XP Pro - missing config\system file

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bruce
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Bruce

XP Pro stops at boot up with message telling me that the
Windows\System32\config\system file is missing. How do I
replace it or is this not even possible?
 
No. Safemode comes up with the same error.

I've tried the repair from the original setup disk, but
there is no command there that will allow me to do
anything with that file short of renaming it. I've tried
this and copied over the system.sav file but that hasn't
done anymore than restart the XP install.
 
Can you boot to a command prompt?
Navigate to that path and you may see a system.bak there. rename it by
removing the extension (if you can - I haven't tested this), Try booting.

--
 
Bruce said:
XP Pro stops at boot up with message telling me that the
Windows\System32\config\system file is missing. How do I
replace it or is this not even possible?
Click to expand...

This suggests registry corruption. See these MS KB articles, starting
with the first one to get the system up and running:

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from
Starting:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=307545

How to Troubleshoot Registry Corruption Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=822705
 
Bruce said:
XP Pro stops at boot up with message telling me that the
Windows\System32\config\system file is missing. How do I
replace it or is this not even possible?
Click to expand...


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

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If you can pull the drive and plug it into a working computer that is running any version of windows. Navigate to the %:\windows\repair folder and copy the system file that is found on the drive you were having problems with. Navigate to the %:\windows\system32\config folder and rename the system file you there to system.old then right click and paste the repair system file. This should get you booted back up on the old machine. There will be some things wrong with some of your programs and settings. Just reinstall what is not working right. It would be a very good idea to backup any and all files that you don't want to lose forever. Replacing the hard drive would be a good idea too.

Chris
MyGeekUSA.com
 
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