Corrupt Windows XP config file

[Guest]

While starting Windows XP error message appears, "windows could not start
because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system"

I've printed article 307545 "How to recover from a corrupted registry that
prevents Windows XP from starting", but the article warns those with OEM
installations to not use this approach for recovery. I have an OEM Windows
XP installation. Am I just tough out of luck? Would I be foolish to try the
recovery process as detailed in this article? The article states that if I
use this procedure, I MAY not be able to log back into the Recovery console.
My daughter has a college assignment on that PC that wasn't backed up, and to
her it's priceless. Can someone help me??

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| While starting Windows XP error message appears, "windows could not start
| because the following file is missing or corrupt:
| \windows\system32\config\system"
|
| I've printed article 307545 "How to recover from a corrupted registry that
| prevents Windows XP from starting", but the article warns those with OEM
| installations to not use this approach for recovery. I have an OEM Windows
| XP installation. Am I just tough out of luck? Would I be foolish to try the
| recovery process as detailed in this article? The article states that if I
| use this procedure, I MAY not be able to log back into the Recovery console.
| My daughter has a college assignment on that PC that wasn't backed up, and to
| her it's priceless. Can someone help me??

 

[Guest]

When I began to attempt to the reinstall/repair of Windows XP,it appears as
though the C: drive has not been formatted. I quit the install, rebooted to
the Recovery Console and used the MAP command. (When I initially partitioned
the 80gb hard drive, I partitioned the drive using the 50% option and created
two partitions, a C: and a D: drive.) The MAP command shows Partition 1 with
no file system (not formatted), while it shows Partition 2 with NTFS
formatting. Even if I were able to re-created the partition data using
DISKPART, I would still have to somehow format the disk to get a file system.
I'm starting to think that it's really not looking good for saving my
daughter's MS Power Point class assignment. Do you possibly have any other
suggestions, besides a data recovery service that would cost me an arm and a
leg?

 

[GTS]

I have found that corruption of \windows\system32\comfit\system (and other
registry files there) is, more often than not, caused by a hard disk
problem. Unfortunately the bad advice (in my opinion) to do a Repair
Install as the first troubleshooting step is very common and may exacerbate
the problem. Sometimes this seems to work, but the machine soon fails
again because the a drive problem that was not addressed. When servicing
this problem, I generally try to recover any important files as the first
step (using several different methods), and then run chkdsk /r and
manufacturers diagnostics to see if the hard drive is serviceable.

If possible for you, the best option would be to slave the drive in another
computer and use a file recovery program there. The free one at
http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/uk/download.htm is one possibility.
A better one is Active@ File Recovery which is reasonably priced and has a
downloadable trial version. http://www.file-recovery.net/

If this isn't an option, try running chkdsk /r from Recovery Console. It's
possible, though far from certain, that it may repair the data sufficiently
to recover the directory structure. If bad sectors are found replace the
drive or at least monitor it closely for any increased number of same.

 

[Guest]

Since the time I posted this, I've rebooted to the Win XP Recovery Console
and ran CHKDSK /R-. In fact I've run it three times because the command
keeps aborting and stating that the disk has unrecoverable errors. The
CHKDSK status bar will climb to around 70% then revert back to 50% then abort
at around 58%. I know this sounds like my daughter crashed the hard drive
and that may be true, but the circumstances just seem too coincedental to me.
She was in a Chat Room where some idiot kept making sexual remarks to her.
She finally had had enough a typed a rude comment back to this individual.
He/she said that they would fix her wagon, minutes later her PC locked up and
then spontaneously rebooted. That's when the Corrupt Config File messages
began showing up. Could some talented(?) PC person actually crash and damage
a hard drive by hacking into someone else's computer? Anyways, I'm still
stuck and would surely appreciate any help that anyone in this community
could provide me with.

Thanks. Russ

 

[Guest]

Thanks for responding GTS. Below, I'm pasting a post I made before I spotted
your response to me. It seems that your bad hard drive diagnosis may be
correct. I guess my nest step is to try the data recovery programs you
suggested. If that soesn't work then I guess my daughter better get cracking
on re-doing her Power Pont assignment. But the last question I have is, can
a hacker really damage a hard drive or is this all just a coincidence?

