Vista - Vista Boot Failure (please help!!)

Hi, I'm currently having some serious problems with my main desktop pc Q6600, 4gb Ram, Vista 64 Ultimate where when I turn the machine on I get a message saying:

'Windows failed to start, A recent hardware or software change might be the cause
blah
blah
blah

File: \Windows\SysWOW64\Drivers\PxHelp20.sys

Status 0x0000359

info: Failed to load because a critical system driver is missing or corrupt.'
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This problem started after I ran windows update a few days ago. its asked me to try putting the vista dvd in and run a repair, but that failed miserably.
other things I would like to point out is that I am running a Raid (Stripe) on my system drive, so I cannot just take the discs out to recover the data.
Is there anyway I can solve this issue whilst keeping the operating system intact?
finally i'm running the OEM version of vista....I'm feeling pretty fed up as most of my important data is on these drives and ironically I was going to purchase a larger backup disc this month when I get paid.....

I'm quite knowledgable with computers, but this ones just a bit over my head

any suggestions?

Thanks

1. Check your RAM
2. Set your BIOS to boot from DVD drive, insert vista DVD, reboot, and try a
repair. Partly through that repair, you will be offered a System Restore.
--
Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia


"smurple" wrote:

thanks for the reply, but unfortunately that didnt work :/
I've read up on the file and apparantly its either something related to the dvd drive, or to do with my Sony alpha DSLR, but its certainly not a critical windows driver like Vista says it is..
arg..
Is there anyway I can make a backup from my raid to an external hard disk, without getting into the OS?

http://www.knoppix.net/

You can use the above to make a Knoppix Live CD, and save your Data to a
flash drive. It uses your RAM and graphics, but, it is not not installed on
your Hard Drive; it runs from the bootable CD that you make.
--
Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia


"smurple" wrote: