Windows XP system 32 config missing or corrupt file

[mooseman]

My XP service pack 2 laptop's screen went black and I got this error message:
Windows couldn't start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system. It then said to get the setup cd-rom. I
found a cd I had from Toshiba called Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD.
Is that the CD I need? If it isn't and I can't find the set-up CD what can I
do? I would like to get it working again.
Thanks

 

[db ´¯`·.. >]

this is a factor that
contributes to the
economics of $ms.

you need a winxp
cd from a friend or
store to access the
backdoor of the
file system to bring
your installation
back online.

otherwise, the oem
installation on your
laptop is the responsibility
of the vendor.

if you can borrow a winxp
then you can follow these steps:

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

if you can borrow one, you
might be able to make a boot
cd with it after you fix your
pc or use the one you are
on now to facilitate.

possibly, the recovery cds
may also have a bootable
option for repair installations.

but toshiba would be the
one to provide guidance.

have you checked out
your laptops homepage and
related faq's?

--

<)))º>·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><)))º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

..

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My XP service pack 2 laptop's screen went black and I got this error message:
Windows couldn't start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system. It then said to get the setup cd-rom. I
found a cd I had from Toshiba called Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD.
Is that the CD I need?

No, that DVD will only wipe everything off your hard drive and return
the laptop to its original ex-factory state.

If it isn't and I can't find the set-up CD what can I
do? I would like to get it working again.
Thanks

See if you can borrow a true installation CD from someone so that you
can boot into the Recovery Console.

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from
Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

Once you've recovered, you might want to look here, as well:

How to Troubleshoot Registry Corruption Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Patrick Keenan]

My XP service pack 2 laptop's screen went black and I got this error
message:
Windows couldn't start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system. It then said to get the setup cd-rom.
I
found a cd I had from Toshiba called Recovery and Applications/Drivers
DVD.
Is that the CD I need?

Probably not. You can try booting from it; if it offers the Recovery
Console, it's OK.

If it doesn't, if you don't see the words Recovery Console, stop
immediately. Remove that CD and shut down.

If it isn't and I can't find the set-up CD

Most systems that come with a recovery CD don't have an actual Setup CD.
The idea is that the recovery CD resets the system drive to factory-fresh
condition. Maybe it keeps your data and apps, maybe it throws it away.

This is *not* a feature that benefits the end user.

It saves the manufacturer money, particularly for support. You have one
guess as to who gets stuck when real problems arise.

what can I
do? I would like to get it working again.

Sure, and it's ultimately not too difficult, if you have the tools, meaning
a way to gain access to the drive.

Thanks

You can borrow and use any actual setup CD, Home or Pro to get into the
recovery console.

Or, you can use any other kind of bootable CD that understands NTFS - DOS or
Win9x boot disks do not, and so likely will not even recognise your C
drive - such as a Ubuntu or other Linux "live" boot CD. As well, you can
pop the drive out and attach it to another system and perform the file
manipulations in the KB article listed below.

You would need to adapt the instructions, but exactly how depends on exactly
how you've gotten access to the drive.

The official instructions are here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

HTH
-pk