File in System folder corrupted or missing error

[Bubba]

I try to turn on my laptop that has Xp Pro installed, but before Windows
comes on, I get a black screen error I've never seen before on any machine:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the
original Setup Cd-Rom. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

If I don't have my original CD available, is there anything i can download
and perhaps put on a floppy and try to resurrect?

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I try to turn on my laptop that has Xp Pro installed, but before
Windows comes on, I get a black screen error I've never seen before on
any machine: Windows could not start because the following file is
missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

"How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from
starting" http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/EN-US

If I don't have my original CD available, is there anything i can
download and perhaps put on a floppy and try to resurrect?

"How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994/EN-US

 

[Rock]

I try to turn on my laptop that has Xp Pro installed, but before Windows
comes on, I get a black screen error I've never seen before on any machine:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the
original Setup Cd-Rom. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

If I don't have my original CD available, is there anything i can download
and perhaps put on a floppy and try to resurrect?

This indicates a problem with the registry. You'll need an XP
installation CD to boot into the recovery console. Any XP CD should
work for this.

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from
Starting:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=307545

How to Troubleshoot Registry Corruption Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=822705

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

This indicates a problem with the registry. You'll need an XP
installation CD to boot into the recovery console.

Although that's correct, Setup boot disks work as well.
"How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654/EN-US (excerpt)

| If you cannot start your computer, you can run the Recovery Console
| from the Microsoft Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD-ROM.

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi Bubba,

If you able to boot to the command prompt, you can try using System Restore.
All About System Restore in WinXP
http://bertk.mvps.org/

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I try to turn on my laptop that has Xp Pro installed, but before Windows
comes on, I get a black screen error I've never seen before on any machine:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the
original Setup Cd-Rom. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

If I don't have my original CD available, is there anything i can download
and perhaps put on a floppy and try to resurrect?

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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both at once. - RAH

 

[Rock]

Although that's correct, Setup boot disks work as well.
"How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654/EN-US (excerpt)

| If you cannot start your computer, you can run the Recovery Console
| from the Microsoft Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD-ROM.

Ok.....thanks.