Vista Startup - Cannot Find the File Specified

Posted by Redmastif on Super User See other posts from Super User or by Redmastif
Published on 2012-10-24T20:55:44Z Indexed on 2012/10/24 23:04 UTC
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Yesterday I restarted my laptop because my Wi-Fi catcher wasn't working correctly, and when the computer reached the login screen, instead of showing my user account it said "Cannot find the file specified". I rebooted and ran the Startup Repair and Memory Diagnostics but nothing showed up. I also took the battery out for a minute and tried again but still no luck. The weird thing is that I cannot even boot into safe mode, it still shows the same error.

I don't remember downloading or opening anything suspicious recently, and I have 3 different cleaners/anti-malware programs as well that I usually run about once a week. I did go into the registry recently but I didn't modify or delete anything as I was only checking to see if I had a certain key in it.

I have a Dell laptop running Vista Home Basic SP2.

If I have to I can reinstall the OS with the CD or even take it to Best Buy but I'd rather try and fix it first.

Thanks.

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