[scann]

We are running Windows XP Pro and the computer has decided not to boot up. We don't even get as far as a Desktop. After switching on, a whole series of "gubbins" crosses the screen and a message then comes up which says

"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 set-up using the original set-up CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair".

We weren't supplied with a CD. It did this once before and then miraculously 'mended' itself for a short while so it sounds as if it is a simple fault. Can anyone suggest a cause and a solution? Many thanks for any help - Alma and Eric

 

[steveb1234]

During startup keep tapping the f8 key-this should load a black screen with a list of boot options. At the top you should see 'safemode' select this using the cursor key and hit enter.
When safemode is loading a box should pop up asking if you would prefer to use system restore. read the message and choose the option that runs system restore (no- I think-but check). This should bring up a list of dates - choose a recent one when the computer was still ok.
Hopefullly this will work.

 

[vladimirb]

Hello and Welcome to TSF!!!

It appears that system files are corrupted and you need to do System Repair...
To do system repair you have to have Windows XP CD...
Borrow from a friend any CD and do the following steps:

To enter Recovery Console from CD:

1. Insert your Windows installation CD to your CD/DVD-Rom station and restart computer.
2. When the computer starts before loading Windows it gives you the option Press any key to boot from CD.... Press a key. If you don't press the key on time it goes on booting Windows and you have to restart to press the key on time.

Note: some computer are set up to boot from CD/DVD-Rom. If you don't get the option Press any key to boot from CD you have to change the boot-order or the boot-sequence in the BIOS set up. In Dell computer pressing F2 or F12 after restarting the computer brings you to BIOS set up. There you should set the option Boot from CD/DVD-Rom at number one. Save the setting and exit.
3. The next screen will be the Windows set up. It gives you three options. Press R to Enter Recovery Console.
4. The Recovery Console will start and ask you which Windows installation you would like to log on to. If you have multiple Windows installations, it will list each one, and you would enter the number associated with the installation you would like to work on and press enter. Since you have just one Windows installation, type 1 and press Enter.
5. It might then prompt you for the Administrator's password. If there is no password, simply press enter. Otherwise type in the password and then press enter.
6. You will now be presented with a C:\Windows> prompt and you can start using the Recovery Console.


1. Type CD WINDOWS and hit Enter
2. Type CD REPAIR and hit Enter
3. Type DIR and hit Enter
4. Type COPY SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG and hit Enter
It will ask you if you are sure with replacing file.
5. You type Y and hit Enter.
6. Type EXIT and hit Enter.

PC will reboot...

I hope this will work for you...

Keep us posted...

 

[scann]

Many thanks - we have tried this before but to no avail - still, Many thanks

 

[scann]

Hi, Many thanks for info. We have managed to borrow a CD but are not on the internet at home (obviously!!). At the moment we are on a public computer but we'll try your system when we get home and, hopefully, be able to thank you from our own computer but, even if we can't thanks for the time, trouble and effort. Regards, Eric and Alma

Hello and Welcome to TSF!!!

It appears that system files are corrupted and you need to do System Repair...
To do system repair you have to have Windows XP CD...
Borrow from a friend any CD and do the following steps:

To enter Recovery Console from CD:

1. Insert your Windows installation CD to your CD/DVD-Rom station and restart computer.
2. When the computer starts before loading Windows it gives you the option Press any key to boot from CD.... Press a key. If you don't press the key on time it goes on booting Windows and you have to restart to press the key on time.

Note: some computer are set up to boot from CD/DVD-Rom. If you don't get the option Press any key to boot from CD you have to change the boot-order or the boot-sequence in the BIOS set up. In Dell computer pressing F2 or F12 after restarting the computer brings you to BIOS set up. There you should set the option Boot from CD/DVD-Rom at number one. Save the setting and exit.
3. The next screen will be the Windows set up. It gives you three options. Press R to Enter Recovery Console.
4. The Recovery Console will start and ask you which Windows installation you would like to log on to. If you have multiple Windows installations, it will list each one, and you would enter the number associated with the installation you would like to work on and press enter. Since you have just one Windows installation, type 1 and press Enter.
5. It might then prompt you for the Administrator's password. If there is no password, simply press enter. Otherwise type in the password and then press enter.
6. You will now be presented with a C:\Windows> prompt and you can start using the Recovery Console.
1. Type CD WINDOWS and hit Enter
2. Type CD REPAIR and hit Enter
3. Type DIR and hit Enter
4. Type COPY SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG and hit Enter
It will ask you if you are sure with replacing file.
5. You type Y and hit Enter.
6. Type EXIT and hit Enter.

PC will reboot...

I hope this will work for you...

Keep us posted...

 

[vladimirb]

Keep us posted
I hope you will post from your home PC soon

 

[scann]

Hello and Welcome to TSF!!!

It appears that system files are corrupted and you need to do System Repair...
To do system repair you have to have Windows XP CD...
Borrow from a friend any CD and do the following steps:

To enter Recovery Console from CD:

1. Insert your Windows installation CD to your CD/DVD-Rom station and restart computer.
2. When the computer starts before loading Windows it gives you the option Press any key to boot from CD.... Press a key. If you don't press the key on time it goes on booting Windows and you have to restart to press the key on time.

Note: some computer are set up to boot from CD/DVD-Rom. If you don't get the option Press any key to boot from CD you have to change the boot-order or the boot-sequence in the BIOS set up. In Dell computer pressing F2 or F12 after restarting the computer brings you to BIOS set up. There you should set the option Boot from CD/DVD-Rom at number one. Save the setting and exit.
3. The next screen will be the Windows set up. It gives you three options. Press R to Enter Recovery Console.
4. The Recovery Console will start and ask you which Windows installation you would like to log on to. If you have multiple Windows installations, it will list each one, and you would enter the number associated with the installation you would like to work on and press enter. Since you have just one Windows installation, type 1 and press Enter.
5. It might then prompt you for the Administrator's password. If there is no password, simply press enter. Otherwise type in the password and then press enter.
6. You will now be presented with a C:\Windows> prompt and you can start using the Recovery Console.

Many thanks for info. Things didn't quite work out the way that you suggested since part way through we got a message which claimed that another file was corrupted ! We reinstalled XP from scratch but found your instructions most useful. We are now back online so - Many thanks from two idiots. E and A
1. Type CD WINDOWS and hit Enter
2. Type CD REPAIR and hit Enter
3. Type DIR and hit Enter
4. Type COPY SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG and hit Enter
It will ask you if you are sure with replacing file.
5. You type Y and hit Enter.
6. Type EXIT and hit Enter.

PC will reboot...

I hope this will work for you...

Keep us posted...

 

[scann]

Many thanks for info. Things didn't quite work out the way that you suggested since part way through we got a message which claimed that another file was corrupted ! We reinstalled XP from scratch but found your instructions most useful. We are now back online so - Many thanks from two idiots. E and A

 

[vladimirb]

I am glad you have sorted things right :smile:
If you ever need help again, you know where you can find us! :wink: