Corrupt file...

[Guest]

Everytime I boot my computer it says:

WIndows could not start because the following file is either corrupted or
missing:
windows\system32\config\system

What do you suggest that I do? (I prefer to repair the file rather than have
to install the whole system over again.)

Thank you for your help.

-- Giordi

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q307545
How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from Starting

 

[Guest]

I followed the steps and everytime I try to copy the "system" file it says
that it is not found; nevertheless I am still able to execute the
instructions for the sam,secuirty,default etc. files with out any problem.

Furthermore, after I complete step 2 by selecting r, it doesn't even ask me
for any kind of password and it takes me to a screen where I choose between
D:\MiniNT or
C:\WINDOWS.

I have chosen both and executed all the instructions but everytime it says
that the system file cannot be found?

Thank you so much for your help.

-- Jordan

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

At which step can't it find the system file? Backing up, or copying the file from the repair folder? If its when you're supposed to backup the file, since the error is "missing or corrupt", that could explain it.

 

[Guest]

In the very first line of code I type (which makes it copy), it says that
file cannot be found? Is there a specific command that will let the computer
know that it needs to be extracted from the CD?

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Again, is this in the section where you back up the existing files? What is the exact command that your typing? Copy9ing from Windows\System32\config to another folder? Or later in the process? Ensure that you read the KB article thoroughly and understand all the steps required.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q307545

 

[Guest]

After typing MD TMP everything goes fine. Then when I type
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak

It says that the file cannot be copied.

All the rest of the files could be copied except that one.

Like I said after I select r in step two of the tutorial you sent me it
doesnt even ask me for a password like it said it would.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

I can't speak to the password issue, except that there is a setting that allows for automatic Administrator logon into Recovery Console. Since the error message states that the System file is "missing or corrupt" you can likely ignore the fact you can't copy it to the TMP folder. If it is missing, there's nothing to copy.

 

[Guest]

Isn't the whole point to copy the file from the Win XP Cd?

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

No, you're copying the file from a backup on your hard disk in the Repair folder, as indicated by the instructions. Its not even really a backup, its a limited hardware configuration that was created at installation.