PCI.SYS Windows XP pro will not install please help

i tried everything with the slipstream sp2 and all that but i get an error saying that it cant boot from the cd its like CDBOOT: Code 5 cannot boot from cd. the only thing that i can think of is because it was a DVD and not a cd ( outta cd;s right now) would that have an impact on that? can i burn it onto a cdR/w? because that would help me out a lot


I also got this error, went back through the eldergeek guide and realised that i did not correctly set the "Number of Loaded Sectors" to 4 when compiling the bootable disc.

its been a while since anyone has posted

but just in case anyone is floating around out here

i got a brand new pc with pci-E, im useing nothing but onboard plugins and brand new ram. i tried to put a HD with preinstalled XP pro in it,
only to get the crashed screen, where it asks how you want to start,
like safe mode and last known good config and such...
when i try to load windows i got the blue screen and pci.sys error.

so i tried to boot from cd and try to get on the XP pro disc to reformat
or whatnot... it says loading files for a while then Blue Screened me again.

So i read about this SlipStreaming stuff and the hype about SP2.
Trying to be slick, i went and downloaded SP2 onto the HD and tried booting .. No MOre blue screen!... BUT instead when windows goes to load
my pc just resets itself... and does this over and over....

Even tho SP2 is allready on it would i Absolutely need the bootable
SlipStreamed disc??

Also, my cd drive dont have a burner so i cant make a SlipStreamed disc,
is there anything i can download and put on the HD to help it?

SHould i try putting Xp Pro on the Fat32 instead of NTFS?

And finally, is it possible to use the new pc disc and install the mobo
onto the HD from a nother computer? And would it even help?

This is an ide HD!

Any info is appreciated.. this is a real brain racker!

PS theres no beeps or anything it seems like its wants to run fine
ive tried to disable pci E but theres no disable option

Thanks! :zzz:

Scr3wFac3,

I would suggest that firstly you spend the 30$ to get a DVD burner. Make a slipstream disc, and then hook your whole system up and do a fresh install of XP Pro from the slipstreamed disc.

The problem with pre-loading XP onto your HDD is that it will load all of the devices and drivers for the system you installed XP via, and then it will a hack-job to configure it correctly for your hardware when you bring the HDD over to your own machine.

NTFS should be fine, but it does sound like there is a second problem with the un-prompted re-boot.

Try burning the disc and fresh install, if that doesnt work, im kinda lost...

A bootable disc with sp2 worked. I used a windows recovery cd and had no problems.
You cannot pre-install SP2 onto the hard drive then put it in, it wont work, has to boot!

Once your loaded immediatly install your drivers to your system!
I Failed to do so and my system crashed, and display drivers crashed and locked me in Low Res 4bit color!
I could not fix this, my cd drive would not read cd's and i could not download. And this somehow corrupted the HD hence i couldnt reinstall. I had to boot from recovery cd again on a diff HD.. loaded windows, Slapped the drivers on fast as i could... and been running smooth for a while. GL HF!

Well I have the same error.
ASUS M2V-MS SE board
1 gig of ram
320 SATA Western D. drive


And from past experance I can tell you that it is the harddrive.
I installed XP Pro on a smaller drive 60 gig maxtor drive,it installed with no errors..


So,Western drives suck....

XP with SP2 is the solver of this problem almost all of the time! The PCI-e needs the support on the SP2 embedded disk.
Just ran into that problem last week and remembered the SP2 support.

Basically another extremely satisfied reader with the information here. I am confirming the (extremely well put together!) slipstreaming method described here works perfectly for this particular problem.

winsupersite [dot] com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp

For staying at the top of google ^_^ :
PCI.SYS Blue Screen of Death BSOD windows install setup problem trouble lock up lockup fix solution

I just finished reading through all of these posts, and feel that my situation may be a combination of faults. Here's a little background:

- Dell Latitude D620
- I believe it's 512mB of RAM
- 80gB HDD
- DVD Write/Read drive
- Core Duo processor

When I bought it used, and tried getting onto it, it prompted me for an Administrator password. I thought of a few things, but no luck. I inserted ERD Commander, and tried to reconfigure the Admin passowrd, when I got the same Error Message as listed in this thread. Thinking it was a bad driver or sector, or even something deeper, and since I couldn't get it to boot into safe mode, I ran a Disk reformatter, which worked great. Now, when I try to install XP Sp2, I get the same message...

