C:/WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM:File Corrupted!

Question

I have tried running the Windows XP recovery console (borrowed disk, not original). Neither my D:/ or E:/ Drive (CD, DVD) read the disk. So I restart but nothing happens. Is there anyway I can go in and grab some files, copy them to A:/ then completely reformat my drive?

itmandotca · Answer

If you have basic hardware skills and another computer you might be able to install your hard-drive as a secondary drive in the other system. That way you should be able to access it and copy any files you need to a back-up and gut it for a fresh install.

There might still be a way to get the problem fixed without having to reformat. I had a similar problem and when I called Dell they sent me to their new helpdesk and they figured it out and fixed it for me. Either way is worth a shot.

h3lpm3ple453 · Answer

No, Im afraid I just don't have the knowledge required to do your method. ALTERNATIVES PLEASE :smileysad:

chuket · Answer

Before you do a re-install of your OS try this first. Reboot the machine and keep tapping the (F8) key until you get the black boot screen. Arrow up to start in 'Safe mode with command prompt'. Select that. At the command prompt > type in this (Note the 6 spaces below):

xcopy /y /h /r /e c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system

And [Enter]. Then reboot and see if it starts now.

Message Edited by chuket on 02-28-2006 11:52 PM

tgsmith · Answer

H3lpm3ple453,   To repair your windows\system32\config\system file read the instructions here: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm     The easiest way to boot from CD with a Dell is to restart the system, press F12 while the Dell logo is still on the screen.  Select the CD ROM boot option, and press enter.  If you get the message  'Press any key to boot from CD', then press any key.  Once the Windows setup screen appears, press R to enter the Recovery Console.  Select the Windows installation (usually 1).  Press Enter. Enter the Administrator password.  Usually its blank so just press Enter.    Per the instructions above:  Once you're at the C: prompt, type cd\windows\system32\config.   Press Enter. Then type ren system system.bak.  Press Enter.  Now type copy c:\windows\repair\system.  Press Enter.  You should see '1 file copied'.  You're done.  Type exit and press Enter to restart the computer.  Should boot now.   If you acquired your system recently, you can restore your Dell to an 'as shipped' condition by pressing Ctrl-F11 while the Dell logo is on the screen to bring up the Dell PC Restore by Symantec.  Keep in mind this will destroy any data and programs you have created on you system since it was purchased.   Tony

h3lpm3ple453 · Answer

Guys I guess I shouldve been more specific..   No drives read. None. CD drive doesn't read. C:/ drive doesn't read. Heres exactly what happens when I restart: If I am trying to use the CD I first try to set boot mode in BIOS to CD. I try to access the recovery console but it reads that there is no CD. I try to access the command prompt through safe mode and again, it trys to reboot my computer and gives me the same error message. Where it should boot from the cd it says:   Attempting to boot from ATAPI ROM: Failure... then proceeds back to the error message. Message Edited by h3lpm3ple453 on 03-01-2006 02:41 PM

h3lpm3ple453 · Answer

help please   Message Edited by h3lpm3ple453 on 03-01-2006 05:20 PM

chuket · Answer

This site has a volume of info on XP repair & fixes and screenshots : http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

tgsmith · Answer

H3lpm3ple453, Is there a typo in your last post?  You said Atapi ROM.  Did you mean Atapi CD-ROM?  On some models the CD ROM choice when you press F12 at the Dell Logo is 'Onboard or USB CD-ROM'.  What model Dell do you have?  What version of Windows XP (Home or Professional, SP1, SP1a or SP2)?   Need to know what type hard drive you have (IDE or SATA) before we can offer alternative way(s) to get data off your hard drive in a safe manner. Tony

maxd · Answer

...also the Reader at this site may be of some benefit. http://ntfs.com/products.htm

Windows General

C:/WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM:File Corrupted!

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