"windows\system32\config\system" error

[treedy]

I have a complex issue that i hope some can help me with.
when my computer shuts down and restarts i get an error
that "windows\system32\config\system" file is corrupt. If
I remove the battery and clear the cmos, it boots up
fine. The process to on Microsoft.com to repair this file
does not take into accout OEM software application? Is
there an easy way to remove and replace these files
WITHOUT deleting all my files? If anyone has a lees
complex fix than MS.com I would sure appreciate your
help. Thanks in a advance
ted

 

[Kathryn Birstein]

I also have this problem on a Sony PCV-RX550. I
can't "repair" because the crummy Sony Restore Cd only
gives one option, Wipe out all data and do a complete
reinstall! Any suggestions?

 

[dev]

Kathryn Birstein said:

If I remove the battery and clear the cmos, it boots up

I also have this problem on a Sony PCV-RX550. I
can't "repair" because the crummy Sony Restore Cd only
gives one option, Wipe out all data and do a complete
reinstall! Any suggestions?

Try a boot into Safe Mode, by hitting F8 just before the "Starting
Windows" screen would appear (takes a bit of practice).
Choose LAST GOOD.

If that isn't applicable, use a working PC to read these sites...

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q307545
describes a three-step process to extract a copy of the registry
from the System Restore SVI folder.

http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/ (repair console/restore tutorial)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q314874
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

After your system is restored, the ERUNT utility available here may
make it easier to fix the problem if it recurs...
http://HOME.T-ONLINE.DE/home/lars.hederer/erunt

If the problem persists, try swapping current RAM (even if it checks
good) for a single, high-quality 512Mb chip. XP reportedly is sensitive
to memory timing.