missing or corrupt windows \system32\config\system error

[Guest]

I got this message on my Toshiba laptop that runs on XP. I have had constant
problems with this computer from about 2 days after the 1 year warranty ran
out. This time, I attempted to start the computer, and got an error that
read: missing or corrupt windows\system32\config\system.
I was able to use an XP set-up disk (retail version) to get to the repair
option that microsoft recommends for fixing this problem. I got the Recovery
Console command prompts and was able to copy all 5 files (system, software,
sam, security, and default). (it said after each line that 1 file was copied.)
I then was able to delete the 5 files that I was told to on the
instructions, although it didnt' say anything after I typed the lines in.
I then went on to the repair steps and when I typed in the first command
line (system) it said that "The system cannot find the file specified." I
tried to type the second line (software) and it seemed to work with no
problem.
I stopped the process (typed EXIT and turned the computer off).
Are there any suggestions as to the next logical step (preferably other than
wiping out the hard drive and starting over!)?
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I got this message on my Toshiba laptop that runs on XP. I have had constant
problems with this computer from about 2 days after the 1 year warranty ran
out. This time, I attempted to start the computer, and got an error that
read: missing or corrupt windows\system32\config\system.
I was able to use an XP set-up disk (retail version) to get to the repair
option that microsoft recommends for fixing this problem. I got the Recovery
Console command prompts and was able to copy all 5 files (system, software,
sam, security, and default). (it said after each line that 1 file was copied.)
I then was able to delete the 5 files that I was told to on the
instructions, although it didnt' say anything after I typed the lines in.
I then went on to the repair steps and when I typed in the first command
line (system) it said that "The system cannot find the file specified." I
tried to type the second line (software) and it seemed to work with no
problem.
I stopped the process (typed EXIT and turned the computer off).
Are there any suggestions as to the next logical step (preferably other than
wiping out the hard drive and starting over!)?
Thanks in advance for any help!

This message can be generated when the boot environment
is disturbed. I would probably do this:
- Boot into the Recovery Console.
- Copy these two files from the i386 folder of the WinXP CD to C:\ -
ntldr
ntdetect.com
- Examine c:\boot.ini. You can post it here if you like.
- Run these commands:
fixboot
fixmbr
exit

In your post you write a lot about copying files from here
to there but you never say precisely what the names and
locations are. The files you refer to are registry files: They
contain a complete description of your PC, and if you
are likely overwrite them then you destroy your Windows
installation. When these files are suspected damaged, one
always moves them into a safe place instead of replacing
them.

You ***might*** find some older copies of the registry
files in c:\Windows\Repair.

 

[Guest]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307545

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307545

Even if your support information is correct and helpful; when you snip all
the post you reply to it makes it very difficult for anyone not familiar
with the thread to know what you are talking about.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

In

Even if your support information is correct and helpful; when you
snip all the post you reply to it makes it very difficult for anyone
not familiar with the thread to know what you are talking about.

I should have said unfamiliar, but I doubt the unknown P will ever address
their posting inadequacies, Unknown P has never been especially helpful, but
UnknownP is not malicious with their advice the same way Andrew E is.
Unknown doesn't understand the importance of including the message they
reply to.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm