/windows/system32/config/system

[dev]

/tdeen/ said:

I have been unable to restart my computer that uses windows XP OS since
getting the following error message, windows could not start because the
following file is missing or corrupt: /WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM. I have
read microsoft's advice about getting describing how to recover a Windows XP
system that does not start because of corruption in the registry.

Initially you start the Recovery Console, create a temporary folder, back up
the existing registry files to a new location, delete the registry files at
their existing location, and then copy the registry files from the repair
folder to the System32\Config folder. When you have finished this procedure,
a registry is created that you can use to start Windows XP. This registry was
created and saved during the initial setup of Windows XP. Therefore any
changes and settings that occurred after the Setup program was finished are
lost.

To complete part one, you are asked to do the following steps: 1. Insert the
Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP
CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the
CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.

I have tried to start the computer from the XP CD-ROM drive but I am unable
to. The computer continually restart, stopping with the error message about
there being a corrupt or missing file.

Can anyone help me to restart my computer without losing data..??

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 does nothing, use a working PC to read this first...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q823614
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

Related info is here...
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.

Info on dealing with corruption issues...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705

Reinstall/repair tutorials (if needed) are here...
http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/
http://michaelstevenstech.com

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.

 

[Guest]

I have been unable to restart my computer that uses windows XP OS since
getting the following error message, windows could not start because the
following file is missing or corrupt: /WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM. I have
read microsoft's advice about getting describing how to recover a Windows XP
system that does not start because of corruption in the registry.

Initially you start the Recovery Console, create a temporary folder, back up
the existing registry files to a new location, delete the registry files at
their existing location, and then copy the registry files from the repair
folder to the System32\Config folder. When you have finished this procedure,
a registry is created that you can use to start Windows XP. This registry was
created and saved during the initial setup of Windows XP. Therefore any
changes and settings that occurred after the Setup program was finished are
lost.

To complete part one, you are asked to do the following steps: 1. Insert the
Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP
CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the
CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.

I have tried to start the computer from the XP CD-ROM drive but I am unable
to. The computer continually restart, stopping with the error message about
there being a corrupt or missing file.

Can anyone help me to restart my computer without losing data..??

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

You can perform a 'Repair' install of XP, which should retain all your
files, programs and settings. The following article by Michael Stevens will
help:

"How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install"
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--


Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
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