Can not read file \windows\system32\config\system

[Robert S]

I recently started my PC and immediately got into a black text screen with
the message "Can not read file \windows\system32\config\system". I ran
chkdsk once with no arguments then chkdsk /r. It reported one error. I
still could not boot my system, but after another reboot it started again
and its been running with no problems since then. I ran "Check disk local
disk (C" from "My Computer", with "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad
sectors" and no errors were reported.

Incidentally I was also unable to format a new FAT32 partition on the same
disk, to copy my backed up files to, but was able to create an NTFS
partition.

Is this likely to be a temporary glitch or should I back up (using Norton
Ghost), buy an new HD and restore my system to it? I can't afford to have a
system meltdown in the middle of a busy day.

--

 

[neil]

MS have a work round to hopefully allow your PC to boot:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

I have had this before myself but ended up doing a repair install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

I have used the MS method on other peoples PC's and have at least recovered
data for them.
Neil

 

[Robert S]

MS have a work round to hopefully allow your PC to boot:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

I have had this before myself but ended up doing a repair install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

I have used the MS method on other peoples PC's and have at least
recovered data for them.

Thanks. I'll print that out and keep it in a safe place. What do you think
the cause of the problem was in the first place? Is it likely to be a
software gremlin or is my hard drive going to go down the gurgler? It's
been working fine since I got it going again.

 

[neil]

Those problem as I understand it is down to a corruption in the registry.
When I had the problem I had just installed a cable modem, which registered
no problem. When I restarted sometime later I got the message you had on a
black screen.
I don't think it is a failing disk mine has been OK ever since which was
around 2 years ago.

best of luck
Neil

 

[Robert S]

Those problem as I understand it is down to a corruption in the registry.
When I had the problem I had just installed a cable modem, which
registered no problem. When I restarted sometime later I got the message
you had on a black screen.
I don't think it is a failing disk mine has been OK ever since which was
around 2 years ago.

Thanks. I think I'll use it as an excuse to brush up my backup system
anyway.

 

[Rich Barry]

Robert, did you run chkdsk from the Recovery Console? That error is
usually a problem with the Registry. One of the
solutions is here in this MSKB Article.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307545

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I recently started my PC and immediately got into a black text screen with
the message "Can not read file \windows\system32\config\system". I ran
chkdsk once with no arguments then chkdsk /r. It reported one error. I
still could not boot my system, but after another reboot it started again
and its been running with no problems since then. I ran "Check disk local
disk (C" from "My Computer", with "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad
sectors" and no errors were reported.

Incidentally I was also unable to format a new FAT32 partition on the same
disk, to copy my backed up files to, but was able to create an NTFS
partition.

Is this likely to be a temporary glitch or should I back up (using Norton
Ghost), buy an new HD and restore my system to it? I can't afford to have a
system meltdown in the middle of a busy day.

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from
Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

Once you've recovered, you might want to look here, as well:

How to Troubleshoot Registry Corruption Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705


--

Bruce Chambers

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