\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM error loop

[Tim]

Instead of booting up, my computer just started giving me
this error message, saying the file
was 'missing/corrupted' and I could attempt repair by
using Win Setup CD-ROM, selecting 'r' in 1st screen to
start repair. But I can't get there from where I am. Does
anybody have info on a repair for this? And/or what
caused it, although whatever it is caused it, a repair
would be appreciated. Tim

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Tim.

What do you mean by "I can't get there from where I am"? Do you not have a
WinXP CD-ROM?

That file (SYSTEM, with no extension) is at the heart of the WinXP Registry.
If it is missing or corrupt, WinXP cannot boot. The error message gives the
correct advice for starting to fix the problem, which is to use the recovery
tools on the CD.

For more details, see:
How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from
starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

We can't even guess at what might have caused the problem in your case
unless you tell us more about your computer and about what happened just
before you began getting this error. It could be anything from a hardware
problem to a virus to a disk-read error, or something else.

You haven't told us if WinXP came pre-installed on your computer, but be
sure to read this part of that KB article:
"Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your
computer has an OEM-installed operating system."

RC

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Try the following article:

"How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry That Prevents Windows XP from
Starting"
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307545

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


| Instead of booting up, my computer just started giving me
| this error message, saying the file
| was 'missing/corrupted' and I could attempt repair by
| using Win Setup CD-ROM, selecting 'r' in 1st screen to
| start repair. But I can't get there from where I am. Does
| anybody have info on a repair for this? And/or what
| caused it, although whatever it is caused it, a repair
| would be appreciated. Tim