Since the time I posted this, I've rebooted to the Win XP Recovery Console
and ran CHKDSK /R-. In fact I've run it three times because the command
keeps aborting and stating that the disk has unrecoverable errors. The
CHKDSK status bar will climb to around 70% then revert back to 50% then abort
at around 58%. I know this sounds like my daughter crashed the hard drive
and that may be true, but the circumstances just seem too coincedental to me.
She was in a Chat Room where some idiot kept making sexual remarks to her.
She finally had had enough a typed a rude comment back to this individual.
He/she said that they would fix her wagon, minutes later her PC locked up and
then spontaneously rebooted. That's when the Corrupt Config File messages
began showing up. Could some talented(?) PC person actually crash and damage
a hard drive by hacking into someone else's computer? Anyways, I'm still
stuck and would surely appreciate any help that anyone in this community
could provide me with.

Thanks to all who have offered their assistance to me. Russ

 

[GTS]

A hacker could cause damage to data (including registry files) if a PC is
not properly secured, but could not physically damage the hard drive. The
behavior you describe of the chkdsk is unusual. Are you booting from an XP
CD or from a hard drive installation of RC?
--

 

[Guest]

Booting from the hard drive is impossible right now (at least I sure don't
know how to do it). Once the BIOS info is displayed, then next screen has
the following:

"windows could not start
because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system"

So I'm booting from the Windows XP OEM Home CD and entering "R" once the
Windows XP install screen comes up to get to the Recovery Console.

My current plan is to make the 2nd partition on that hard drive, which is
the D: drive, the active partition and to install Windows XP into that
partition. After the Win XP install (if all goes well), I'll establish an
Internet Connection and download the Data Recovery application you suggested.
Hopefully the data recovery Help Files are explanatory enough to guide me
through the process.

I don't have time to do that tonight so I'm probably take on the task
tomorrow. But whatever happens, I'll repost here and let you and Carey know
what the outcome was.

Thanks again.
Russ

 

[Linda Creole]

I had the same problem but got rebooted from Window XP boot disk and typed
R. I had to do it twice for the computer to boot up, but now I get the
following error on my program called megamud (just a script program to play
majormud):

[Telnet Error 0000274D (Connect)]
[Connection refused.]
WSOCK32.DLL loaded.
[Telnet Error 0000276B (CreateSocket)]
[Network subsystem is unavailable.]

Not sure what is causing it. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Guest]

I attempted to install Windows XP in the second partition, but I wasn't able
to make the second partition the active partition without deleting the the
first partition, so I aborted.

I then brought up the Recovery Console and used the FIXBOOT command to try
to re-create the MBR on the first partition. When I executed the MAP
command, I could see the first partition now identifying itself as being
formatted in NTFS but it still wouldn't boot up. I then ran CHKSK /R-
several times, but it kept aborting at around 70%. When I reran MAP, the C:
drive wasn't visible at all. I reran FIXBOOT then MAP and it was again
visible as an NTFS partition. I then tried to re-install Windows XP on the
C: drive hoping I would get the Repair Option, but the only options I was
given were to either Quick or Full Format the drive.

I have another unused PC with a 25gb Maxtor HDD in it. My next approach is
to remove the Maxtor and install it in the broken PC as the Master Primary
and install Windows XP on that drive and attempt to use the Data Recovery
apps GTS suggested to try and save my daughter's Power Point project.

Linda, I'm sorry but I don't have a clue as to how to resolve your problem.
I do suggest however, that you separately post your problem in this forum.
That way you might get a specific response from someone who can help.

Thanks again to the rest of you.
Russ

I had the same problem but got rebooted from Window XP boot disk and typed
R. I had to do it twice for the computer to boot up, but now I get the
following error on my program called megamud (just a script program to play
majormud):

[Telnet Error 0000274D (Connect)]
[Connection refused.]
WSOCK32.DLL loaded.
[Telnet Error 0000276B (CreateSocket)]
[Network subsystem is unavailable.]

Not sure what is causing it. Anyone have any ideas?

Booting from the hard drive is impossible right now (at least I sure don't
know how to do it). Once the BIOS info is displayed, then next screen has
the following:

"windows could not start
because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system"

So I'm booting from the Windows XP OEM Home CD and entering "R" once the
Windows XP install screen comes up to get to the Recovery Console.

My current plan is to make the 2nd partition on that hard drive, which is
the D: drive, the active partition and to install Windows XP into that
partition. After the Win XP install (if all goes well), I'll establish an
Internet Connection and download the Data Recovery application you
suggested.
Hopefully the data recovery Help Files are explanatory enough to guide me
through the process.

I don't have time to do that tonight so I'm probably take on the task
tomorrow. But whatever happens, I'll repost here and let you and Carey
know
what the outcome was.