Here's where I'm at..

Since it initially POSTed and got to the XP Log-in screen (originally), I tend to not believe it's a video, memory or even a HDD error, however..

The computer was transported, and it is possible that maybe the Memory is only partially working, HDD start up is not flawed, but something in the registry was corrupt, OR.... The DVD drive is bad, however, the disc reformatter worked fine (used a CD though)..

I will try the slipstream on the existing discs I have, but anyone have any other ideas of what might cause this?? I believe it has an onboard X300, but I can't confirm it this second, since I'm about 100 miles away from home, with no laptop..

TIA



JT

OK people...I'm really confused. When trying to install XP SP1 on brand new hard drive (160GB), it appears windows is loading and then like most of these other posts, the install stops at the BSOD with the exact same pci.sys error. This is the only computer I have. My other hard drive failed and so I'm starting fresh. How in the hell am I supposed to copy the files to the hard drive when I can't even get to the desktop? The install fails every single time. Having SP2 would be the solution (I have a PCI express slot on my new MOBO) but I should be able to use my original XP CD. Or does this mean I have to fork out another $100 for SP2 just so I can load windows? That's ridiculous seeing how my CD is like new, no scratches and it's paid for. Would I need to create this CD on another machine with a burner? I can do that here at work I guess. Can anyone be more specific on how to create the streamlined CD when I'm unable to load the O/S? I'm stuck... :-(

Folks, just use another WIN XP media...it works!!! ;)

haVE A NICE DAY.

Hello Guys and Gals,

I hope you are all well.....

I have noticed a lot of you are experiencing problems when performing a fresh install, or after installing a PCI-E VGA.

Now generally the issue is in regard to PCI-E

PCI-E uses a system of power input / output regulators to valuate the needed power configurations for maximum performance of your GFX.

Please note that even if you DO NOT have a PCI-E card installed on your machine, Windows will still try to install the port for the PCI-E.

I will just clarify a fact here - PCI-Express DOES NOT require SP2 drivers in order to install, it is actually the drivers for windows ACPI which controls the power settings for the PCI-E.... it is simply the ACPI that needs to be configured correctly - SP2 includes a .ini file with its bootup that controls the ACPI.

Usually by creating a slipstreamed version of Windows XP / SP2 will resolve your problems, a link has been provided above on how to do this (Read previous messages)

Alternatively :

pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1626

You will need to add the three w's and a dot to that - can't post a link as my post count is less than 5 apparently

This artical explains in detail how you may do this.

Also the "All in one" SP2 for XP is now available for dirt cheap - thanks to Vista

**Notes to clarify: Windows CAN be installed using a DVD - but please note that the initial "Read in" block is not the same on a standard CDR in apposed to a DVDR..... You can resolve this by adding a batch file to your cd during its creation.

The best way to do this is to create an ISO of Windows and include the batch file during the writing process....

Please use google for many many resources on how to include a standard CD-boot batch file onto a DVD

**Notes to clarify : If you are using the standard windows xp or SP1 you will most certainly need to swap to SP2 streamlined and yes you will need a machine that can write to a CD to do this. (Refer to link above)

**Extra note; Even if you do manage to install using a standard windows disc or SP1 supported disc.... when you attempt the install SP2 you will get return errors.... The true nature of this error is disputed but considerably - the real reason is unknown..... (Clarification would be appreciated)

**Extra note: Non of your hardware matters in this instance - it has nothing at all to do with your hardware (unless it is PSU related)

Your hard drive, graphics etc DO NOT play a part in this.... it is all SOFTWARE related issues - which is why there are "Workarounds"

If you find that replacing your hard drive resolves this problem it is because the NEW Hard Drive has Never had a boot sector installed and so therefore does not contain ACPI management..... Windows XP will configure this for you in relation to your BIOS during the initial boot process.

