Re: Windows XP Missing or corrupt file, wont load

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

Martyn wrote:
Hello,
I've broken my desktop pc and I've tried to sort it but my skills are pretty minimal so it would be great if anyone could give me a bit of advice or point me in the right direction.

Here's a description of what happened:
After using my pc I went to turn it off as normal but I switched off the socket too soon, as the pc hadn't finished shutting down.
When I went to restart it, it seemed to be ok but before it booted up properly i got this message.

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup CD-ROM.
select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

Unfortunately I dont have the original setup CD-ROM, but I do have a copy of windows xp home.
I booted the pc from this disk and I pressed 'r' which took me to the recovery console, I'm well and truly stuck here, I dont know how to operate the recovery console. Does anyone know how I can repair my pc from here or is there anything else I can do? Many thanks in advance,
Martyn



You'll either need to obtain a WinXP installation CD, or follow the manufacturer's instructions for wiping everything off the hard drive and restoring the computer to its original, ex-factory state.

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



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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Missing or Corrupt windows/system32/config/system/
    ... place your XP CD in and select the Recovery Console. ... 2004 Windows MVP "Winny" Award ... Taskbar Repair Tool Plus! ... > using the original setup CD-Rom. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: missing or corrupt file windowssystem32configsystem
    ... > Does this means doing the Recovery Console as the Recovery Console is the ... > first "r" appearing, please advice. ... Windows help - www.rickrogers.org ... > original Setup CD-ROM. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Help with Recovery
    ... Now i have gone through the procedure to get to the recovery console using ... both Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional and i am having no problems ... The repair option, which once again you are unable to use, would ... brings me to a complete new install. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain)
  • Re: Harddisk Problems
    ... To start the Recovery Console, start the computer from the Windows 2000 ... Setup CD or the Windows 2000 Setup floppy disks. ... | Source: Application Popup ... | Application popup: SyncBack.exe - Corrupt File: The file or directory ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.advanced_server)
  • RE: STOP 0x51 Registry Error
    ... "nass" wrote: ... to use recovery console or try a repair or even a fresh install. ... I've had no joy in in being able to setup windows, ... Look in the right Pane/window for error message with red or Yellow ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)