System file missing - need help on restoring my original windows xp pro sp2 - it only shows one inst

[The Servant]

I'm still trying to get repair to work on my new pc. I read all the
suggested bulletins and tried everything. I finally got repair to see my
unique drivers and got to the place where I could pick a version of Windows
XP Professional to boot, but it only showed the latest install and not the
original as a choice.

I had a lot of answers last week, but since last Friday no one has answered
my question.
I will repost it.
-------------------------- trying to run repair --------------------
I have tried running chkdsk /r twice, and have then tried to run the repair
procedure. I finally got the drivers to load by having the drivers on a
floppy in A drive before I started. Then when I get to the screen where I
can click repair, the only choice is: C:\windows2\
but the version I want to repair is in: C:\windows\
Any ideas?

N.
-----------------------------------------

The original problem was missing or corrupt system file in the
c:\windows\system32\config\ directory.

When I installed XP again into a c:\windows2 directory, I then booted up and
was able to go see what was happening in the c:\windows\system32\config
directory and there was no file called system there, but there was one
called system in the C:\windows2\system32\config\ directory. So I rebooted
into a safe mode dos prompt and copied that file called system from the
c:\windows2\system32\config\ path to the first install,
c:\windows\system32\config directory.

I've seen the problem you describe - it can be solved by booting from
the Windows XP CD, going into recovery mode and from the Dos Prompt
doing a CHKDSK /R a couple times. If you only run it once it won't fix
the entire structure, the minimum I've seen is twice.

Now that you've copied the one structure over-top the other I think you
will need to do a repair/reinstall and use the F6 option to install
drivers first.

You may find that the copy didn't work and you still need to do a CHKDSK
/R in order to repair the FAT.

--

 

[Guest]

boot up with xp cd.
select "r" for repair to start recovery console.
dhow many installations does it show?
if only one install shows up. at command prompt type bootcfg /rebuild
if successful in restoring c:\windows, try a repair install again.this time
c:\windows should be there.

Bootcfg commands
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=291980

 

[The Servant]

Dennis,

That is a big help and I'm surprised I got it so fast, being this late on a
Friday and all. I'll go try that.

Thanks.

N.

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[The Servant]

Dennis,

I tried what you suggest, and now I see two windows directories, but my
administration password does not work now to let me in. What else can I do?
Did the admin password get corrupted?

N.

 

[Guest]

THe Admin password for recovery is usually left blank.
Not the samm as yuor windows admin privileges account.
It is asking for "Hidden" Administrtor password.
This is a side issue though.

You want to continue now with the "Repair Install" and choose the c:\windows
installation.

 

[The Servant]

That is when it asks me for the password.

N.
----------------------------------------------

 

[Guest]

You're not following "repair install" procedure.
you are going into recovery console. it is only a command prompt interface.
it is not what you want to do!!!

"Repair Install"
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

 

[The Servant]

Thanks for setting me straight. I'll reread the instructions and try that in
the morning.

N.

-------------------------

 

[The Servant]

I went past the recovery console by pressing enter to continue and then I
get a screen with only one choice, which is C:\windows2

Is there any place else I can run bootcfg /rebuild from?

N.
------------------------------------

 

[The Servant]

When I do this I only get one choice, the C:\windows2

Any other place I can run bootcfg /rebuild?

N.

I replied to my own message and wasn't sure you would get it, so I went back
and replied to your posting. If you get two, that is why.

N.

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