(Either that or your HDD is dead)

However in some cases even after using a SLIP/SP2 you will have some problems

Here are a few notes to clarify the possible problems, the reasons they may happen and what can be done to resolve them.

i. The most common issue after initially beginning the process is SATA.

If you are using a SATA drive - this can be a problem.... The usual fix is to install your OS onto an IDE HDD.

Reboot your machine, during the initial startup enter BIOS.
(Normally by pressing either the Esc, F10 or F11 key on startup)

Once there navigate to your hardware / drives

There is an option value for SATA

As standard the value will show - SATA - Native Mode = Enabled
Please set this value to = Disabled.

This will bypass the settings needed to configure a SATA and will continue to install upon your IDE drive - this works in around 97% of reported cases.

After which you can then return to BIOS and re-enable SATA native mode.

----- If you certainly require a SATA drive there is only ONE fix to the solution.

When windows begins to install you will be asked if you need to install any

Third party SATA or SCSI drivers - at this point you can install your SATA drivers using the Diskette that should have come with your MOBO....

If you do not have the SATA diskette I suggest you take back your MOBO and demand one - it is needed.

Alternatively contact the Vendor of the MOBO - Most companies will be more than happy to send you the SATA drivers through the post....

You can find your Vendors contact details at the Back of your MOBO manual.


ii. Board is not fully ACPI compatible

This issue occurs when windows setup does not fully recognise your power input /output device

There are two fixes

Option A

Buy a new power supply - Chances are you are using a Standard ATX format PSU (power supply unit), probably around 230w or 300w....

If you are using a machine that has PCI-E enabled you will require at the very minimum a 450w ATX-2 PSU...

This is due to windows seperating the power between your MOBO, CPU, HDD's and of course the PCI-E.... This is controlled by windows standard APCI
(Advanced Power and Configuration Interface)

If you do not have at least 450w PSU you will always have problem using PCI-E

I highly recomend an AKASA - 750w ATX format 2

This 750w PSU will more than meet the standard of most home machines

Even if you do already have a 450w or above - sometimes simply changing your power supply unit will usually resolve this problem

Option B

Turn off ACPI during install

When installing windows on a machine that uses PCI-E, sometimes windows does not recognise the power settings of the PCI port.

During the intial startup process you will be prompted to install Third party drivers as mentioned above.

Instead of installing the drivers hit F12 repeatedly when shown this message.

You will be shown the windows ACPI startup configuration.

Navigate to ACPI options and select Disabled.

Windows startup will now "Turn off" your PCI-E port and continue installing, you can still use the PCI-VGA port to view the installation.

This is because the adapter is still connected, you simply cannot get a powered PCI-E......

PCI-E is powered ONLY to advance the process of cascaded light / shadow functions and still perform unpowered but only at a 16-bit level.

This is more than enough to complete the installation.

As soon as windows has completed the installation, immediately install your Graphics drivers and any standard version of Direct X - Preferebly 9.0b or 9.0c

You may then re-enter BIOS after a reboot, navigate to your hardware devices and re-enable ACPI

iii. Dual memory not reading correctly

The quick fix for this is to install only ONE stick of RAM into your DIMM slot during the initial install...

Once the install is complete - simply place the memory back

This works for 99% of reported cases


Final Note : Do not install Vista as an alternative

Do not install Vista at all - the program is incomplete and very very bug ridden (maybe it is done on purpose) But for sure I cannot get Vista to perform in a business environment... not efficiently anyways....

Vista = Doom

I hope this helps at least one person

Great info, however, I found my problem was neither of those, more of a manufacturer's specific install disc..

This morning, after a buddy of mine had recommended trying to install Win2k (we have a bunch of copies readily available still), Win2k installed flawlessly...

After this, we put the Generic XP install disc in, and tried to run set-up: BSOD again..

Another person I work with, used to work for Dell, and mentioned that most newer Dell Products require a Dell-specific XP Install Disc, due to the drivers required for some of the services (ATi on-board graphics cards, SATA, other stuff)..

It remains to be seen, since I'm still trying to track down an OEM Dell XP Install Disc. Hopefully I'll have one this afternoon, and I'll let you guys know how it works..



