"windows\system32\config" - system file corrupt\missing

[scoop180]

Hi

Got a big problem which I think is unrecoverable hopefully someone can
come up with a solution.

Had the boot error "windows\system32\config\system file missing\corrupt
Im sure you all know the one.

Managed to sort that by using the repair folder in the system32
directory through the recovery console and was able to get into windows
and did a restore of the registry.

All good as all I was doing was trying to get into windows copy
personal files onto an external HD and do a complete reinstal of the OS
(xp home)

However out of pure stupidity I started tinkering went back into the
recovery console renamed the config file config.old (dont ask) and now
when I reboot Im getting the same error as before and when I go to the
recovery console it doesnt see the windows installation and when I try
to access the windows directory or any directory from the console it
says access denied.

Is there anyway to get into the windows directory to remedy my mistake
or am I totally locked out of that windows installtion and all the
files?

Thanks

scoop

 

[Rich Barry]

Easiest way is to remove the drive and connect to a friends computer. If
a NTFS file system he need's to have at least Win2K. If you are using FAT
then Win9X would work Ok.

 

[scoop180]

Thanks for getting back to me barry

I had thought of slaving the hard drive however its a laptop and Ive
never slaved a laptop hard drive before.

Is it the same idea as slaving a normal pc HD - any tips would be
useful.

cheers

scoop

 

[Rich Barry]

Scoop, check this thread. It's the same procedure but you will need a
Adaptor
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Storage/Q_21565047.html

 

[scoop180]

cheers Barry for the help

regards

scoop