, so now we know that your CD drive is letter D

type the following on the command (being careful to get spaces ini right place)

expand E:\i386\ntdsapi.dl_ c:\windows\system32\ntdsapi.dll

The two spaces are after the word expand and the underscore. no other spaces.

[joggerjayne]

Expand "E" Chuck ?

[ChuckFickens]

well spotted :)

expand D:\i386\ntdsapi.dl_ c:\windows\system32\ntdsapi.dll

[joggerjayne]

And it's dl the first time, and dll the second time, yes?

[ChuckFickens]

it's dl_ (with an underscore) the first time and dll the second

[ChuckFickens]

once you have done that if you restart the computer without the CD in the drive it should work (fingers crossed)

i have to go do some work now, if there is still a problem then post back and either I will look in here again later or sure somebody else will try and help.

[joggerjayne]

You're fab, Chuck ...

Thank you x