Original title: device/harddiskvolume2/windows/system32/configOn my home PC I'm receiving an error "Windows: Delayed Write Failed" balloon that says that windows was unable to save all the data indevice/harddiskvolume2/windows/system32/config . I can't open any internet browswer (Mozilla or Explorer). It asks me what program I'd like to open it with. In short, my computer seems to be on lockdown. Is there any chance or repairing this by myself, or does it need to be taken to a shop? I cannot access the internet using the computer (therefore, downloading any solutions won't help), but do have a 2nd computer and can always transfer information via thumb-drive if need be. HELP!!!

Hi azulai, - Since when have you had the issue?- Do you get the error message only while trying to open web browsers?- Did you make any changes (hardware/software) prior to the issue? First, let’s put the computer in a clean boot state and check if that makes any difference. Booting the computer in clean boot state helps in identifying if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue. If yes, you may have to contact the program manufacturer for any updates or uninstall and re-install the program. Refer the following Microsoft KB article for more information on how to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state: How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" statehttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353 Note: After troubleshooting, make sure to put the computer to start as usual as mentioned under Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state in the above KB article. Hope this information helps.Gokul - Microsoft Support [If this post was helpful, please click the "Vote as Helpful" (green triangle) button. If it helps in resolving your issue, click "Propose As Answer" or "Mark as Answer" button. By proposing/marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Thank you Gokul. So far, so good. I'm actually sending you this message from the fixed computer. Wish me luck. Let's hope the computer stays fix.FYI: My machine is an XP, not a Win 7. That said, I used the same trouble shooting techniques and it worked.

For Win XP...The error "Windows: Delayed Write Failed" usually occurs when you remove a storage device without letting windows know that you are going to remove it. When ever you remove a memory storage device such as a "Kingston Data Traveler" or something similar, you should always right click the device under "My Computer" and select "Eject" before you unplug the device from your USB port. If you don't, you may, at worst, corrupt its FAT table and lose its contents.For a USB connected portable hard drive, you should always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option in the system tray. Find the device in the list, highlight it and select "Stop" before you disconnect it. If it says the device is busy and can not be removed, wait a few seconds then try it again. If it won't release, check that you don't have any programs open that may be using the device. Close them and try again. If it still won't release, the safest rout may be to shut down the computer before removing the device to avoid data loss. If the "Safely Remove Hardware" task tray Icon is missing (which has happend to me and will not come back after a reboot) make a shortcut on your desktop called "Safely Remove Hardware" to this: %windir%\system32\RunDLL32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dllNote: if you want to set its proper Icon you'll have to click "Change Icon" and locate the "hotplug.dll" fileOnce you make the shortcut, click on it and it should give you the removal options (and also restore itself to the system tray)Enjoy... :-)

You’re welcome, azulai. Thank you for the feedback. Good luck to you! Hopefully the issue does not recur in the future. In case you have any further queries about Windows XP, feel free to post the same at Windows XP ForumsGokul - Microsoft Support [If this post was helpful, please click the "Vote as Helpful" (green triangle) button. If it helps in resolving your issue, click "Propose As Answer" or "Mark as Answer" button. By proposing/marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]