Windows XP - System32\Config\System problem

[nyrangerz1]

hey everyone,

i just turned on my new computer that runs windows xp pro and it could not boot up. it stopped in the middle and gave me an error that said "The system32\config\system is missing or corrupted." it says to go to the the "windows repair" on the windows cd. i get there and theres a "c:\windows> " prompt and i have no idea where to go from there. can someone PLEASE help me? thanks alot!!!

 

[nyrangerz1]

someone pointed out that my post was a little ambiguous. the windows xp was ALREADY installed on the machine and ive been using it for around two weeks. but all of a sudden, it gave me this error...help!

 

[AluminumStudios]

This isn't help as much as a comment that I"ve been there recently. I built a new system and after 2 day Windows XP did that to me. I booted off the CD and tried to run the repair process to no avail. I had to re-install the OS. Still don't know exactly what caused it. It's been fine since.

 

[nyrangerz1]

hmm did you have to format the hard drive and reinstall? or did you just reinstall? because i have some files on the compputer that i want to keep and its really tedious to copy em onto disks...help!

 

[CPORonin]

How to recover from a corrupted registry in Xp found here.

Anytime you make any major changes in the OS or install a new game or app it's good idea to update the registry backup.

To backup the registry in Xp:

Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>backup

Click the backup Tab up top, then check only 'System State'.

Let backup run and a fresh backup of your current registry will be contained in C:\WINDOWS\repair folder.