error when booting: missing file \windows\system32\config\system

K

Kyle

When my mom tried booting her Compaq computer with
Windows XP Home, a message came up that said that Windows
could not boot because "\windows\system32\config\system"
was missing. We tried doing the correction that Microsoft
Knowledge Base Article 307545 said to do, but when we
tried copying from the repair file, it said that the file
could not be copied. I also have Windows XP Home on my
laptop. If I took the system file from my computer, could
I use that for my mom's computer to replace the missing
one? We called a few places (circuit city, where we got
the computer, and compaq) and both said that we would
have to either start from scratch and lose three years of
data, or have a professional come in and restore windows
for like $300. I was wondering if I could just copy my
system file and put it on my mom's computer, or does each
computer have a unique system file? I just don't want my
mom spending a ton of money if I can fix it. Also, if
anyone has any knowledge in this issue, please e-mail me
or respond to this message. Thank you, everyone.
 
G

Guest

Hi Kyle,
In the Recovery console if you get the prompt C:\windows then try the art
315341 from the Knowledge base. If you just get the prompt as C:\ then it
means that the windows installation on your computer is corrupted.
If the windows installation is corrupted then back up the data and reformat
, reinstall the OS ref art 316941 or www.windowsreinstall.com
you could reply to (e-mail address removed).
Good Luck!
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Top