system32/software corrupt

When I first installed xp (6 wks ago) I had the following (similiar) message during bootup, just before the welcome screen should appear: system32/software hive cannot be opened. the file is not present , corrupt, etc.
I had to reinstall 3-4 days ago because of a problem with ramdisk, and now the problem is back!!! I just did my 3rd reinstall in about 3 days.
Something I did 6 wks ago cured this, but I don't know what.
I can't figure how to get to a c prompt, can't boot into safe mode, so all I know to do is reinstall.
Strange, but the error seem to appear after the computer is shut down for several hours. It will not reboot.
I have no new hardware. I am following the same procedure as before.
1. install xp
2. update my 4in1
3. update raid driver
4. update mini port driver
5. get all xp updates
6. start installing hardware 1 at a time

have you tried booting from your XP cd so that you can use the repair option and see if that will fix your installation?

I did not try repair this time because I wanted ***1*** more fresh start. I used the slow, full reformat this time and I am going to install one hardware (or software) at a time and run them for several hours/days before moving on to the next.
BTW, here is my setup. Maybe some will see a problem item:
abit kt7a-raid
new v. 65 bios
4 in 1 v. 4.37
highpoint v. 2.3.0 (newest)
amd 1.2 athlon @133x9
384 m pc150c2 ram
creative cd 52x set as master on ide1
yamaha 16x10x40 set as master on ide 2
40 gig set as master on ide 3(raid)
soundblaster live (with new driver)

I gather from your specs that you use a Highpoint Raid PCI riser.
If this is the case then it rings a few bells with me !! I have had problems with my Highpoint riser in the past and cured the problems, not only by updating the drivers, but juggling the cards in my PCI slots until I found a happy configuration.

Not much help I know, but the best I can come up with at the moment.

ta ta

TOK

Your Not The Only One

Hi stapler101

Check This Out

http://www.tek-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/lev2/67/lev3/70/pid/616/qid/86626


Maybe Of Some Help
So Far Not For Me

I have the KT7-Raid. I always install my raid controller drivers at setup... there's an 'F6' prompt period during setup. If the drivers aren't signed XP will complain but will use them anyway.