\windows\ytem32\onfig\system

[gomez1]

How do I fix this on my compaq pc....


I tried some commands but it will say access denied


windows could not start because the following file i mising or corrupt:
\windows\ytem32\onfig\system

you can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the orginal setup CD-rom.
Selet "r" a the first sreen to start repair

please help

[ViRaL1]

1) Boot from the Windows XP CD.

2) At the first blue screen where you can choose an option, Press 'R' to repair.

3) At the black screen you MAY be required to choose your installation of Windows by number, choose C:\WINDOWS.

4) You MAY also be prompted to enter an administrator password, unless you have XP Pro and you have set this in the past, it is most likely blank, so hit Enter.

5) Once you receive a command prompt, type 'chkdsk /r' and hit Enter.

6) It should tell you when it's done and if there were any recoverable errors.

7) Once you receive the command prompt again, type 'exit' and hit Enter. (Windows should reboot).

(Remove the quotes from all commands listed above.)

[gomez1]

THANKS....

right now is checking the disk, hopefully that will work

[gomez1]

After it did the check disk, I receive a blue screen...
so i just rebooted the pc and i received the same error missing file

[redwudz]

Didn't your Compaq come with restore discs? That may be what you will end up using.

If you can't do a repair, you can try this alternative, make a Bart PE disc. (Do a Google search) Use the PE to start up the computer from the disc. You can do repairs, depending on what disc version you use, or if all else fails, save out your files then reformat the drive and reinstall XP.

I'm wondering how you wiped out your system files?

[Tbag]

thats happened to me about 25 times in the past 3 years and its so annoying cause I have no setup CD-ROM , the helpline I ring keeps just saying its a software problem thats it and I have to keep using my restore disks to restore back to factory settings then one by one install all the software that I lost.

[TBoneit]

If it is happening that often, 8 times a year? You have some hardware problem most likely. Have you run a memory test, Drive Diagnostics?

At least why not use something like Norton Ghost after you jhave the computer set up with all the software and make a image to DVD that can be restored when it happens again.

However my main point is XP is solid as long as the hardware is solid. If this happens more than once on a customers computer I suggest moving on.

In your case even though it sounds like you are past warranty, I would get on the phone once again and point out that you had it three years and it keeps trashing your windows and since you keep calling in about it they should have a way to determine how often you have called. You Should push them for a replacement on the basis that they sold you a dud. And to keep the customer happy what are they willing to do?

[Tbag]

norton ghost sounds good but I dont have it, dont products from symantec like that only let you register the software with the product key only a certain amount of times because I would need to re-install it a quite few times when my system has a turn for the worst?

[TBoneit]

Well the whole idea of something like ghost is you install it and all your normal software then image (ghost) the drive so it can be restored back to activated and all the software already installed. I haven't used a ghost newer than 2003 version myself. It will boot off of a floppy and let you image or restore form that point. It will even image to a DVD or CDs. There are others too such as Acronis. You would want one that will let you boot off of a floppy or CD to do the restore.

Cheers

[BJ_M]

\windows\ytem32\onfig\system ?

or \windows\sytem32\config\system\* and what file ?

if it is a directory screwing up - and its happened before .... sounds like a bad spot on your hard drive or a problem with windows install

[Tbag]

the message that i get is:

WINDOWS COULD NOT START BECAUSE THE FOLOWING 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.

This message comes up as i turn the power on and i cant get past that screen, if i press the enter key the computer restarts then comes back to that message.
I have no setup CD-ROM or a windows disk so i always use my system restore disks then install software etc. back on one by one.
Everday day I turn the computer on I have my fingers crossed hoping the message doesnt show up.

If I backed up my hard drive onto a dvd using norton ghost or acronis true image will i be able use it when that message has come up to get the computer back to how it was?

thanks

[BJ_M]

call microsoft and give them your serial - they will send you a replacement cd for 10$ if you tell them you lost yours

[v-sharp]

http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

Langa Letter: XP's No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option

[stiltman]

The system file is what gets build while doing the install and is modified by programs
go into the recover console and type

copy C:\windows\sytem32\config\system C:\windows\system32\config\system.bad
copy C:\windows\sytem32\config\system.sav C:\windows\system32\config\system

After you reboot, it will go through windows setup again