Major XP malfunction

[redpenner]

Must have downloaded a virus or something...mouse and
keyboard both froze,
and on reboot in safe mode I was told that I had a
corrupted file at:

c:\windows\system32\config\system

and it says I can repair it using the original CD and
pressing "r" for
repair, but all that does is ask me what installation of
Windows I want to
repair. Not having a clue, I entered "1". It still
doesn't let me repair
anything.

Do I have to reinstall XP from scratch now?

redpenner

 

[dev]

redpenner said:

Must have downloaded a virus or something...mouse and
keyboard both froze, and on reboot in safe mode I was told that I had a
corrupted file at:

c:\windows\system32\config\system

and it says I can repair it using the original CD and
pressing "r" for repair, but all that does is ask me what installation of
Windows I want to repair. Not having a clue, I entered "1". It still
doesn't let me repair anything.

Do I have to reinstall XP from scratch now?

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 isn't applicable, use a working PC to read these sites...

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry
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.

http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/ (repair console/restore tutorial)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q314874
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

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]

Greetings --

I can verify from personal experience that this method works:

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from
Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545


Bruce Chambers

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