Remember - This is a public forum so never post private information such as email or phone numbers!Ideas:the system ini tab is empty yet exists in the windows registry and backup...how do i get these files back in system configuration utility. can't use my external hardrive as a resultPrograms you are having problems with Error messages Recent changes you made to your computer What you have already tried to fix the problem

Hi kevd7,· What happens when you try to use the external hard drive?· Did you make any software or hardware changes on your machine prior to this issue?In order to diagnose the issue, you may boot the computer into ‘safemode’ and check if the issue persists. It will start Windows XP with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed, follow the steps to boot the computer in safe mode:a. Restart the computer.b. Start tapping F8 key.c. You will get advanced boot option window.d. Select the option “Safe mode”.For more information, refer this link:A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XPYou may run System File Checker [SFC] scan on the computer which will replace the missing or corrupt files & check if the issue persists.a. Type ‘cmd’ in Start > Run box. Right click on cmd in the Program list and then select the option Run as administrator.b. Type the following command, and then press ENTER: sfc /scannowFor more information refer this link.Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File Checker (Sfc.exe)Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

If the SYSTEM.INI tab is empty, that means you don't have a system.ini file in your Windows folder.On most systems, the system.ini file is here:c:\WindowsIt is unlikely you need the old fashioed system.ini file, but if you are compelled to have one and the empty SYSTEM.INI tab is annoying, create a new system.ini file with any text editor (notepad, wordpad, etc.) and save the file in the c:\windows folder.Below in bold is the contents of the default system.ini file for Windows XP: ; for 16-bit app support[drivers]wave=mmdrv.dlltimer=timer.drv[mci][driver32][386enh]woafont=dosapp.FONEGA80WOA.FON=EGA80WOA.FONEGA40WOA.FON=EGA40WOA.FONCGA80WOA.FON=CGA80WOA.FONCGA40WOA.FON=CGA40WOA.FON I can assure you that running sfc /scannow will not help with this problem.Do, or do not. There is no try.I decided to save up points for a new puppy instead of a pony!

If the SYSTEM.INI tab is empty, that means you don't have a system.ini file in your Windows folder.On most systems, the system.ini file is here:c:\WindowsIt is unlikely you need the old fashioned system.ini file, but if you are compelled to have one and the empty SYSTEM.INI tab is annoying, create a new system.ini file with any text editor (notepad, wordpad, etc.) and save the file in the c:\windows folder.Below in bold is the contents of the default system.ini file for Windows XP: ; for 16-bit app support[drivers]wave=mmdrv.dlltimer=timer.drv[mci][driver32][386enh]woafont=dosapp.FONEGA80WOA.FON=EGA80WOA.FONEGA40WOA.FON=EGA40WOA.FONCGA80WOA.FON=CGA80WOA.FONCGA40WOA.FON=CGA40WOA.FON I can assure you that running sfc /scannow will not help with this problem.Do, or do not. There is no try.I decided to save up points for a new puppy instead of a pony!