Widows XP reload problem

[Guest]

Got the dreaded "\windows/system32\config\system not found" message due to
suspected virus. System would not repair. Reloaded XP. Question : How do
I reconnect files and programs from old installation ? Did not wipe out old
system....

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Programs need to be reinstalled from the original installation media. If
files tell you "access denied", then you need to take ownership of them.

Right-click the folder, select properties. Go to the security tab and click
advanced. You can take control of the folders on the owner tab. For the
security tab to appear in a WinXP Pro system, you must disable simple file
sharing in the control panel/folder options/view tab. For a WinXP Home
system, you must restart in safe mode and logon as administrator. More
details here:

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

An additional note for WinXP Pro users: This procedure will not help you
recover data if the files are encrypted. All you will be able to do is
delete them. To recover encrypted files you will need the original
encryption certificate or a Recovery Agent from the installation under which
they were encrypted. Without one of these, the files are not recoverable.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Lerner]

Got the dreaded "\windows/system32\config\system not found" message due to
suspected virus. System would not repair. Reloaded XP. Question : How do
I reconnect files and programs from old installation ? Did not wipe out old
system....

You don't...

You reinstall your software again and that will register it properly.

One warning, if you reinstall over the old stuff you may lose customizations
and data that you had previously. If you install in a new directory you may
not be able to import old data or settings.