JT

Generally when pc's are supplied with restore disks it is optimal to use them...

However you can install a standard XP OS on any machine....

And here is how it can be done.

Step One: Splitting the manufacturer disk

When the restore discs are created the manufacturer simply merges thier drivers and programs with the XP installation.

This means that all you need is to seperate, in your case, W2K from those drivers.

Insert the disc you usually use that works and explore it in my computer.

You will notice that either

A. Windows has its own folder and the manufacturer programs / drivers have another - in this case it is easy

Simply copy the folder into your root drive (c:)

Give it the name " Drivers " and follow the steps above explaining how to streamline SP2 with XP, only this time where it mentions to merge SP2 replace this text in the command prompt with " Drivers " - the items you took from the restore disk.

There you have it - XP streamlined with all your drivers

Works for around 90% of all windows OS machines


B. The windows installation files are in the root of the cd and appear to be scattered and unorganised, but your drivers will have its own folder.

You will have to determine which folder contains the drivers etc.... It shouldn't be too hard as the folder normally has a name that is similar to that of the Manufacturer, your machine make or model.

Once again simply copy those drivers and programs to your root drive (c:) and follow the steps above.

The restore disks are made in the first place right? And so they can be replicated or created from scratch in the same manner....

You should be able to find all the drivers you need for your machine by checking the manufacturers support page on their website....

Unless of course it is an extremely old machine and they no longer offer support

In this case you have a problem

However most Pre-Programmed installer disks have specific drivers that are compatible with that Model and Make only....

Did you know:

You can also streamline third party drivers, programs, practically anything into an XP installation in the same way you can with SP2.....

I for one have an XP DVD that installs everything all in one - Including all my office programs, nero 7, ACDSee, SP2, ALL windows XP updates and much more...

What is more I added a user interface created in VB that allows you to tick boxes, selecting each component you wish to install.

All this can be done at once, Even on a first time install !!

How cool is that?

If anyone would like to try this or needs help / tips on how to do this - Please feel free to PM me or send me an Email...

I will be more than happy to help

--- T ---

Dude I followed the instructions to the T. and created my slipstream XP ISO disk.. YES your the bomb man, thank you so much. I work for the gov and several of us network engineers worked on this for days!! we just couldn't figure it out. Great job thank you!

You are right!! real black stuff was right!!! follow the instructions at this site
theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm[/url] and your problems with
the Dell precision M6300 STOP: PCI error will be fixed. who ever figured this out is the Bomb!!! Thanks a million no 2 million!!! you da man!!!!

Now that I've created the image file, can I burn it to cd using Nero 6 Startsmart or do I need the full Nero 6 Burning Rom?

I did a stupid thing and uninstalled SP2 on my laptop running XP Professional. I get the blue screen with pci.sys Address F75DD0BF... error everytime I try to boot, whether safe mode or normal mode.
Can I use the slipstreamed method to boot my machine and get past the blue screen error? Or is it only going to format my hard drive and do a fresh install? I'm trying to recover my hard drive. I don't want to loose anything.

I'm hoping someone can shed some light and assist me with these error messages I'm receiving.

Problem:

pci.sys is missing or corrupt.

a blue screen appears when i insert my windows xp (home edition) CD while it attempts to download it's contents in hope of repairing or deleting the existing windows xp. it won't even allow me to repair, delete -- anything--, the existing windows xp already installed. i used to be able to logon and use my laptop months ago without any problems but now i can no longer access anything to my knowledge but BIOS (F1) upon startup which hasn't helped me.


Problem:

when i turn on my laptop for use without the windows xp (home edition) CD a darker blue screen appears showing an error message that briefly reads the program must shut down (with a page of error descriptions) and does so immediately. i say brief because it doesn't even allow me time to read it as the blue screen appears and shuts down.

Goal:

i am trying to get the information that is stored on the windows xp that was running before these blue error messages occured and use it further or delete it and install a fresh copy. they are important to me and i need help.

any affirmative ideas please?

