windows\system32\drivers\volmgrx.sys missing/corrupted

Question

I recently wiped clean my hard drive, partitioned as I have before (successfully) and put in my tried and tested Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit disk. CD/DVD is first in my BIOS boot list of my Dell XPS L502x laptop, and it runs and loads all of the files, but then before reaching the choose language screen, an error screen says that windows\system32\drivers\volmgrx.sys is missing or corrupted. From here you can only exit or run a diagnostic. 

I ran the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool and it found no errors or problems with the internal hard drive, so can anyone think why the installation wouldn't work? Surely since the internal HD has been wiped, the system file should be found on the installation CD?Obviously it tells me to insert a Windows installation CD and use the recovery on there, but that's little help since it can't reach that stage of the process...

Answer 1

Hello Jack,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community Forum.

I would suggest you to boot the computer into Safe Mode and check if you can boot.

Please follow the steps below:

1. Restart your computer if it is powered on.
2. Tap the F8 key after your computer initially powers on.
3. Once you see the Advanced Boot Options menu you can stop tapping.

 4. Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight your selection.

5. Select Safe Mode and press Enter.
6. You should see drivers loading, and then please wait.
7. You should then be at the Welcome Screen.
8. Logon to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.

You may refer to: **Start your computer in safe mode**

Once the system boots into Safe Mode, try restoring the system and check if it helps.

Please follow the steps below:

1. Click Start, type system restore in the Start Search box, and then click System Restorein the Programs list. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.
2. In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point, and then click Next.
3. In the list of restore points, click a restore point that was created before you began to experience the issue, and then click next.
4. Click Finish.

You may refer to: **How to repair the operating system and how to restore the operating system configuration to an earlier point in time in Windows Vista** (holds good for Windows 7)

You can also try S tartup Repair.

Refer to: What are the system recovery options in Windows?

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know the result, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi Niranjan,

hypothetically that would all be helpful, but as you can see in my reply, since I formatted and wiped clean the hard drive, there is no existing windows installation. I am trying to clean install windows on this drive, and kept reaching this problem. However, I believe my Windows Install CD may be corrupt, so am currently burning a new one

Answer 3

Hello Jack,

Thank you for keeping us updated on the issue.

Yes, there can be possibility of CD being corrupt. Let us know the status of the issue, we'll be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.