Missing \system32\config\system file

  • Thread starter Thread starter David Maier
  • Start date Start date
D

David Maier

On startup I'm receiving a message that the following file is missing or
corrupt: c:\windows\system32\config\system. Using the repair console
on my CD, I can see that the file exists. I have looked through the CD
under the i386 directory and can't find any system file that can be
expanded to replace the one that I have.

I am unable to start in safe mode or command prompt mode, because this
error message appears, and am unable to restore to the last working
restore point for the same reason.

I can't find anything in the MS knowledge base about this.

I am unsure what the system file does and am at sea on how to fix this.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave Maier
 
David said:
On startup I'm receiving a message that the following file is missing or
corrupt: c:\windows\system32\config\system. Using the repair console
on my CD, I can see that the file exists. I have looked through the CD
under the i386 directory and can't find any system file that can be
expanded to replace the one that I have.

I am unable to start in safe mode or command prompt mode, because this
error message appears, and am unable to restore to the last working
restore point for the same reason.

I can't find anything in the MS knowledge base about this.

I am unsure what the system file does and am at sea on how to fix this.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave Maier
Click to expand...

After posting this, I saw the response to the earlier posting of Will
Denny. I will try that and repost if I am unsuccessful.
 
David; I am having exactly the same problem. It makes me wonder what caused this. I have just about exhausted all the resources I can think of. Please post if you find a fix; I'll do the same. There must be others who are having similar difficulties.
 
Tammy,

It says:

"Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your
computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on OEM
installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not exist
previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this
article, you may not be able to log back into the recovery console to
restore the original registry hives."

So what could happen is that you got locked out of the recovery
console in the middle of the recovery.

But as things stand now, you cannot use your computer, it would seem
the only option is a destructive system recovery to factory
conditions.

So I'd say, go on and try it. Print the article and study it
carefully, it is a long procedure.

Good luck!
 
I am having the same problem. My machine is an e-machines machine. The CDs I have are called restore CDs. When I put disc 1 of 3 into the CD ROM drive and enter 'r' I only get a DOS prompt. NOt a recovery console. What is wrong here?
 
Hi Rama,

I am having the same problem. My machine is an e-machines machine. The CDs I have are called restore CDs. When I put disc 1 of 3 into the CD ROM drive and enter 'r' I only get a DOS prompt. NOt a recovery console. What is wrong here?
Click to expand...

Since you have an OEM version of Windows XP, it might be possible that
you don't have a recovery console.
I would suggest consulting e-machines as to how to use the restore
CDs and their capabilities.

Good luck
 
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