Re: "windows\system32\config\system" missing or corrupt

If you can, remove the hard drive and install it as Master/Slave
which ever is more convienent to a working system.
Then get to X:\Windows\Repair folder and copy system, default,
software, sam and security to X:\Windows\System32\
Config folder. You will get a message saying it already has a file
and would you like to replace it. Say yes to all.
That will give you the Registry when XP was first installed.
Usually that will get you going again.


"Dell Christopher" <DellC@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:0s2dnfRmp5u7K6TZRVn-jA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
WinXP Home

Dell 4600c desktop



I've been working on a computer that was infested with spyware and
viruses: over 250 spyware files detected with Ad-aware and Spybot S&D, and
41 infected files/viruses detected with AVG. After running these programs
a few times, I thought I had done a good job cleaning everything up last
night.



However, when I tried to turn the computer on today, I got the blue screen
of death with verbiage about a "system or memory dump" and something that
had to do with "hive". I didn't think of writing down the exact phrase
because I just figured I could go into Safe Mode and see what's going on.
When I tried to reboot into Safe Mode, I got the following message:



Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

windows\system32\config\system



I also tried to reboot into the last known working configuration but that
didn't work, either. Before posting this problem here, I have attempted
to Google for answers. Unfortunately, the most common suggestion revolves
around rebooting with the WinXP CD and performing a repair function.
Unfortunately, there is no WinXP CD available. I also scanned the Subject
line of the last 4000 messages in this newsgroup, but I did not find a
similar post.



Are there any options for me to successfully reboot wihtout the WinXP CD?
Any input is greatly appreciated.



Thanks!




.

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