Fatal System Error

[mweinstock]

I'm getting the following when I start up my laptop:
[tt]
STOP: c00002121 {FatalSystemError}
The Session Manager Initialization process terminated
unexpectedly with a status of 0xc0000034 (0x00000000 0x00000000)
The system has been shut down.
[/tt]

It's a Dell Latitude laptop with Windows XP Home (I couldn't find an XP Home forum). Any idea what this error is, and how I can recover? I haven't been able to find this specific error with a decent explanation through Google. The only thing I've been able to find suggests installing the latest serice packs. But I had JUST installed the latest service pack in the session right before it bombed.

Mark --
How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?

 

[Xaqte]

In event viewer\system, what does it identify being the source and event id of the error?

X

 

[mweinstock]

Seeing as how I can't even get the computer to boot up, I don't know

It was fine. Shut down normally after the update, but this morning it wouldn't start. The Windows XP Home splash screen comes up, but before it brings up hte desktop (or login screen), it goes to a blue screen with that error. --
How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?

 

[smah]

Does this MSKB article apply to your situation?

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316503

 

[mweinstock]

Nope, but thanks. I checked that out first, but I don't have GoBack installed. --
How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?

 

[linney]

This might offer a reason as to why. Not sure if the steps outlined apply to XP.

317189 - Error Message: Stop c000021a {Fatal System Error} The Session Manager Initialization System Process...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;317189&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You could try repairing windows by re-installing it over itself.
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

This should remove all your Windows Updates (including SP1) but save your data and files. You will have to redo your updates.

 

[mweinstock]

Thanks to all. I ended up using the "Use last working configuration" in the boot process, and restoring a previous configuration from the built in XP system restore function.

Amazingly, Dell support as helpful.

Thanks again.

Mark --
How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?