win xp home won't boot

[mgm]

<message originally posted to
microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support with no responses>

My system will not boot: error msg received:
"Missing or corrupt file: System/System32/system.exe .. use start up disc."
Can the F8 be used to access "Last known good config" in this case?
Can this be repaired if you do not have a starup disk?

 

[Kelly]

To fix the "windows\system32\config\system file is mising or corrupt" where
Xp wont boot:

Go to Recovery Console and type:

cd system32\config
ren system system.old
ren system.alt systemalt.old
copy c:\windows\repair\system
copy c:\windows\repair\regback\system
exit

Recover from a Corrupted Registry Preventing Win XP from Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307545

Added info:

In the Recovery Console:

Type cd sytem32\config , and then press ENTER.
Type dir system , and then press ENTER.

Depending on your error message, use as follows:

Next type: ren software software.bak and then press ENTER.

or:

type ren system system.bak and then press ENTER.

Next type:

copy c:\windows\repair\software , and then press ENTER.

or:

copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.

Exit, reboot.

More info here:

Recovering XP using the Recovery Console (Line 333) right hand side
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[mgm]

Thank you for your reply, (Kelly, are you another south Louisiana gal...
name like Theriot sounds it )
How will this work if Recovery Console isn't installed. This problem is on
an HP Pavillion laptop. The only CD's available to me are the HP Recovery
disc set of 3 cd's

 

[Kelly]

Sho' am a southern gal. Born and raised in Houma - 40 miles from New
Orleans. )
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=houma&state=LA&country=us&zoom=4

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[Rock]

Thank you for your reply, (Kelly, are you another south Louisiana gal...
name like Theriot sounds it )
How will this work if Recovery Console isn't installed. This problem is on
an HP Pavillion laptop. The only CD's available to me are the HP Recovery
disc set of 3 cd's

Borrow someone else's installation CD. It can't be used for a repair
install but the recovery console will work the same.