Fix Pci.sys File Is Missing Or Corrupt Error on Windows 2K

The following Pci.sys is missing or corrupt error message may be displayed on your Windows 2000 computer at start up:

File is missing or corrupt: C:\Winnt\System32\Drivers\Pci.sys

Cause of the Error

This error message is generated when the Pci.sys file is either corrupt or missing from your Windows 2000 computer.

Resolution Methods

You can use one of the following methods to resolve the issue:

Method 1: Use Windows Recovery Console to Restore Pci.sys file

Perform the following steps to extract and expand the Pci.sy_ file from the I386 folder on Windows 2000 CD and then copy it to the \%SystemRoot%\System32\Drivers folder on the hard disk:

  1. Insert Windows 2000 startup disk in the floppy drive or insert Windows 2000 CD in the CD-drive and then restart your PC.
  2. Boot your system with the Windows startup floppy or Windows 2000 CD.
  3. On the Welcome to Setup page, press R to repair your current Windows 2000 installation.
  4. Next, press C to open the Recovery Console screen.
  5. Type the number of the Windows 2000 installation you want to repair and then press Enter.
  6. If required, type in the local administrator password and then press Enter.
  7. On Recovery Console prompt, type map, and then press Enter to note the driver letter that is mapped to CD-drive.
  8. Next, type the following command and press Enter:

    9. expand f:\i386\pci.sy_ c:\winnt\system32\drivers /y

    Note: Here, f: represents the CD-drive letter and c: represents the Windows root folder on which winnt folder comprising the operating system files is located.

  9. After the confirmation message “pci.sys 1 file(s) expanded.” type exit and then restart your Windows normally.

Method 2: Perform In-Place Upgrade to Restore the Pci.sys file.

To perform in-place upgrade, do the following:

  1. Insert Windows 2000 CD in the CD drive.
  2. Press Enter when the first option screen is displayed to install a new copy on Windows 2000.
  3. To accept the License Agreement, click Accept.

    4. Note: The setup wizard must detect your previous operating system installation. In case, the wizard process continues to the partitioning page without detecting the operating system installation, it indicates that an error exists and you may not be able to proceed with the in-place upgrade process.

  4. When prompted, press R to repair your existing Windows 2000 installation.

Setup will now perform the in-place upgrade and replace all missing and corrupt files on the system.

Registry problems, spyware and virus infections, and faulty programs on the system are one of the major causes of corrupt and missing system files. This is the reason why it is vital for you to regularly clean your registry and your system. To clean the registry, you can use an efficient third-party registry cleaner tool such as RegServe. Also, to maintain a system that is virus and spyware-free, you must run regular antivirus and antispyware scans. To do this, you can use reliable tools, such as STOPzilla Antivirus and Spyware Cease.