Hey, Spike! What fun. Yes, I tried everything personally, otherwise I would not post. I am not guessing. The answer is XP with SP2. I tried all the usual stuff for 11 hours and I kept on getting the same pci.sys error. Specifically, I tried bios upgrades and downgrades, changing video cards, using the WD hard drive tools, removing all expansion cards and connectors, and on and on and on. Then, I finally used an XP disc with SP2 slipstreamed in (i.e. the latest XP disc) and it worked perfectly. So, a pci.sys error (BSOD) is not a hardware problem at all, but a windows version issue. XP with SP2 is the only version that will work when there is a PCI-E slot. I posted this here to share, and hopefully help others avoid the 11 hours of trial and error. XP with SP2!!!


-------------------------------------------------
Hi.


I've got a problem if you can take a few moments and shed some knowledge or instruction as I need to get information that is important to me for september (studies):)

Problem:
pci.sys file is missing or corrupt.

i receive two (2) blue messages: one is the above and the other is a detailed darker blue error message that quickly shuts down the computer - only to do the same.

the pci.sys file missing or corrupt occurs only when i insert my windows xp (home edition) CD into the drive for repair or to delete the existing windows xp and apply a fresh copy. it doesn't allow me to get into the cd's contents because of this erro message. if the disk is not in during a regular bootup the detailed darker blue message appears and quickly reboots to "protect your system from damage".

the only option i know is F8 (all options fail because of the detailed error message), which nothing works, and F1 (BIOS) which nothing has worked for me either.

i've been reading about creating a streamlined disk....is this the answer for my software (windows xp home ed. with SP2)?

what do you think? what is answer here?

your time is greatly appreciated.

current problem is on an ibm thinkpad 390e pentium II

hi. i've got the same error pci.sys message... the current problem is on an ibm thinkpad 390e pentium II, all worked before with the same windows xp home edition, but absolutely nothing works in terms of fixing this. this error is in the way. how do i get it out?

i insert the xp cd and the error prevents me from viewing the contents on the cd to repair, delete, or install a fresh copy.

??????

ah help!

i have a hp pavillion a6115.pt and i cant find the vidio controller driver and pci drives anywere can someone help please?

An IBM Thinkpad 390e using Windows XP with Service Pack 2 2002 version has experienced (blue message) pci.sys file missing or corrupt?

Any idea other than streamline with Service Pack 2?

So, I have been working on fixing my uncle's computer and have had no luck.
It has has this problem before and they got it fixed, but now its back. I am encountering 2 BSODs actually one when i try to boot windows and one when I try to run the installation cd.

The BSOD on boot is 0x0000007B
The BSOD when using the installation cd is 0x0000007E, pci.sys problem.

Now i have run memtest86 got nothing, run the DellDiag tools and got nothing, eventually i tried to give up and ran Dell's Automated System Recovery(Symantec Ghost).

The Computer is a Dell XPS 410
It used to have a raid array installed now there is only 1 hard drive, probably the other tech's way of fixing it. Also there is no floppy drive installed and as far as I can tell there is no floppy power cable.

Any help would be appreciated.

I have struggled with this one for ages but due to you clear and complete description i now have a new clean install of a XP Pro SP2 streamline proceeding as we speak. I am indebted to you - you really saved my bacon and i will be a devoted follower and contributor from here on in

Just one more confirmation. This does work. It is the ONLY method I found that worked. I tried many other things first before I found this thread. Thanks to all who contributed.

-C.B. 03/09/08

You''l need Windows XP SP2 to support a PCI-Express graphics card.

DFI's homepage says:

If you are using only PCI-Express graphics card, the only choice is to boot from the complete edition of Windows XP SP2.

If you intend to install with Windows XP or Windows XP SP1 and then use the upgrade kit of SP2, please disable PCI-Express in BIOS before starting the installation.

Under this circumstance, only PCI graphics card can help you monitoring the installation process at this stage. Then, upgrade the version to SP2. After upgrading is successfully completed, you can enable PCI-Express and start using PCI-Express graphics card.

