Lost O/S

[Guest]

My system starts with a missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system,
error. This happens randomly, and I have used emergency start-up disks to
boot to recovery console. When I copy and delete the files as instructed,
when my system reboots, it starts with the welcome screen for a new
installation. I seem to have lost all my old files and O/S, and wants me to
activate my Windows again. HELP

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My system starts with a missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system,
error. This happens randomly, and I have used emergency start-up disks to
boot to recovery console. When I copy and delete the files as instructed,
when my system reboots, it starts with the welcome screen for a new
installation. I seem to have lost all my old files and O/S, and wants me to
activate my Windows again. HELP

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

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Guest]

My system starts with a missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system,
error. This happens randomly, and I have used emergency start-up disks to
boot to recovery console. When I copy and delete the files as instructed,
when my system reboots, it starts with the welcome screen for a new
installation. I seem to have lost all my old files and O/S, and wants me to
activate my Windows again. HELP

Run the Chkdsk /r on the Recovery Console and see if that will get it into
shape.
Then look in the Event Viewer for any error messages(X).
It is likely hardware issue.
HTH.
nass

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your time and effort: I will try all replies until my system
restores, Thanks again!

 

[Kelly]

Added info:

Go to Recovery Console and type:

cd system32\config
ren system system.old
ren system.alt systemalt.old
copy c:\windows\repair\system
copy c:\windows\repair\regback\system
exit

SystemRoot\System32\Config\SYSTEM
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q314874

Corrupt Hive
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm


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All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

SUPERAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com?rid=3154