windows\system32\config\system is corrupt how do I fix

[Guest]

When I boot up it gives me the error message saying
c:\windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt and to use the
installtion cd to fix by pressing "r" at the first screen. When I do so it
brings me to a command prompt and I don't know how to fix it from there. Is
there a way I can just reinstall windows without loosing My Documents?

 

[dev]

/Keith972/ said:

When I boot up it gives me the error message saying
c:\windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt and to use the
installtion cd to fix by pressing "r" at the first screen. When I do so it
brings me to a command prompt and I don't know how to fix it from there. Is
there a way I can just reinstall windows without losing My Documents?

Try a boot into Safe Mode, by hitting F8 just before the "Starting
Windows" screen would appear (takes a bit of practice).
Choose LAST GOOD.

If that does nothing, use a working PC to read this first...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q823614
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

Related info is here...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q307545
describes a three-step process to extract a copy of the registry
from the System Restore SVI folder.

Info on dealing with corruption issues...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705

Reinstall/repair tutorials (if needed) are here...
http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/
http://michaelstevenstech.com

After your system is restored, the ERUNT utility available here may
make it easier to fix the problem if it recurs...
http://HOME.T-ONLINE.DE/home/lars.hederer/erunt

If the problem persists, try swapping current RAM (even if it checks
good) for a single, high-quality 512Mb chip. XP reportedly is sensitive
to memory timing.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

When I boot up it gives me the error message saying
c:\windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt and to use the
installtion cd to fix by pressing "r" at the first screen. When I do so it
brings me to a command prompt and I don't know how to fix it from there. Is
there a way I can just reinstall windows without loosing My Documents?

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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