missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lenny
  • Start date Start date
L

Lenny

Hi
I have the following message
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I have followed the instructions to the letter on the microsoft site (
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/ ) The only problem is that when I
type the following lines (in the correct sequence according to the page) my
system can't find the system file. How can I reinstall the system file as
all the others seems to repair ok. (software, sam, security and default)
Cheers
Lenny

copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
 
Lenny said:
Hi
I have the following message
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I have followed the instructions to the letter on the microsoft site (
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/ ) The only problem is that when I
type the following lines (in the correct sequence according to the page)
my system can't find the system file. How can I reinstall the system file
as all the others seems to repair ok. (software, sam, security and
default)
Cheers
Lenny

copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
Click to expand...
It must be missing. Did you try just the last line? After all, you intend
to delete the system hive, but something did that part for you.
Jim
 
1) boot with the CD XP (first set the BIOs that boot from cd in first
place). First screem choose R
2) Select the system that you want to repair (almost is the number 1), when
ask put the password administrator (if don't have press enter)
3) type:
cd \windows\system32\config
ren system system.bad
copy \windows\repair\system

good luck
--
Saludos cordiales !
regards
R.E.Fernandez
http://reinaldoefernandezspain.spaces.live.com/?mkt=en-us
http://reinaldoefernandez.spaces.live.com/
http://eduardofernandez.bitacoras.com/
 
If you use the original CD for Windows XP, the SYSTEM registry hive is the
hive that is the default one when installing Windows XP.

Not the current SYSTEM information containing configuration information
(e.g., Hardware, Services, Drivers, ...)
 
Hi Fernandez,
I have tried that but get stuck at the first hurdle when the ssystem cannot
finf the file or directory specified for the second line and cannot finf the
file specified for the third line
Any other thoughts?
 
Hi newscience, How do I check for the file you mention in your post? I don't
think it is on the system.
 
Check for the following files:

C:\Windows\System32\Config\System*.*
C:\Windows\System32\Repair\System*.*

and see if there are any system.sav files or something with another
extension.

The reason you cannot find the System file on the original Windows XP CD, is
because more than likely it is contained in a *.CAB file and/or compressed
(e.g. System.hi_ or something like that).

However, if you do find the original System file on the CD and try to
install it, you will lose your system, since as I posted earlier, it will
not reflect your current system (Hardware, Drivers, Services, BIOS, ...)
 
thanks for that.
From past experience I have just got on with it and started windows with a
Bart PE disk, copied My Documents and reloaded windows.
Sometimes life is just to short. However, If installing the original file
will lose the system, what do you recomend i do in this situation?
Cheers
Lenny
 
Just curious, have you tried doing a CHKDSK /F C: at all?
If you cannot find any SYSTEM*.* anywhere, then your only alternative is to
reinstall.

However, prior to the last result, I would try and find some SYSTEM file
somewhere, anyplace.
Install on your system in the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder and reboot,
BUT ONLY INTO SAFE MODE!!!! SAFE MODE will only install basic Windows
drivers and hardware.

Then I would try and see if you have any System Restore Points and restore
one that has the SYSTEM file.
You can then restore from that point anything you updated/installed.

THEN ... BACKUP THE C:\Windows\System32\Config folder (I would on a daily
basis until you are comfortable). There are many FREEWARE programs that
provide this.
 
Lenny said:
Hi
I have the following message
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I have followed the instructions to the letter on the microsoft site (
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/ ) The only problem is that when I
type the following lines (in the correct sequence according to the page)
my
system can't find the system file. How can I reinstall the system file as
all the others seems to repair ok.
Click to expand...

That is your registry. There is no fix. You must reinstall. Hope you had
a good backup.
 
That is your registry. There is no fix. You must reinstall. Hope you
had
a good backup.
Click to expand...

What do you mean there is no fix? This problem can often times be corrected
through the recovery console following that KB article or restoring a
previous copy of the registry made by something like ERUNT.
 
Paul said:
That is your registry.
Click to expand...


Well.... It's a portion thereof.

There is no fix.
Click to expand...


Why would you say such a thing? The OP's problem can usually be fixed
relatively easily. Microsoft even provides a Knowledge Base Article
with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. (I know, I've used
successfully a number of times.)

You must reinstall.
Click to expand...


Only in very rare cases, where the registry's automatic backups were
also damaged.


--

Bruce Chambers

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Hello, Were you able to get this problem fixed? I have the same problem
and have been reading the posts but i cant get into windows at all to
do anything. I cant do a restore or chkdisk. I tried to boot with my
boot disk but i get errors when it finishes so it shuts down and will
not boot. XP was loaded when i bought this PC and i do not have a CD
for it. I cant seem to do anything to get p[assed the missing or
corrupt error. Appreciate any help i can get here. Thanks

Rick
 
Hello, Were you able to get this problem fixed? I have the same problem
and have been reading the posts but i cant get into windows at all to
do anything. I cant do a restore or chkdisk. I tried to boot with my
boot disk but i get errors when it finishes so it shuts down and will
not boot. XP was loaded when i bought this PC and i do not have a CD
for it. I cant seem to do anything to get p[assed the missing or
corrupt error. Appreciate any help i can get here. Thanks
Click to expand...

What kind of disk is the "boot disk"? To resolve this problem following the
steps in the above listed knowledge base article you need to have an XP
installation CD. Borrow one from some one. It doesn't matter the version,
Home, Pro, OEM or retail, will work to get into the recovery console.
 
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