Windows could not start because of missing or corrupt file

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G

Guest

Hello:

My computer running Windows XP was shut down incorrectly and when trying to
restart an error message came up saying
1. Windows could not start because of missing or corrupt file:
Windows\system\system32\config\system
I did some research and from what the microsoft web site support says I
should try and reinstall windows xp and go to the recovery mode. I tried that
and the computer does not recognize the the cd-rom and do anything.
2. further research seemed to indicate trying to intstall windows XP using
floppies to get things up and going. So I downloaded and made the 6 windows
xp installation set as directed and started the installation procedure.
3. progress was made, it went to a windows set up mode and went to disc 2
and ran into an issue. File\ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded Error code 7.
4. Further research has indicated maybe problems with BIOS configuration or
a faulty Ram module.

any assistance would be greatly apreciated, am I heading in the right
direction?
 
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

Another solution/suggestion that has worked for many:

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

NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.

For example, you would type ren software software.bak (instead of ren system
system.bak ), and then press ENTER.


--
Happy Mardi Gras,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

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

Just wanted to let you know that I have been saving a large number of your
posts to a folder in Outlook Express/Local Folders Labeled Kelly. I have
learned so much from your posts in the past three years.

Thank You! Keep up the good work.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard :-)

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
Hi Kelly:

Thanks for responding to my request, I did see the article at Microsoft on
recovery. The problem I had was I could not access the info on the windows xp
cd.

I ended up going into the bios and changing the boot sequence so the
computer would read the cd before the harddrive.

Rich G
 
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