STOP: c0000221 Unknown Hard Error \SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll

Operating System:   Win 2K Pro - SP4

The Adobe download and install program completed with no error message displayed.  To test, I did load a pdf - and that worked fine.  The install did not request a reboot, but I did one anyway (after closing Outlook).  It was on that reboot that the error occurred.

System is a Dell desktop XPS R450 (Pentium II @ 450MHz), with 256Mb memory (and another 128Mb DIMM off to the side). one diskette, one IDE hard disk, one Toshiba DVD drive.  Machine went into service in February, 1999.

What else would you like to know?

Jim

Well... I don't like coincidences, but it appears the Adobe download and this problem might be one.

I'd first do what you can to confirm it's a Windows config error and not a system error, particularly since you couldn't even boot to Safe Mode; e.g.

(1)  Run MemTest-86 for a while  (http://www.memtest86.com/)

(2)  Boot from a CD-based system if you have one available (Knoppix,  Bart's PE, etc.)

(3)  Reduce the power consumption of the system as much as possible to see if that makes a difference (the best test for this is to simply use a new power supply if you happen to have one available).  e.g. unplug the power from the floppy & optical drives.

More after you try these.

mwnni -- he's not running XP :)

right, just misread the next postings,
actually the problem"STOP: 0xc0000221 Unknown Hard Error \SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll "
faces the windows xp systems,so the scenario could be the same:
Windows 2000 Safe-Mode Boot and Recovery Console
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/administration/management/safemode.asp
and additionally try to replace the file ,also not a bad tool:
ultimate boot cd:
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
but it could be there is also the following security issue:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=C9A38D45-5145-4844-B62E-C69D32AC929B&displaylang=en

later  

Gary,

Could be a bad ntdll.dll, but just might be a hardware error . . .

To your suggestions:

(1) I did not run MemTest-86, but I did run Dell Diagnostics utility - and memory passed (but NOT the DVD . . .)
(2) Tried booting from the Windows 2000 CD (an Upgrade CD), but it wouldn't read the CD.
(3) No spare power supply, but I unplugged all the local peripherals I could.

Now, back to that DVD drive.  When I ran the Dell Diagnostics utilities, they were unable to recognize either a data CD (Win 2K Upgrade CD), or a music CD.  So, I believe that CD is bad (actually, it's a DVD).  That makes this tougher.

I did try disconnecting the DVD power, data and control plugs and then rebooting.  Same error.  I believe that means the problem is not JUST the DVD drive.

Scratching my head . . .

Jim

could you find a spare cd-rom/rw and try to boot from it,,,
powering up the system with minimum installation is a right step ahead:mobo+cpu+1 stick of ram+GPU8graphics card.
try to get a copy of Knoppix linux live:
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html and check out if you can boot up the system,
if you can successfully mount the hardrive and get access over it ,so it's not your hdd
if you can boot with knoppix then it's microsoft based problem,if you can't boot with knoppix then it's rather a hardware based problem
check out the whole cabling once more time,get spare cables for your optical devices
the memtest86+ is very good suggestion from gary,but try to make the tests about 5~6 hours
could be also the motherboard is gone bad,but let us discuss this at last.

cu

Gotta run -- will be back late tonight (6-7 hours) & suggest a few more things (if you haven't solved it already).  As I noted before, it would be a good idea to run MemTest for several cycles (it will catch more subtle memory errors than Dell diags).  I'd also definitely get a new DVD drive (or a known-working CD or DVD drive would be fine).

check out the lights also for error codes on the back side of your case.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dimXPS/en/sm/advtshoo.htm#1084976

refer also to this service manual:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dimXPS/en/sm/index.htm

cu

mwnnj & Gary,

It's up (sorta)!

Ran Recovery Console from floppy (sheesh!), and that let me at the C: drive.  Renamed existing ntdll.dll (just in case it's a bad spot) and copied spare from c:\windows\driver cache\i386 (though it was NOT the right date and time stamp).  Reboot worked, but slow ...

I going to do this:
     1.  Run chkdsk on C:
     2.  Reinstall that 128Mb DIMM
     3.  Copy the right date and time stamp ntdll.dll from another Win 2K machine.
     4.  Go buy a new DVD drive

That'll probably keep me busy for the evening (the problem machine is two floors down from here).  I'll report back later tonight or early tomorrow.

Thanks!

Jim

if you wish try sfc /scannow:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=814510
and if needed refer to this link.
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,111652,00.asp
good luck!

cu