Had the same problem and this fixed it. Thanks

Hi I am having the pci.sys BSOD problem on an EEEpc -Asus
It was working fine then switched off whilst installing AVG now keep asking to reboot in safe mode etc
but will not reboot at all.
As there is no external media drive I am trying to reinstall 2 ways neither succesfull.
1. Creating an XP bootable flash drive- I get the BSOD when starting windows
2. Installing on another PC; I installed XP - no service packs (no problems)
Put it back into the EEE - BSOD same problem.
This is a SATA drive.
I am no further forward and only have the original XP disc
Wil the streamlined XP2 version work for me.
Thanks

I have the same problem in Windows XP + SP3... sometimes no errors... other times the same error...

But in Windows Vista no problems...

(sorry my english)

Hi there. I would appreciate some help, regarding pci.sys error with a brand new 2009
Dell XPS 430 system.
I have read this forum and tried the slipstreaming technique, but it does not work.
I was hoping for some update with current systems that coould help me.

I have bought a dell Xps 430, which came with Windows Vista premium home.
The machine is for use as a music production system.
As expected most of my vst plugine and instruments does not run stable, or at all.
Therefore I want to downgrade the machine to Windows XP professional Service pack 2.
On my previous machine all was running fine, but the machine was old.
Got the Quad core and 3 GB ddr3 ram, specifically for making music.
I try and format the system, but as soon as Windows setup boots from the installation CD, and starts unpacking brand new machince blue screens with pci.sys errors.
I found an apparent solution to make a slip streamed bootable XP service pack 2 disc, as my version of Windows iXP pro is witout service pack 2.
Apparently making a slip streamed bootable XP SP 2 disc is the only solution for this problem according to everything i have read on the subject.

After successfully making the disc and trying to format again, i still get blue screen error messages, saying my hard drive might have errors or a virus, and it says that I must perform chekdisk /F
I have tried everything, but still get blue screen after blue screen when I want to format pc with Windows XP.
This copy of XP works fine on all my other pc's
and I have never had a problem with it, and the disc is also as brand new and not damaged, and I tested it again on my other machine and it works fine.

So i'm left to believe that you can't format or downgrade an XPS 430 with vista back to XP.

Please help as I'm out of ideas and the machine will be worthless to me if I can't use my music software with XP.
I see that a lot of people have had success here, but posts date back and is not that current anymore.
Thanks for all the hard work here, as i can see there are some reaaly clever hardworking people here.

Hopefully someone can help me.

Many many thanks.


Many thx.

Hey Everyone... I have had a few trial an errors. I too was rebuilding a system which had the Stop error for pci.sys. Unfortunately there was no option in the BIOS for me to disable this. I had no choice but to use a full version of XP+SP2 and thus had to create the slipstream disk.

something to note when making your slipstream...

1. Make sure you put a copy of the .img file into your XP folder. The directions don't tell you to do this, they assume that it is already there. When I burned my first disk, it did not work and I got the "unable to boot from disk: CODE 4" I realized that when I compared and contrasted, this file was missing from my list in the copy paste window in the burner software.
2. You have to use the exact software type and versions of the CD Burnable software that they list in the how to steps, otherwise your disk will not create properly as a bootable and you will get an the error "unable to boot from disk: CODE 4" I had tried using Roxio 7. It apparently only works with Roxio 5 or 6. I ended up downloading Nero 6.

With regard to downgrading VIsta to XP:
Make sure your hard drive is not set to SATA in the BIOS. Vista tends to use SATA Hard Drive settings which XP can't use. Log into your BIOS and change from SATA to Compatibility Mode to bypass SATA and allow XP to use your Hard Drive.

Hi,
Looking for help with a further twist. I am installing XP Pro onto a Acer Aspire Revo with no cd rom and so am trying to do it from a usb. Got the instructions and tried the install to be met with the pci.sys error which thanks to this site I overcame ....... or so i thought. Ssing that i needed SP2 to deal with the pci issue I thought i'd go one better and slipstream SP3 onto my creation. Everything went swimmingly, no further pci issue and windows went all the way through the install, counted down the mins and then when it tried to reboot i got an error msg - not on the BSOD - regarding a hal.dll file being missing or corrupt. Any ideas? I went back to my original XP disc and ran a search on that but it didn't show up the missing file either. So i don't know where to see about hal.
All help greatly appreciated.