Thanks again.
Russ

 

[Guest]

I have been following this thread, and am having the same problem. I have
much data that I need to keep; thousands of embroidery files. I backed up 3
weeks ago and was going to back up again this weekend, but then got this
message we are talking about. I am unable to boot from the CD and don't have
the floppies to boot from. I can't access even command prompt, much less
recovery or anything else. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have checked
out all the Microsoft help articles, but they seem to require being able to
access some areas of XP and I can't access anything at all.
--
cccquilter

I attempted to install Windows XP in the second partition, but I wasn't able
to make the second partition the active partition without deleting the the
first partition, so I aborted.

I then brought up the Recovery Console and used the FIXBOOT command to try
to re-create the MBR on the first partition. When I executed the MAP
command, I could see the first partition now identifying itself as being
formatted in NTFS but it still wouldn't boot up. I then ran CHKSK /R-
several times, but it kept aborting at around 70%. When I reran MAP, the C:
drive wasn't visible at all. I reran FIXBOOT then MAP and it was again
visible as an NTFS partition. I then tried to re-install Windows XP on the
C: drive hoping I would get the Repair Option, but the only options I was
given were to either Quick or Full Format the drive.

I have another unused PC with a 25gb Maxtor HDD in it. My next approach is
to remove the Maxtor and install it in the broken PC as the Master Primary
and install Windows XP on that drive and attempt to use the Data Recovery
apps GTS suggested to try and save my daughter's Power Point project.

Linda, I'm sorry but I don't have a clue as to how to resolve your problem.
I do suggest however, that you separately post your problem in this forum.
That way you might get a specific response from someone who can help.

Thanks again to the rest of you.
Russ

I had the same problem but got rebooted from Window XP boot disk and typed
R. I had to do it twice for the computer to boot up, but now I get the
following error on my program called megamud (just a script program to play
majormud):

[Telnet Error 0000274D (Connect)]
[Connection refused.]
WSOCK32.DLL loaded.
[Telnet Error 0000276B (CreateSocket)]
[Network subsystem is unavailable.]

Not sure what is causing it. Anyone have any ideas?

Booting from the hard drive is impossible right now (at least I sure don't
know how to do it). Once the BIOS info is displayed, then next screen has
the following:

"windows could not start
because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system"

So I'm booting from the Windows XP OEM Home CD and entering "R" once the
Windows XP install screen comes up to get to the Recovery Console.

My current plan is to make the 2nd partition on that hard drive, which is
the D: drive, the active partition and to install Windows XP into that
partition. After the Win XP install (if all goes well), I'll establish an
Internet Connection and download the Data Recovery application you
suggested.
Hopefully the data recovery Help Files are explanatory enough to guide me
through the process.

I don't have time to do that tonight so I'm probably take on the task
tomorrow. But whatever happens, I'll repost here and let you and Carey
know
what the outcome was.

Thanks again.
Russ


:

A hacker could cause damage to data (including registry files) if a PC is
not properly secured, but could not physically damage the hard drive.
The
behavior you describe of the chkdsk is unusual. Are you booting from an
XP
CD or from a hard drive installation of RC?
--

Since the time I posted this, I've rebooted to the Win XP Recovery
Console
and ran CHKDSK /R-. In fact I've run it three times because the
command
keeps aborting and stating that the disk has unrecoverable errors. The
CHKDSK status bar will climb to around 70% then revert back to 50% then
abort
at around 58%. I know this sounds like my daughter crashed the hard
drive
and that may be true, but the circumstances just seem too coincedental
to
me.
She was in a Chat Room where some idiot kept making sexual remarks to
her.
She finally had had enough a typed a rude comment back to this
individual.
He/she said that they would fix her wagon, minutes later her PC locked
up
and
then spontaneously rebooted. That's when the Corrupt Config File
messages
began showing up. Could some talented(?) PC person actually crash and
damage
a hard drive by hacking into someone else's computer? Anyways, I'm
still
stuck and would surely appreciate any help that anyone in this
community
could provide me with.

Thanks. Russ

:

While starting Windows XP error message appears, "windows could not
start
because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system"

I've printed article 307545 "How to recover from a corrupted registry
that
prevents Windows XP from starting", but the article warns those with
OEM
installations to not use this approach for recovery. I have an OEM
Windows
XP installation. Am I just tough out of luck? Would I be foolish to
try
the
recovery process as detailed in this article? The article states that
if
I
use this procedure, I MAY not be able to log back into the Recovery
console.
My daughter has a college assignment on that PC that wasn't backed up,
and to
her it's priceless. Can someone help me??