Missing System file

[Dustin]

I have had my system crash twice now due to my system
file becoming corrupt somehow...

I copied the file back onto the drive (refered to
Knowledge base article 823614) but am still having the
same error.

Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the
C:\windows\system32\config\system File is Missing or
Corrupt.


Has anyone else had this issue? Is my hard drive
basically just dying? Its a Western Digital.. Only 1.5
yrs old.

Dustin

 

[steve.uk]

see this.....


http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Dustin.

That config\system file is a key part of WinXP's Registry.

Looks like that KB article 823614 has a serious typo, at least in the copy
that comes up on my screen. :>(

Instruction 5 says:
At the command prompt, type the following commands (press ENTER after each
command):
CD C:\Windows\System32\ConfigREN system system.oldCOPY
C:\Windows\Repair\system

Obviously, that line is in serious need of some carriage returns! It should
say:

CD C:\Windows\System32\Config
REN system system.old
COPY C:\Windows\Repair\system

This RENames "system" to "system.old" and then copies the backup file from
the \Repair folder into the \Config folder where the startup process can
find it.

Try the Recovery Console again with these steps and let us know if it works
for you.

RC

 

[Guest]

I had this problem 3 days after buying a brand new VERY expensive system.
The computer support staff didn't have a clue what it was and could only
suggest formating and reinstalling windows. I think this is a big problem as it has happend
twice since then for no apparent reason. The only thing i can think of driver error,
possibly caused by my SATA Raid Controller running 2 disks?.

I now don't use the raid and instead run two seperate volums as well as using
Norton Ghost to mirror my C: drive to a backup file on D:. If it happens again
just pop in a special boot disk and Norton ghost recreates the C: in about 20mins.
Ok i might have lost some information, but its a lot better then taking 2 days
to reinstall windows and programs, plus it will recover from any disaster (driver, virus?).

It just shows, back up your system!!

----- Dustin wrote: -----

I have had my system crash twice now due to my system
file becoming corrupt somehow...

I copied the file back onto the drive (refered to
Knowledge base article 823614) but am still having the
same error.

Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the
C:\windows\system32\config\system File is Missing or
Corrupt.


Has anyone else had this issue? Is my hard drive
basically just dying? Its a Western Digital.. Only 1.5
yrs old.

Dustin

 

[Dustin]

Thank you very much for your help on this.. I was able to
get my system back up, and definitely plan on buying a
backup software. Norton Ghost sounds like a great choice
of software!

Dustin

-----Original Message-----
I had this problem 3 days after buying a brand new VERY expensive system.
The computer support staff didn't have a clue what it was and could only
suggest formating and reinstalling windows. I think this

is a big problem as it has happend

twice since then for no apparent reason. The only thing i can think of driver error,
possibly caused by my SATA Raid Controller running 2 disks?.

I now don't use the raid and instead run two seperate volums as well as using
Norton Ghost to mirror my C: drive to a backup file on D:. If it happens again
just pop in a special boot disk and Norton ghost

recreates the C: in about 20mins.

Ok i might have lost some information, but its a lot better then taking 2 days
to reinstall windows and programs, plus it will recover

from any disaster (driver, virus?).

 

[Dustin]

Thank you RC! I definitely agree that their were some
major typo's. I sent this feedback to Microsoft.. maybe
they'll update their KB article. This helped me to get my
system back up and I was able to copy my important files
to disk and reinstall XP.. no issues so far

Thanks again,

Dustin

 

[Dustin]

Steve, this was very helpful. I am using the file checker
software from now on. Should come in quite useful in the
future!

Thanks!

Dustin