Windows XP could not start ... File missing or corrupt

[Alberto]

This will be the second time in 2 months that this problem happened on my
eMachines T3504 running XP Home. The file that is missing or corrupt is
\Windows\systems32\config\system
I used the OEM restore disk last time, and it was such a hassle to get back
to working shape with email and the profiles and all that.
I have read quite a few posts here, and have tried many of the steps, but
one of the most frequent answers deals with copying files from a *repair*
directory while in the Recovery Console. Well, once I was in the RC I looked
for the Repair directory and it can't be found. I have tried chkdsk /r, but
that didn't work. Is it possible the file I need is on the restore disk and I
might be able to use it without having to do a restore?
Are there any other solutions?

 

[jake]

The first thing I would try is start with lastknowngood if that doesn't work
then
the file you are going to need is c:/windows/repair/system but you will lose
all settings.
Or you can try a restore file if they haven't been corrupted by a virus, it
is located in C:\System Volume Information
the folders _restore{some number} contain folders RP followed by a number.
Find a rp folder containing a folder snapshot.In there you will find a file
named _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM.Rename that file to system and copy it to the
c:/windows/system32/config folder.
C:\System Volume Information is also hidden by default.
Of course make backups of any altered files incase something goes wrong.
Now I do all this using bartpe but it can be done in the recovery console
too although you will have to do using dos.
And I dont think you can get this file from the 1386 folder.So if you cant
find file in c:/windows/repair or C:\System Volume Information then a
reinstall is the only solution.So good luck

 

[jake]

I also beleive the command sfc /scannow will replace the repair folder if it
has been deleted for some reason.But when you do get back operational.Make
sure you run virus/spyware cleaners as alot of virus/spyware will actually
delete or modify mentioned files so that you will not be able to recover.

 

[Alberto]

Thanks for the response. LKG didn't work the several times I reached that
page. I didn't have the system file in the repair subdirectory because the
repair subdirectory isn't on my HD. I don't know why, and I will be posting
to find out how to get it or if I need it.
I tried Recovery Console one last time and copied my system.bak to system,
and then was able to boot into Safe Mode. Once there I was able to do a
Restore and I am back to normal so far.
Does anyone out there know why this type of problem would happen so
frequently? I have scanned for virus and spyware, but I don't have more than
one application for each so maybe something slipped by?

 

[PaulM]

Have you tried this:
Error Message: Windows could not start because the following file is missing
or corrupt
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];320252

 

[PaulM]

Sorry wrong link...try this one:

Error Message: Windows could not start because the following file is missing

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

Have you tried this:
Error Message: Windows could not start because the following file is
missing or corrupt
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];320252

--
www.paulsxp.com
www.paulsxp.com/forum

This will be the second time in 2 months that this problem happened on my
eMachines T3504 running XP Home. The file that is missing or corrupt is
\Windows\systems32\config\system
I used the OEM restore disk last time, and it was such a hassle to get
back
to working shape with email and the profiles and all that.
I have read quite a few posts here, and have tried many of the steps, but
one of the most frequent answers deals with copying files from a *repair*
directory while in the Recovery Console. Well, once I was in the RC I
looked
for the Repair directory and it can't be found. I have tried chkdsk /r,
but
that didn't work. Is it possible the file I need is on the restore disk
and I
might be able to use it without having to do a restore?
Are there any other solutions?

 

[windmap]

Try this http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us

 

[Alberto]

Yes I started to use the instructions on this link, but in Step 1 it is
required to copy files from \Windows\repair\....... That subdirectory
doesn't exist on my computer, so I couldn't go any further with the
instructions.