missing XP startup files

[Jim]

Am getting the following at startup:

Windows could not start because the C:\windows\system32
\config\system file is missing or corrupt

Have tried the recovery console fix - no go

If I reinstall XP (as new install) in existing location,
will I lose user files? Any ideas how this occurred? any
easy fixes for this?

Thanks

 

[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

To investigate the root cause(s) of the problem:

How to Troubleshoot Registry Corruption Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705


Bruce Chambers

--
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having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Jim,

Provided they are not encrypted, you will not lose any files by installing
to a new folder. You will merely need to "take ownership" of them, see:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

However, this may resolve your oiriginal problem:

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry [Q307545]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone